Author Archives: @JamieGatlin1217

Early Impressions of the Red Sox Starters

Red Sox Starters so Far

Through the season’s first few games, the Red Sox are 4-1. They’ve received great pitching from their bullpen and starters. Their offense has been good, but a few players are off to slow starts. The big three of this Sox rotation, which had many questions, has been dominant. The Red Sox starters so far have shown why pitching could be this team’s strength.

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Question Marks for the Red Sox Starters

Entering the season the Red Sox Rotation had two big questions. Could David Price return to his dominant form? Also, which Rick Porcello would show up in 2018? Price was dominant in his first start of the season against the Rays his former team. He threw seven shutout innings and did not walk anybody. Porcello did not shut out the Rays but he was also dominated as he only allowed one run. The performance of these two will be key as the season goes on. Two of these three have won a Cy Young and for Sale it’s only a matter of time. That’s how dominant they could be.

Photo Credit: Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire

Expected Reinforcements

In the coming weeks the Red Sox will see the return of Drew Pomeranz and Eduardo Rodriguez. Their replacements, Brian Johnson and Hector Velazquez, performed well in their first starts. Johnson allowed one run in six innings of work against the Marlins, and Velazquez allowed one run over five and two-thirds against the Rays. Once the Sox injured starters return, Johnson will go back to the bullpen, and Velazquez possibly the minors. They have shown in their first starts how deep this team can be.

(Photo/Lynne Sladky

What to Expect Going Forward

While the Red Sox pitching is off to a stellar start, they aren’t facing overpowering lineups. The Rays and Marlins are both not expected to make the postseason, and had franchise stars traded in the off-season. The true test for this pitching staff will come once they play teams such as the Yankees, Astros, and Indians. A good start is important, especially when they are missing Pomeranz, who is coming off a sixteen win season, and Rodriguez, who could be the best fifth starter in baseball. These early games have shown the potential of this rotation and just how dominant it can be.

Bruins Extend Their Captain

Leave a reply

Bruins Captain Gets Extension

Early Wednesday afternoon the Boston Bruins gave their longtime captain Zdeno Chara a one year extension. This most likely means the end is soon for Chara. The Black and Gold are playoff bound, and for Chara it could be one of his last runs. This extension means the Bruins captain will most likely finish his career in Boston; a fitting ending for their longest tenured player.

Photo Credit: Harry How/Getty Images

Chara’s Early Days

Chara came to the Bruins as a free agent in the 2006 season. The Bruins signed him to a five year deal for $7.5 million a year. He was the first big signing for a Bruins organization that was trying to find its way. Since then, the Bruins captain has had a memorable run in Boston. He won the Norris Trophy in the 2008-2009 season and has finished in the top five for the award four other times. He isn’t the forty point scorer he once was, but he’s still critical to this team.

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

How the NHL Has changed

As Chara’s time in Boston has gone, he has changed, and so has the team. When he came here this wasn’t a playoff team. He’s helped instill a culture of winning that wasn’t here when he arrived. It’s the culture he worked for the one he signed on to create. The NHL has also changed, as it is now much faster faced. Offensive minded defenseman are more prominent today. Chara is not the same defenseman that once averaged forty points a season, nor is he the face of the franchise. The title belongs Bergeron now, but that is not where his value lies.

Photo Credit: Winslow Townson USA Today Sports

Chara’s Impact on the Youth

When Chara does walk away from hockey he’ll be leaving a playoff team, not one trying to find its way like the one he signed with twelve years ago. He has been key in mentoring the Bruins youth, including players such Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, and Matt Grzelcyk. These are the kids who will look to build on a season that for many has been a dream. Chara isn’t a top five defenseman in the NHL but he’s still one of the best. This extension could reach five million in incentives, and it could be Big Z’s last one. He is a big reason the Bruins are playoff bound, and for the change since he got here.

2018 Outlook for Brian Johnson

Leave a reply

Injured Starters

With Injuries to Drew Pomeranz and Eduardo Rodriguez, left-hander Brian Johnson will start the season in the rotation. He was expected to start the season in the bullpen since he is out of options. It has been a long and difficult road for Johnson. The Red Sox drafted him in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft 31st overall. Johnson was once considered a top prospect. He seemed poised for big things after going 10-2 in his second season in the minors. Since then, he has not had any easy road to the big leagues. Now he has his chance to show baseball why the Red Sox have stuck with him.

