Author Archives: kyle porch

About kyle porch

I'm a 19 year old college student from New Hampshire just chasing my dream of being a journalist/analyst for the Boston Red Sox! I am a die hard fan since day 1. Bringing you the most reliable coverage on the most reliable website! follow me on twitter: @porchie16

What Could a Mookie Betts Extension Look Like?

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The Red Sox are most certainly going to re-open extension talks with the All-Star right fielder. What could a potential extension look like?

With free agency about the blow up the entire landscape of the MLB for the foreseeable future, could the Red Sox make an unprecedented move? If so, what could shake up things for the next decade? Extending All-Star and MVP candidate Mookie Betts! The five-tool player has shown flashes of greatness. When will Betts get paid?

His career numbers as of now indicate his game is only trending upward. He sports a career .301 batting average, with 105 home runs and 374 runs batted in. to go along with 104 stolen bases. To go along with two Gold Gloves, three straight All-Star selections, and a Silver Slugger award.

Last winter, the Sox signed J.D. Martinez to a five year $110 million contract with numerous player opt-outs after this season. While there are talks of restructuring after this season, these are the present numbers. J.D. has experienced his fair share of struggles throughout his career, making Mookie the better of the two. He will command more in any contract.  The rising star is becoming one of the top 3 players in the game.

Similar extensions

In 2015, the Los Angeles Angles extended Mike Trout to a six year, $144.5 million contract. The two-time MVP is one of the other top three players in the league. Now, there is no comparison between Trout and Martinez as an all around player, but offensively you could make some arguments. If Trout could command this money, what can other stars expect to want?

This year, the other top three player becomes the biggest free agency prize in years. Bryce Harper watch has been in effect all season long, with hopes of hints as to where he’ll wind up after free agency is all said and done. He could command anywhere to a rumored ten year $400 million deal. It would be the largest deal in sports history, but that deal could be shrinking after his sub-par .248 batting average. The Washington Nationals star has plenty of options moving forward.

Finally in 2014, the Miami Marlins extended Giancarlo Stanton to a 13 year $325 million contract, the largest contract ever. Now a member of the New York Yankees, Stanton has ten years left on his current contract, while he can opt out at anytime after 2020. The no trade clause is still in effect.

Considering all of the above contracts, what could a possible Mookie Betts extension look like? With the level of play he has flashed (especially against American League east teams) He could easily command a $200 deal. He is currently making $10.5 million this season with three more years of arbitration left.

Let’s just suggest his arbitration increases by at least $5.5 million each season. By the time he hits his first free agency, he would make $27 million for one season. If you go by his five-tool ability, it’s easy to conceive that his extension could be in the eight year, $225 million range.

If the two sides decide to go this route will have to wait. The postseason is creeping fast. While the numbers will be different, this is how the market is. While all attention shift to the end of the season, more excitement is soon to come.

Can The Red Sox Get To 116 Wins?

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While the Red Sox have an unprecedented 85-35 win loss record, can they catch up to a record only two teams have ever achieved before?

116 wins, something only two teams have ever won that many games in a single season. The 2001 Seattle Mariners and the 1906 Chicago Cubs. The only difference… the 1906 Cubs played 152 games that year. This 2018 Red Sox team currently holds a .708 win percentage, however, there are still 42 games to be played.

The path to 116

With 42 games left in the regular season, the Red Sox would have to go 31-11 to finish the season. With 7 games against the Indians, 6 against the Yankees, and 3 against the defending champs as the hard part of the remaining schedule. Can this team achieve a .739 winning percentage during the last stretch? It’s definitely up for debate.

Who can help?

The numerous games with teams such as the Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, and Toronto Blue Jays should be a promising sign, as long as they don’t lose easy games. Although there will be more frequent rest periods, ( including innings limits for starters), Alex Cora will still manage this team to be more competitive and hungry than the game before.

With MVP candidates Mookie Betts and J.D Martinez still staying hot at the plate, is there any wonder to how this team became so amazing? We cannot forget to mention David Price, Xander Bogaerts, Chris Sale, and all of the other guys who keep this team competitive. This team really has adapted the New England Patriot way of next guy up mentality. They way Boston sports has evolved into team equality has been astonishing to see.

What are the odds?

While finding the exact odds are improbable, they do have some numbers on their side. Out of their remaining schedule, 24 of the games are at home,  while owning the leagues best home win loss record. The team has a 9-1 record throughout their last 10 games. They have never lost more than three games consecutively all season long.

