Author Archives: @stevea1127

About @stevea1127

I'm 25 from Taunton Ma and have a passion for sports especially Boston. My strong sports are MLB and the NFL. I'm hoping to get a job in sports writing someday.

Danny Amendola is a Miami Dolphin

Leave a reply

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 27: Danny Amendola #80 of the New England Patriots in action against the New York Jets during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 27, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Danny Amendola is now a Miami Dolphin. All the loyalty to the Patriots was just all talk and at the end the NFL is a business. Amendola will sign a two year deal worth $8.25 million and $12 million with incentives. Danny Amendola really played great in the playoffs. He got the nickname Danny ‘Playoff’ Amendola because of his clutch performance when the games mattered the most. The Dolphins just traded Jarvis Landry to the Cleveland Browns to make up for it. Why not get Amendola?

HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Danny Amendola #80 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Amendola played in 69 of 80 regular season games with the Patriots. In 13 playoff games Amendola scored six touchdowns. In the playoffs Amendola had 709 yards. This does hurt the Patriots’ offense though. The Patriots have Julian Edelman coming off an injury, and who knows how long he will be back to normal. We still don’t know if Rob Gronkowski is playing for the Patriots next season or retiring. The Amendola loss is pretty big as he was Brady’s target this season. The top receivers right now on the Patriots are Chris Hogan, and Brandin Cooks. Also they have Malcolm Mitchell coming back.

HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Danny Amendola #80 and Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots warm up before Super Bowl 51 against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Amendola told Bryant University at the end of February “I’m a free agent this year, so let’s say—the unknown. We’ll see what happens. I definitely want to be here. To tell you the truth, I don’t want to leave. But it’s a business. I’ve learned that.” Clearly a business choice for Amendola his loyalty to the Patriots was not making him stay there. He wanted to be there but wanted to make more money somewhere else. He knows the Patriots are cheap and will do anything to make more money. With Amendola making a business decision, the Patriots will now have to look at adding a receiver for next season. The Dolphins will never beat the Patriots in the division though.

Richard Sherman or Aqib Talib?

Leave a reply

The Tales of the Cornerbacks

NBC Sports

The Patriots will head into the 2018 offseason with defensive problems, like we clearly saw in the Super Bowl. The Patriots have a clear problem on defense and they really need a top corner to fill the hole they have. With Malcolm Butler on his way out the door, we now can see that the hole at the corner back position is huge. There are two names that are free agents that could be a perfect fit to fill that position. Aqib Talib and Richard Sherman. One of those two guys could be just the player they need at defense to win another Super Bowl.

Bring Back Talib

FOXBORO, MA – NOVEMBER 18: Aqib Talib #31 of the New England Patriots watches from the sideline against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half at Gillette Stadium on November 18, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

First, Talib has two years left on his contract worth $11 million this year and $8 million in 2019. Talib would rather play with Tom Brady and the Patriots like he did during the 2012-2013 season. Talib is a five time Pro-Bowler and one time Super Bowl Champ with the Denver Broncos. In his two years with the Patriots ,Talib played in 19 games and started 18 of them. He had five interceptions 71 yards and one touchdown. He also recorded 51 tackles during his time with the Patriots. Aqib Talib’s mindset is to win what better way to win than with the Patriots.

Richard Sherman in a Patriots Uniform

Via Clutch Points

Second, Richard Sherman with the Seattle Seahawks holds the coaching staff accountable still after the Super Bowl loss to the Patriots. Sherman is a four time Pro bowler and a one time Super Bowl champ. He had 32 interceptions with the Seahawks and 395 yards. Sherman had two touchdowns and got 286 tackles with his time with the Seahawks. The Patriots are famous for bringing in toxic players for the short term. Examples include Cory Dillion and Randy Moss, but they held on to him too long. If they let Moss go after 2008 they would’ve been fine.

I’d personally would take Aqib Talib back since he is use to the Patriots system. Sherman has a bigger mouth and more problems with Tom Brady as saying “you mad bro?” With Talib joining the Rams that leaves Sherman to the Patriots.