Photo Credit: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Brian Johnson’s Journey

When the Sox drafted Johnson they had high expectations. Since then Johnson has had an eventful career. In his fourth minor league start, the former first round pick took a line drive off the face causing multiple fractures. Three years later Johnson made his MLB debut against the Houston Astros, only to leave that start because of numbness in his hand. This injury prevented him from making his case to be in the Red Sox 2016 rotation. Then baseball became secondary, as while at home he was the victim of a car jacking in which a gun was shot at his feet. With Johnson’s place in the organization up in the air he developed an anxiety disorder. This caused him to step away from baseball for six weeks and seek treatment.

Photo Credit: Charles Krupa/ AP Photo

Brian Johnson Bounces Back

The former first round pick returned to the Sox after almost retiring. Last year he was impressive in his limited opportunities. 2017 was not easy for Johnson, as in the minors he was again hit by a line drive in the head. But he didn’t miss a start. He appeared in five games, including two starts. In his Fenway Park debut he pitched a complete game shutout. The only other Red Sox pitcher to do that is a guy by the name of Pedro Martinez. Johnson doesn’t overpower hitters as his fastball tops out at 90 MPH. During Spring Training he has shown the Red Sox he could work the strike soon and had a 2.35 ERA the lowest on the team.

AP Photo/Derik Hamilton

What to Expect

Johnson is not expected to stay in the rotation all season. He will return to the bullpen once Pomeranz or Rodriguez are healthy. The Sox expect him to be a big part of the bullpen and make occasional spot starts. If the Sox had elected not to add Johnson to the Opening Day roster, they could have lost him to another team. Johnson has earned his spot with his performance. Johnson’s path to the big leagues is truly remarkable. He doesn’t take anything for granted, and will be motivated next year as he looks to add another chapter to a career that seemed like it could be over.

Sam Travis at a Crossroads Entering 2018

Leave a reply

Spring Training so Far for Sam Travis

Last year the Red Sox had high hopes for Sam Travis. He hit well in the minors, and by some was seen as the first baseman of the future. That’s not how 2017 season went, and a year later Travis is unlikely to break camp with the Red Sox. He is blocked at first base by Hanley Ramirez and Mitch Moreland, who the Sox resigned to a two year deal in the offseason. The Red Sox have not given up on the Indiana product. He will need to bounce back at the plate and show more power. Travis will be one phone call away in Pawtucket and will be motivated to make it back.

Photo Credit: Ap Photo/ Steven Senne

What Went Wrong in 2017

The Red Sox drafted Travis in the second round of the 2014 MLB draft. He didn’t have a lot of hype coming out of the draft but he was a polished bat. Travis moved quickly through the system and seemed poised to make his MLB debut in 2016. Travis was unable to do that as he tore his ACL in May of 2016 and didn’t play all season. This made 2017 a prove it year for Travis. He would make his MLB debut but failed to show that he was starter caliber. In Pawtucket he hit .270 which isn’t horrible but it was his worst season as a professional. He hit for little power something the Red Sox needed badly.

Photo credit: Matt Stone

Prospects Behind Him

Last year Red Sox prospect Michael Chavis had a breakout season. He showed big time power as he hit thirty one homeruns between two levels. This made him the top first baseman and prospect in the Red Sox Minor league system . The Red Sox also have Josh Ockimey who has improved his offense and defense at first. Travis was once the first baseman of the future but now he has competition. Chavis has shown the power that Travis has lacked and the Red Sox need. This year is a big year for Travis as he must show the Red Sox why he deserves the job more than the other Red Sox prospects.

Photo Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

What Happens If Sam Travis Can Put It All Together

The Red Sox haven’t given up on Travis yet. His road back to the majors hinges on an injury or underperformance from Moreland or Ramirez. Travis should make it back to the majors at some point this season. How long his stay is will be determined by his performance. His future isn’t secure as it once was but only he can change that. If he can hit with more power consistently then Travis could be the first baseman for years to come.