No matter what happens a strong playoff run looks imminent. as long as the team comes out of the regular season as injury-less as possible, I and fellow members of Red Sox nation can sleep well at night.

What do you think?

Comment,share,tag,tweet,like, and follow to let us know what you think! Let your opinion be heard.

The Atmosphere At Fenway Is Better Than Ever

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I was in attendance with a packed house full of fans from both teams on Sunday’s 5-4 comeback win against the New York Yankees. The atmosphere was electric.

Both Masahiro Tanaka and David Price looked good in the beginning, which led to chatter from both fans. After Mookie Betts hit a solo shot over the monster in the 5th inning, Sox fans had plenty to celebrate. After the 4-run 7th inning, Yankee fans tried to get a ” Let’s go Yankees” chant. But, the Sox fans quickly overwhelmed them.

Late Game Emotions

The crowd got a little thinner after the 8th inning ended. The families with small children left early, as expected. By the time the top of the 9th ended, more red seats were open and empty. As the large group of fans watched with our rally caps, laughing at the New York fans with their Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez jerseys on, we witnessed yet again why you should never count this team out.

The stadium erupted throughout the bottom half of the inning, with Yankee fans jolted back down in their seats with anger, sadness, and disappointment. Someone once said, “Anything goes in extra innings.” The 10th inning did not disappoint. After the walk-off single other than Andrew Benintendi, the crown went nuts. It felt like the stadium was shaking. The adrenaline was pumping through everyone. The remaining Yankee fans left in flurries towards the gates.

A Memorable Walk Down Lansdowne

The victory walk around the park and the streets of Boston was great. The energy felt with hundreds of fans sharing the same emotions is something that will stick with me forever. This team is something special.

During the come from behind victory on Sunday night, the fans were more connected and in unity than they have been in quite some time.

Over the numerous amount of games that I’ve attended over the years, this one felt like a prelude to the World Series. Over the entire night, you could feel something special. This is what professional sports are all about. There was nothing political or anything else getting in the way – just an escape from the world we live in. Even if only for a couple of hours, the feeling was that no matter what Red Sox jerseys were being sported, the crowd was in unison.

Nathan Eovaldi Impresses In First Red Sox Start

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In his first career start for the Red Sox, Nathan Eovaldi impresses as the Red Sox beat the Twin 3-0.

In his first start since being traded from the Tampa Bay Rays last week for P Jaylen Beeks, Nathan Eovaldi left nothing but good impressions. Through seven innings of work, he tossed 82 pitches. Allowing zero walks, and five strikeouts on 4 hits and zero runs of baseball for the right hander.

He pitched very well in front of the Fenway faithful. ” Was very good.” Good mix of pitches, cutters, four-seamers, breaking ball. He was very efficient. [I] took him out [after seven], he hasn’t pitched in a while. What a great way to start his career with the Red Sox.” Manager Alex Cora said after the game.

Jackie Bradley Jr. helped him out with an electric catch in the top of the third inning. With a quirky lineup that had Swihart in at third base, and Nunez at second and Holt at shortstop. Alex Cora defended his use of Swihart at third by saying the Twins left handed hitters have hit 3% of ground balls to third, while Eovaldi has given up 0% ground balls to third. Eovaldi is a ground ball pitcher.

He improves his record to a modest 4-4 while sporting a 3.80 ERA with 58 strikeouts in 64 innings pitched in 11 games. While his career has been up and down, his record is 42-50 with a 4.18 ERA to go along with 597 strikeouts. In his 145 game career, he has thrown 803 innings pitched.

This is the most crucial part of the schedule.

The win makes the team 41 games over .500, which is the first time the team has done this since 1946. The Red Sox wind up taking three out of the four game series. They now start a two game series when the Philadelphia Phillies come to town. Then the Rival Yankees try to cut their 5.5 game back series with a four game weekend series.

Dave Dombrowski Has Killed The Farm System

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With only two prospects in the top 100, Dave’s win now philosophy has killed the backup plan If we cannot resign all these players.

Yes, Dave Dombrowski has brought in some serious talent to Boston over the years, but we simply cannot resign them all. Chris Sale and Craig Kimbrel has done astonishingly well thus far, but what about the Drew Pomeranz, Carson Smith, and Tyler Thornburg? While Losing big name prospects such as: Anderson Espinoza, Travis Shaw, Manuel Margot, and Mauricio Dubon.