Comparing J.D. Martinez to Manny Ramirez

Leave a reply

Is Martinez the New Manny?

Via Trifecta Network

J.D. Martinez might have been the power hitter Boston’s been looking for. Alex Cora is already comparing him to Manny Ramirez. He’s not talking about Manny’s attitude, he’s talking about how Martinez swings the bat.

Don’t you think it’s a little soon to be comparing Martinez to Manny? The player hasn’t even swung a bat at Fenway Park, and we’re already talking about him being one of the greatest to ever put on the Red Sox uniform.

Ortiz Helps with the Younger Players

I’m sure David Ortiz being at spring training helps, but that’s living up to high expectations for Martinez. According to the Boston Globe, Alex Cora said, “Our lineup got longer from top to bottom, You have to execute, especially nowadays. You almost have to be perfect from Pitch 1, from Mookie [Betts] all the way down to nine. We saw Manny and what he did.”

So for Martinez not to be traded to LA he has to have a .300 batting average and hit for 274 home runs during his time here. Manny played 1,083 games with the Red Sox and scored 743 runs. He played eight seasons then got traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Cora Has High Expectations

(Fort Myers FL, 02/22/18) Boston Red Sox catcher Blake Swihart and second baseman Brock Holt celebrate with manager Alex Cora after scoring on Austin Rei’s double in the first inning of the Spring Training game against Northeastern University at JetBlue Park on Thursday, February 22, 2018. Staff photo by Matt Stone

Alex Cora also talked about the hitting at Fenway Park and how it helped Manny. Cora said to the Boston Herald ” People talk about Fenway, how big it is to right field, right-center. With him, it doesn’t matter. If he stays with his approach, and I bet you a dollar he will stay with his approach, The Wall is going to help him out actually because he’s going to stay on those fastballs and drive them to right-center. Whenever they hang one, he’ll pull it with power.”

No pressure at all, J.D. Only have to live up to those high expectations of a great hitter in Red Sox history. Not to mention Cora also said Martinez looked like Ortiz as well. Let’s see how he is in April before we compare him to great hitters.

Nobody Likes the Atmosphere at One Patriot Place

Leave a reply

Gronkowski on His Way Out?

(Pittsburg, PA, 12/17/17) New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on Sunday, December 17, 2017.Staff Photo by Nancy Lane

Rob Gronkowski was a huge asset in the second half of the Super Bowl. But rumors swirled when after the Super Bowl that Gronk was going to evaluate his future. Rob Gronkowski is rumored to be interested in the WWE, XFL, and movies.

Tom E. Curran from NBC Sports Boston said last night that Gronkowski was unhappy playing for the Patriots in 2017. Gronkowski almost retired at the start of Training Camp last season. He trained with Alex Guerrero, Brady’s trainer who was removed from the locker room and the sidelines. Tom Brady was the only player allowed to be treated by Guerrero in a separate room at Gillette Stadium. The rest, including Gronkowski, had to physically go to TB12 at Patriot Place to be treated.

Gronkowski can’t be himself either, like with the touchdown celebration earlier in the year. He said he wanted to talk about it, but “we’re told we can’t talk about celebrations”. The one he was talking about was when he was carrying Brandin Cooks on his back after a touchdown. Let’s face it- the atmosphere on the Patriots is centered around one person: Tom Brady. That has pissed off Belichick, who sat Butler in the Super Bowl and forced to trade Garoppolo. Gronkowski is mad he can’t train the way Brady is being trained. He has to walk to make an appointment at TB12.

Big Name Players Backing Their Teammates

Via SI.com

All of the big name players backing Malcolm Butler’s Instagram post about him missing meetings and curfew on Super Bowl week. Hightower, Brady, and Gronkowski all liked on Twitter or Instagram. That is a clear shot at Belichick and the atmosphere.