The Emergence of Riley Nash

Leave a reply

2018 Season so Far

This year the Boston Bruins have been led by their youth. The young players have come as advertised and propelled the Bruins to the top of the Eastern Conference. Riley Nash doesn’t fall under that category. He is in his seventh NHL season, but he’s been key this year. Through seventy games he has a career high of 15 goals and 25 assists. He’s stepped up when the Bruins needed him the most and been key for this team. Like the other veterans on this team he’s complemented the rookies well and is quietly having a career year.

Photo Credit: Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Riley Nash’s First Year in Boston

Prior to the 2016-2017 season Nash spent the first five years of his NHL career with the Carolina Hurricanes. In Carolina the most points he had in a season was 25. This year, with 12 games left, he already has forty. In his first season in Boston Nash scored seven goals and contributed ten assists. This year has been much different for the former Hurricane who wasn’t seen as a big part of the Bruins offensive attack. He’s spent a lot of time on different lines contributing wherever he’s been put. Head coach Bruce Cassidy has shown his faith in Nash and even moved him up to the first line when for an injured Patrice Bergeron.

Photo Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Why Riley Nash Is Critical

Lately Nash has had to step up as the injury bug has hit the Bruins. This has been critical, considering the Bruins are one of the youngest teams in the NHL. What has made this team so good is the different weapons they have. Nash has surprisingly been one of those weapons. He’s not just a sniper, as lately he’s been crashing the net and earning his goals.

Photo Credit: Associated Press

Prediction Going Forward

In the playoffs the Bruins don’t need Nash to be an elite scorer. If he plays like has in the regular season, then the Bruins could have a very dangerous top three lines. So far this year they have been a gritty team. They need to continue that come playoff time once some of their key players like Bergeron and Backes return. Even with their return the play of Nash will still be key.

2018 Outlook for Rick Porcello

Leave a reply

Porcello’s Career in Boston so Far

Rick Porcello has experienced his fair share of highs and lows since arriving in Boston. The Red Sox acquired him in the winter of 2014 from the Tigers in exchange for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. In his first season following the trade, Porcello had fifteen loses and ERA of almost five. His second year in Boston was the complete opposite, as he won twenty-two games and the AL Cy Young award. Last year he struggled again and was unable to repeat his Cy Young performance. He lost a career high seventeen games and again had an ERA above four. This season will be his fourth year in Boston, and it should be an interesting one.

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

2017 Struggles

Unlike Sale and Price, Porcello is not a strikeout machine. He is a sinkerball pitcher who pitches to contact. Last year he allowed a career high thirty-eight home runs and a career high two hundred and thirty-six hits. This was a result of a couple of factors. Last year his signature sinkerball pitch didn’t have the same effect. He pitched more up in strike zone making his pitches easier to hit. He does not throw the ball very hard which means he can’t just blow people away. What makes Porcello effective is when he’s able to stay out of the upper part of the strike zone. This makes it harder for hitters to barrel up the ball and induces ground balls.

Photo Credit: Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

2018 Expectations for Porcello

Porcello is not as bad of a pitcher as he showed last year. He also is not a perennial Cy Young award candidate. With Price, Sale, and Pomeranz atop of the Red Sox rotation they don’t need him to be. In 2018 he will likely be the fourth starter, which could work out very well. When the former Tiger first came to Boston he was expected to be the ace. That didn’t workout and he had his breakout season in 2016 when the Sox signed David Price to be their ace. Porcello may not win twenty-two games a year, but he Is capable of pitching too a sub 4.00 ERA. He does not have the stuff to be an ace but does have the stuff be a consistent and at times an above average pitcher.

Photo Credit: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Why Porcello Is Key

If he can regain his signature sinkerball pitch then the Sox could have the best fourth starter in baseball. There won’t be as much pressure on him to carry this team which gives him a better chance to succeed. I expect Porcello to win between thirteen and sixteen games with an ERA under four. The sinkerball pitcher will be looking to rebound, and he will have the perfect opportunity to do that.