Not saying these trades weren’t beneficial, but with the cap room looking tight already, it is going to be a challenge to resign these guys. With guys already in line to ink up max deals. Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, and Xander Bogaerts should all command huge contracts, which will spike up the luxury tax for sure. It makes it harder for the team to compete in free agency for guys like: Bryce Harper, and Manny Machado exclusively.

The farm system now ranks 15th in all of baseball. With Jason Groome ( Tommy john) and Micheal Chavis ( 80 game suspension) as the only two guys in the top 100. Leaving scraps for developed prospects. Guys like Tanner Houck, Trey Ball, and Josh Ockimey aren’t eye popping players yet. They need to restock the farm system in some way via trade or an over abundance of draft picks in coming years.

While nobody would expect a dominant regular season from the likes of Ben Cherington and John Farrell respectfully, Alex Cora has been a great compliment to dealing Dave. While we wait and watch another trade deadline come and pass, we can only imagine what him and the front office has in store.

What will the legacy be after it’s all said and done? Maybe we will find out about Hanley Ramirez too. Until then, we let the cards fold as they be.

Follow me on twitter! @porchie16

The Biggest Flaw For Rafael Devers

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The young third baseman has been exceptional since his debut, but there is one thing holding him back.

Since his major league debut, Rafael Devers has shown the league his raw power, ability to spray the ball to either side of the field, and make some amazing catches at the hot corner. There’s always been a hole in his game, his arm. He showed this again last night, a throwing error on an easy toss to Mitch Moreland at first. This was his 20th error on the season. A show of display Red Sox fans have grown to see time and time again.

Since this is a glaring hole in bis game, what is the course of action? If you believe the trade rumors, a trade is not the answer. The real people who can answer this is manager Alex Cora and his team of coaches and staff to determine this. Since he hasn’t been in the league for a full season yet, he has plenty of room to grow and blossom to one of the league’s next big superstar.

Since he entered the league, he has drawn comparisons like: Mike Moustakas, Adrian Beltre, and a shorter Freddie Freeman. Just like with every great player, development is key. He is still only 21 years old with a lot of time to harness his skills and become better.

Since entering the league, he has 34 errors, with 18 of those coming from his erratic arm. There have been plenty of players with this issue in the past, this can be turned around hopefully soon. For his skill set and age, Rafael Deversis on a good pace to help this young core of Red Sox for years to come, it’s only a matter of time until something sticks to help him.

Follow Kyle Porch on Twitter for all the latest articles done by him: @Porchie16 

Predictions For The Second Half For The Red Sox

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After an astonishingly great first half that gave the Red Sox a 68-30 record to go along with a 4.5 game lead over New York, what can we expect during the second half of the year?

After a well needed all star break, the remaining 64 games are approaching fast. As the team looks to keep their lead over the rival Yankees, here are some predictions for this second half.

Red Sox win their division.

While the race will be heated up, this back and fourth race will come down to versatility. Something New York doesn’t have a whole lot of. If they expect to have a solid run during the postseason, expect them to make moves for starting pitching. If the Sox can target a solid relief pitcher for cheap, it only increases their versatility even more.

Sox get three pitchers over 15 wins.

Chris sale, Rick Porcello, and David Price all get at least 15 wins on the season. With the offense scorching runs on almost anyone, this gives the pitchers a great deal of confidence to shut down opponents with ease. Of course, everyone has a bad game or cold streak, but this seems the most plausible with the staff on the roster.

Mookie Betts finally wins MVP.

Barring anything he cannot control, Betts finally gets his most valuable player nod. As he displayed throughout the first half, he has the ability to do anything he wants to whoever he wants to, no questions asked. He has more games this season 4-4 at the plate than 0-4 at the plate…. that’s impressive. Yes J.D Martinez has a great case to win the award too, but Mookie’s defensive abilities makes him that much more inciting.

Red sox win the world series.

As most of Red Sox nation says this every year, it’s very doable this year. The team chemistry is electric, manager Alex Cora is doing a phenomenal job at the helm, and the team is firing on all cylinders. There are always obstacles to overcome during the MLB Playoffs, as for this year, the Boston Red Sox are not a Cinderella team, but more a team that’s hungry for October Glory.

Should The Red Sox Target Marcus Stroman? By: @porchie16

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With the Sox and Yankees in a heated battle down the stretch, the team could use a fiery player who could preform under pressure.

While the Red Sox have the best record in baseball, there’s always room for improvement. Marcus Stroman is the difference maker.

While having a down season, the 27 year old duke alumni sports a 2-6 record with a 5.11 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 61 innings pitched. We have seen the downward trend, but he brings intensity and fire every time he steps on to the mound.  He has had some time on the disabled list this season. Hitting the 10 day DL twice so far this season.