Brady Is Bigger Than the Team

Do you really think Brady is going to let Gronkowski, his only weapon in the red zone, just go to the WWE? I don’t think so, just like he didn’t let Josh McDaniels walk to the Colts. If Gronkowski moves on from the Patriots, there will be with a 41 year old quarterback who’s playing like he’s 30, Julian Edelman, who’s coming back from injury, Danny Amendola, and no big guy Gronkowski at tight end. The injuries for Gronk are only a small part of why he’ll step away. Most of it is because he can’t be himself.

Cover image courtesy of NBC Sports.

J.D. Martinez Introduced as Member of the Red Sox

Leave a reply

J.D. Martinez Officially Introduced

Via NECN

This morning it became official that J.D. Martinez is now a Red Sox. It took a week for the Red Sox and Martinez to come to an agreement on the contract. J.D. Martinez is 30 years old and his injury history is questionable, but is healthy now and ready to go. Dave Dombrowski said this morning that Martinez went to Boston Thursday to take his physical. Last season he missed a little time in the beginning due to a sprained ligament in his right foot.

J.D. Martinez Had a Great Second Half of Season

PHOENIX, AZ – JULY 26: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a two run homer during the eighth inning of the MLB game against the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field on July 26, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)

With the Arizona Diamondbacks last season in September he had a great month. He batted .404 average with 16 home runs eight doubles, and 36 RBI’s. Martinez also had 26 runs scored in 24 games. He will take David Ortiz’s spot and become the designated hitter for the team. He said this morning he excited and “I’ve been playing this game since I was a kid I’ll continue doing the same routine I’ve been doing. Whether it is DH’ing or playing the outfield, that’s part of the deal coming in.”

Martinez Is Excited to Play at Fenway Park

J.D. Martinez (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Martinez said Fenway Park is like Monday Night Football. “Football has Monday night. They say every night at Fenway is like Monday Night Football. I’m excited.” Alex Cora also said that Martinez will hit in the three or four spot. Cora said “Not only can he hit homers, but his ability to hit for average… he’s not only a home run hitter, he’s a complete hitter.” Dave Dombrowski has always been a fan of J.D. Martinez. They tried to trade for him it didn’t work out at the time.

David Price Needs to Shut up and Pitch

PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 04: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks at bat against the Colorado Rockies during the National League Wild Card game at Chase Field on October 4, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Martinez hit 45 homers last season between the Detroit Tigers and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Funny story- David Price told USA Today that Martinez will get booed at Fenway Park. Martinez denied that this morning after his press conference telling WEEI. “He never said that to me, honestly,But you always hear that. That’s the thing around the league. Everybody knows that. But I get it If I’m doing well, I’m going to get cheered. If I’m doing bad, I’m probably booing myself. If I’m in the outfield and fans are telling me ‘I suck,’ I’m saying the same thing. I get it. I’m on board with it. I understand it. I’m excited to just be able to play in front of fans who feel the same way.” Getting Martinez could be the power hitter they needed and to be legit contenders with the New York Yankees.

Positive Vibes During Spring Training in Fort Myers

Leave a reply

Spring Training Has Started

Via USA Today

The Boston Red Sox begin Spring Training games this week. It already seems like the vibe in Spring Training is different from the last few years. The Red Sox just singed J.D. Martinez to a five year, $110 million dollar deal. Seems like everyone needed a fresh start from the manager, and Alex Cora brings the young feel to it.

There Was Tension Last Season

Via USA Today

Mookie Betts admitted that there was tension last season, saying, “I think (there was) just tension in the locker room as far as if things were down. We could have had more fun. Through the rough times, I think those are the times when we could have had a little more fun instead of being down so much.”

Xander Bogaerts also said how there was friction last year: “I mean, we all know. We all know what was going on,” I don’t think I really want to get into details. The quicker we move on is the better for all of us.”