Why 2018 Could Be David Price’s Best

Leave a reply

Price’s Red Sox Career so Far

2018 will be a year that will define David Price’s career. Since he signed with the Red Sox prior to the 2016 season, things haven’t gone as planned. Price won seventeen games in his first year in Boston, but had an ERA of 3.99 and struggled in his only postseason start. Last year he was injured for the majority of the season and clashed with the media. People started to question his character and if he should stay in Boston. He returned in the playoffs as a reliever and was dominant. He came up big when the Red Sox needed him the most and did not give up a run in his two appearances. Price will be looking to build off that and be the ace the Sox envisioned when they signed him.

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara- USA Today sports

What Last Year’s Playoff Performance Meant

As a reliever last year Price had perhaps his best performances as a Red Sox. Up until the point he hadn’t had a clutch moment in a Red Sox uniform. In Game 3 of the American league Division Series, he entered the game with the Sox clinging to a 4-3 lead. With the Red Sox facing elimination he put them on his back and pitched four scoreless innings. It wasn’t the dominant playoff start that Price has lacked but it was as close as you can get. This should help Price going into 2018 and if the Red Sox make the playoffs this year.

Photo Credit: Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)

Why Is 2018 so Important for Price?

The season before Price signed with Boston he had 18 wins and a 2.45 ERA. He was considered one of the best pitchers in baseball. The Red Sox need him to be the ace like pitcher he was. If he can, then the Sox will have one of the best rotations in baseball. After the 2018 season the former first overall pick can opt out of his deal. Price could seek a more lucrative deal, but he would also be leaving a lot of money on the table.

Photo credit: AP Photo/Aaron Josefczyk

Will Price Opt Out?

It is too early to say whether Price will opt out or not? He will need to show he’s healthy and still a dominant pitcher. If he can’t do this than it’s hard to imagine him getting a deal that would be lucrative than if he stayed in Boston. One thing people can be sure of is he will be more motivated than ever in 2018. He will be out to show that he is still a dominant pitcher. Price came to Boston two years ago to win a title. In each of the past two seasons, Price and the Red Sox have been eliminated in the playoffs both times in their own ballpark. This will be a year that will define Price’s career, and it could be something special.

Injury Bug Could Define Bruins’ Season

Leave a reply

Injury Bug Hits Bruins

So far this season the Bruins have delivered more than many expected. They were not supposed to be one of the best teams in the NHL. The youth has arrived and exceeded all expectations. The Stretch that will truly define them is now. The injury bug has hit the Bruins, as they will be without Charlie McAvoy and Patrice Bergeron for the next few weeks. Tuukka Rask should be back soon, but he’s missed the last two games. So far, without their two top players the Bruins have done well, and even though it hasn’t always pretty they have found a way to win. The Bruins won their first game without McAvoy last night and are 4-0 without Bergeron. Both players are key to the Bruins as they impact the game in so many ways.

Photo Credit: Michael Dwyer/ AP Photo

Deadline Deals Become More Important

At the trade deadline the Bruins were one of the busiest teams. Other than the Rick Nash deal the Bruins made minor moves to improve their depth. They did not know that depth would be tested so quickly. So far, these additions have been very productive. Nick Holden was having a down year in New York, but he’s recorded a point in each of his first two games in Boston. Tommy Wingels was not seen as a significant addition by Boston but had a big goal in his Bruins debut. The play of these two and Nash down the stretch will be essential. As the Bruins learned last year when they lost Krug and Carlo before the playoffs, depth is key.

Photo Credit: Rudi Schuller

The Young Kids

The Bruins have a lot of veterans on this team. They have arguably one of the best lines in hockey with Bergeron, Marchand, and Pastrnak. What makes this team so special is how the young players such as DeBrusk and Heinen have exceeded expectations. They have been solid offensively, and as the season has gone on they’ve only improved. They will not have to do it alone, as Marchand is on a tear of his own. Marchand has scored the overtime winners in both of Boston’s last two games. The young guys will have to step up, but the Bruins still have some very talented veterans.