We have seen him at his most dominant. Who could forget his electric game for team USA in their 8-0 victory against Team Puerto Rico in the WBC title game. He threw 6 innings of one hit baseball with three punch outs. ( along with a shimmy or two) It was his coming out game for sure.

There is also some unrest between him and his current team the Toronto Blue Jays. After heading to arbitration and losing his case, he still is making a solid $6.5 million this season. A modest salary for a solid middle of the rotation guy.  He is arbitration eligible through the 2020 season. Becoming an unrestricted free agent after 2021. Having a young, controllable arm on a team friendly deal is beneficial in today’s league.

It will also help the balance within the starting rotation. 4 of the 5 starters are southpaws. This makes for continuity throughout series and playoffs as well. You have to change it up. Plus, his 95 plus mph fastball compliments his off speed pitching.

What would it cost to pry him out of Toronto? While they have little to no shot of catching either the Sox or Yankees for a while it might be time to rebuild.

Trade scenario : LHP Drew Pomeranz, LHP Trey Ball for RHP Marcus Stroman. This is a win win for both ball clubs. Boston get a good pitcher on a team friendly contract. While Toronto gets a nice rental in Pomeranz who could sign a team friendly extension as he’s stated he wants to stay within the division. In addition to a nice pitcher in Ball who could develop very nice. 

Either way, if the Stro-show comes to beantown, the rest of the American League should look out.

Jimmy Butler To The Celtics Makes Too Much Sense

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With the Warriors beefing up their already stacked team, It’s time for Danny Ainge and company to revisit an old friend.

As Adrian Wojnarowski reported, Jimmy Butler and all star point guard Kyrie Irving would like to team up at some point. With the east looking like a one team race, it’s up to the Boston Celtics to bring banner 18 home. The question is, what would a trade package look like?The most obvious piece to first go is Jaylen Brown. He is a very physical guy who runs the floor, and plays somewhat solid defense. Here’s where it could get tricky. The other players that come to mind would be role players such as: Guerschon Yabusele or Terry Rozier. The Timberwolves get a win win player regardless. ” Scary Terry” can shoot the midrange and pop the three very consistently. While Yabusele can be a great defensive player while he has a keen eye in the perimeter and playing in the post. He needs development for sure.What’s a good trade package without draft picks? If the Celtics could maneuver this, there might be a first round swap of some nature. After all this… is Jimmy Butler worth it? yes!He has a natural sense for winning. Thus his problems with work ethic in Minnesota. He wants to improve as a team, not as an individual. Which could explain why he’s demanded trades for years now. In addition, Brad Stevens can turn any player better then before they came on the team.With no chances of acquiring  Anthony Davis, Clint Capela, or Kawhi Leonard due to various reasons. ( rose rule, cap, luxury tax, etc.) Jimmy Butler has to be the move that can push the Boston Celtics on top for the first time since 2008. While resigning Marcus Smart remains to be the top priority, Jimmy Butler to Boston needs to happen to beat the evil ones.

The Curious Case Of JBJ

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While struggling offensively for what seems like forever, the once touted college prospect in Jackie Bradley Jr. has had an interesting career thus far. How much longer will JBJ be a red sox?

In college, Jackie Bradley jr was known already for stellar defense, bit his offensive prowess stood out. In his 172 game career with the South Carolina Gamecocks, he had a .331 average with 30 homeruns and 133 rbis to go along with 17 stolen bases and 218 hits. Then he was the 40th pick in the mlb draft.

He has had these stints before. Then sent down to Pawtucket to fix things, then get called back up. He has no more options at this point. It passes one to think of the only option remaining. Trade him.

It’s really that simple. If you cannot help him through different coaches, support, and training it will remain difficult in the long haul. What is a player with his ” potential” and more importantly defensive skill set worth? This can go down one or two ways. There could be a trade involving him for a pitcher/prospect package due to his cheap salary. ( $6.1 million) While having two more years of arbitration before becoming an unrestricted free agent.

The other option would to essentially ” fire sale” him and get the best offer on the market. This is the least likely to happen, due to the fact that he has some skill set viable to the teams success. While this leaves a gap within the outfield, there are other replacements that the team could look at any time.

Regardless of what happens, Jackie has glaring issues that does not deem a contract extension of the ” lucrative” side. With guys like Mookie Betts, and Chris Sale still awaiting a payday, Bradley jr. is going to have to wait a little longer.