Not One Single Leader

(Fort Myers FL, 02/19/18) The Red Sox official full squad workout, stretch during Spring Training at the Player Development Complex on Monday, February 19, 2018. Staff photo by Matt Stone

Dustin Pedroia spoke about the leadership, saying it’s not just one person, it’s everybody. It’s clear winning the division is not good enough in this city. The Red Sox need to compete with the Yankees and the Martinez signing was huge. Alex Cora isn’t speaking the gibberish that Farrell would say while talking to the media. Cora said last week if you see a pitch right down the middle swing the bat and see where it goes. Don’t take a first pitch if it looks like you can hit it. The Red Sox are a fun young team with a power hitter. It still remains to be unseen how well they will compete with the Yankees, but the Martinez singing is a great start. I like the good vibe in Red Sox Spring Training even though it’s still early. It seems like they got the right change with the manager let’s see how the team shapes up to be.

Hanley Ramirez Is Using the TB12 Method

Leave a reply

Red Sox Getting into the TB12 Method

Via WBEN TV

Hanley Ramirez is finding ways to stay in good shape. Ramirez is apparently taking a page out of the TB12 method to better himself. We’ve seen other teammates on the Patriots use Brady’s program, but now it has shifted to the Red Sox players.

Ramirez Spoke About the Workout Plan

Via Weei.com

Hanley spoke to the media last week about Brady’s workout plan, saying, “I went on the Tom Brady side I think it’s 100 percent everything he says in the book, the work he does, makes sense.” Hanley had offseason shoulder surgery and really talked in length Friday about Brady’s workout. “I started doing that last year at the end of the season a little bit — with the bands I Think I was feeling a little better. I was waiting for the offseason to start 100 percent.”

Hanley Is Coming off an Injury

Via TB12 Sports

With his injured shoulder during the season last year Hanley only hit 23 home runs and 62 RBI’s. Hanley thought he was hitting with one arm last season and said Friday that he should’ve hit 30 home runs instead. Alex Cora talked in length about Ramirez, saying, “He looks a lot different than what I saw the last two years. The last two years he reminded me a lot about (former NFL linebacker) Ray Lewis — with how big he was.”

With Hanley feeling better and looking forward to playing in 168 games this season at first base. Ramirez trying to better himself with the help of a 40 year old quarterback is great. Ramirez has not met with Alex Guerrero, he only read the book he said. Hanley was signed to a four year $88 million dollar contact in 2015. I’m sure with a new manager and him feeling good he should be fine.

We’ll see if other players follow Brady’s workout plan. Who knows we may see players from other sports besides football and baseball try the TB 12 method out.

Growing up at McCoy Stadium

Leave a reply

McCoy Stadium, home of the Pawtucket Red Sox, is a great place to go see a game. They have cheap tickets only $11 and parking is free. Furthermore, it’s also home of baseball’s longest game (33 innings) in 1980. McCoy Stadium had some renovations done in 1992 and in 1999. In addition, it’s also home of the 2004 Triple A All-Star Game. Ben Mondor was the owner and after he died a few years ago his wife took over the team.

What Will They Do with McCoy?

John Tlumacki/Globe Staff (business)

In 2017 it was found that renovations for the ballpark would cost about $68 million dollars. The stadium structure is 75 years old. Demolishing the old one and building a new one would cost $75 million. The team’s goal, according to the Boston Globe, is getting an $83 million dollar ballpark closer to Pawtucket. The team will seek $15 million from Pawtucket to cover land costs.

My Grandfather Loved Working There

Via Steve Atkinson

My grandfather worked there for ten years, from 1990-2000 as the clubhouse security guard. Going to McCoy was always fun seeing the players from Boston down in Pawtucket for rehab. Or Just waiting to get called up. It would always be a great tradition in the summer going to the games. Sitting in Section 7, right behind home plate, having a doughboy in the fourth inning. Finally after going into the clubhouse and as a result seeing players. Trot Nixon, Nomar Garciaparra, Mo Vaughn and so on it was always fun.

Will David Price Win Back the Media and Fans?

Leave a reply

New Year New Price?