Photo Credit: Adam Belue

What Will Be Key

With McAvoy out the Bruins will be missing their best defenseman. Bergeron is very good defensively, as he is the best two-way player in the game. Without these two defense will be key, and that was evident last night as they gave up five goals to Detroit. What defines a championship team is the struggles they go through as a season goes on. If the Bruins can continue to win without Bergeron and McAvoy, this team should be taken even more seriously. This is the point of the season that every athlete relishes with the playoffs on the line. The injury bug hits every team over the course of a season and people are about to see how much heart this team really has.

Irving Poised to Lead the Celtics

Leave a reply

First Half

In Kyrie Irving’s last nine games, the superstar point guard has averaged twenty-five points a game. This has been a crucial stretch for the Celtics, as before the All-Star Break they looked lost. Since the break the Celtics are 4-0 and look like a different team. Irving, to no surprise, has stepped up his game. One of the reasons why Irving wanted out of Cleveland was to lead his own team. Ever since the Celtics acquired him he has become the face of the franchise. With the injury to fellow star Gordon Hayward in the first game of the season he’s had to be even better. The Celtics are in the stretch run of the season and Irving has raised his game further.

Photo Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Irving Since the Break

Before the All-Star break Kyrie was having another very good season. His averages were similar to his days in Cleveland. Since the break his scoring has increased, and he’s taking over games with more ease. He is playing at an MVP caliber when the Celtics need it the most. Earlier in the season he was explosive, but not the game changer he’s been over the last four games. In four games since the break he’s scored less than twenty-five points in a game once. He is shooting 54 percent from the field and fifty percent from three-point range. He is also shooting 91 percent on free throws.

Photo Credit: Boston Globe

Why This Comes as No Surprise

For many these numbers come as no surprise. He is one of the best players in the league because of his scoring ability. The question entering this season was could Kyrie lead a team without LeBron. If any stretch of games will answer the question, it’s the games the Celtics have remaining and the playoffs. So far, he has proven he is up to the task. Kyrie wanted to build his own legacy and he’s heating up at the perfect time.

Photo Credit: Mitchell Leff/ Getty Images

Can He Keep It Up?

The Celtics have nineteen games left in the regular season. They are a very young team and will be leaning on the veterans such as Horford and Kyrie. As fatigue set’s in for the young Celtics such as Brown and Tatum, Kyrie will need to be at his best. That will be no easy task, but this is what Kyrie wanted. Kyrie wanted a legacy of his own and he’s in the perfect situation.

A Healthy Rask Will Be Key for Bruins

Leave a reply

Final Stretch

As the season winds down, it will be crucial that the Bruins keep Tuukka Rask fresh. This will allow him to be at his best in big games down the stretch and in the playoffs. That is why Anton Khudobin’s play becomes critical for the remainder of the season. Rask and the Bruins have not advanced past the first round of the playoffs since the 2013-2014 season. This year they are one of the best teams in the league and seem poised to break that streak. Being able to rest Rask will be essential, something the Bruins have not been able to do in the last couple years.

Rask’s Backups

Over the last three years Rask averaged over sixty games a year. This has been because of inconsistent play by his backups. The Bruins ideally want him to play 50-60 games during the regular season. Before last season the Bruins suffered two consecutive late season collapses, causing them to miss the playoffs. As a result, Rask has received criticism for not being clutch when the Bruins need him the most. Last year Khudobin had an amazing second half but struggled in the first half. This caused the Bruins to rely on Rask more than they would have liked. So far this year Rask’s numbers are better and Khudobin has had a career year. At times he made his own case to be the number one goalie. This has brought out the best Rask and caused him to elevate his play.

Photo Credit: Matt Stone

Rask down the Stretch

If the Bruins are to make a deep playoff run, they will need Rask at his best. He has shown in the past when he is healthy he can be the difference maker for this team. When he is playing at his Vezina form the Bruins are a hard team to beat. Last year in the first round of the playoffs the Bruins were without two of their top four defenseman. This affected the whole team, and everyone had to step up. This year the Bruins improved their depth at the deadline in case injuries occur.

Photo Credit: Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images

Final Thoughts

The last part of the regular season will be a huge test for this team. They are young and surpassing most expectations placed on them before the season started. They are a contender, but the last half of the season will determine just how far this team could go. A healthy Rask will be essential come playoff time and he will be motivated to prove his doubters wrong.