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JULY 28: Starting pitcher David Price #24of the Boston Red Sox is greeted by teammates in the dugout after leaving the game with a 1-0 lead after pitching eight shutout innings against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 28, 2016 in Anaheim, California. The Angels won 2-1. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

David Price is entering a new season in his $31 million dollar contract. We’ve seen little work from him. His comments last year made it was clear he didn’t like being in Boston. Price has a 3.48 ERA in his two seasons with the Red Sox. Price’s peak moment last year was getting to a scuffle with Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley. Price has four years left of his $127 million dollar contract.

David Price Trying To Win Back The Fans?

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 07: David Price #24 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the second inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 7, 2016 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Price spoke to the media yesterday saying, “I feel like it’s pretty straightforward. You know what you’re going to get [in Boston]. If you go out there and pitch well and play well, you’re going to have support, You can always make things better by pitching better. That’s what I’ve got to do. Go out there and throw the ball the way I threw the ball before I got to Boston”. He also said that he could’ve handled last season better, saying, “I could’ve handled it better last year, absolutely. But I didn’t, and I’ve moved on, I feel like I’ve always been one to lead with my actions, and I didn’t do that very well last year. I know that and understand that, and I look forward to getting back and being that faucet and not being a drain”.

Alex Cora Feels like “One of the Guys” According to Price

Via MassLive.com

Whether it was Price’s agent or Alex Cora, someone talked to him and said last year is in the past. All that matters is the future. Price is excited to have Alex Cora as the Manager saying, “I like him. He feels like one of the guys. I’ve played for a manager that’s like that with Joe Maddon in Tampa. A guy that can relate to everybody. He’s easy to talk to. I like Alex. I guess it’s to be determined whether or not manager-wise and stuff like that. But I think he’s going to be great”.

It’s still way too early to say Price will have a good year or a bad year. But this could go one of two ways. He could have a very good season and wins back fans. Adversely, it could go very bad and is out again for the year.

Spring Training Is Here, Begins Wednesday

Leave a reply

Baseball in the Air…

(Boston, MA 04/03/17) Fans fill Yawkey Way before the Boston Red Sox opening day game at Fenway Park in Boston on Monday, April 3, 2017. Staff photo by Nicolaus Czarnecki

Spring Training is here and begins this week. Players will make their way to Fort Myers soon. The quiet offseason for the Red Sox has been frustrating. But we’ve been distracted with the other sports teams in Boston to really pay attention. The Red Sox have been in the back corner hiding this offseason while the other three teams are on the spotlight.

Spring Training Begins This Week

(101117 Boston, MA) Dave Dombrowski, Red Sox President of Baseball Operations, talks about firing manager John Farrell during a press conference at Fenway Park on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Staff Photo by Nancy Lane

The Red Sox can’t hide for long, and will be the only team playing in a few months. The mindset of Dave Dombrowski now getting a power bat is staggering. Will the Red Sox sign J.D. Martinez? Who really knows, but to compete with the power hitting Yankees a power bat would be helpful. Questions arise with this team going into Spring Training. How will David Price pitch? How will Chris Sale do? Will Rick Porcello return to Cy Young form?

Red Sox Only Did One Thing This Offseason

Via MassLive.com

Let’s put it this way: hiring Alex Cora was the best offseason move they did so far. During the Winter Meetings they were completely silent and the whole month of January was a complete bore fest with the Red Sox. Pitchers and catchers report Tuesday with a first full team workout on Wednesday. Rumors last week said Martinez was fed up with the Red Sox taking so long but those seem to be false. Last year J.D. Martinez hit 45 home runs 104 RBI’s and batting average of .303.

Alex Cora on Managing the Red Sox

Via Boston Herald

Cora said when he was hired that, “Boston is a challenge, but for me, it’s not, I understand they live baseball 24/7. I come from a country [Puerto Rico] that does that, and with my family, it’s the same. This is a good baseball team, a team that, as you all know, have won back-to-back division titles but at the end of the day, this city, everybody wants to win a world championship.”