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.

Alex Cora Named Next Red Sox Manager

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After the season ends for the Houston Astros, the Boston Red Sox will get their new manager in Alex Cora.  Cora was the front runner all along for Dave Dombrowski and the Red Sox. Ken Rosenthal for Fox Sports reported the three-year deal that Cora will accept once the Astros are done. This is a great move for the Red Sox.  Dave Dombrowski can get his guy who he thinks is right for the job.  Cora also brings that young vibe to the clubhouse which will help this young team.

Cora played infield positions for the Red Sox  for four seasons, starting in 2005.   In the 2005 ALDS, which Boston lost to the Chicago White Sox in a three-game sweep, Cora played in one game as a defensive replacement, without a plate appearance.

In Game Strategy Not Important As A Manager?

According to Dombrowski, “I do not feel that in-game strategy is the biggest thing as a manager, I think it’s important. But there’s other things that are probably more important. As I’ve often told managers, to me the most important thing for a manager is that their club plays up to their capabilities day in and day out, which means that they’re communicating with their players and they’re getting everything that they can and that means their club’s playing hard.”

Dave Dombrowski Wanted a Change From John Farrell

Clearly,  he had a change of heart after back-to back first place finishes only to get knocked out of the first round again. In-game strategy ranks as important for a manager, one reason of many Dombrowski fired Farrell.  Dombrowski’s press conference following the firing of Farrell was a complete bore fest.  He wouldn’t comment on anything related to why they fired him. Cora looks like a good fit and knows the game well.  Rumors circulated that the Washington Nationals were going to interview him but Rosenthal shut that down.   The Red Sox  alone had an offer to Cora.  We will see what happens in the coming weeks during the busy Red Sox off season.

What’s Wrong With The Patriots?

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The Patriots Are 4-2

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 15: wide receiver Brandin Cooks #14 of the New England Patriots makes a catch against cornerback Morris Claiborne #21 of the New York Jets during the second quarter of their game at MetLife Stadium on October 15, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The New England Patriots are 4-2 and atop the AFC East. But they don’t play like a Super Bowl winning team right now.  Why? Because the new guys think they can just walk in and think they’ll just win a Super Bowl?  With Tom Brady and Belichick here we should be fine? It’s okay for the media to say that, but as a player, you can’t think that way or you’ll be out. The defense can’t give up 300-plus yards a game as they have done. The defense ranks last in the league. With Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe out last week the defense still gave up more than 300 yards.

Bill Belichick Conference Call

HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

In Belichick’s conference call yesterday he was asked how to balance week-to-week adjustments with the foundation and system installed before the season began? His answer ” I don’t think we had a lot of major issues with pass protection. I mean, I think overall our passing game wasn’t particularly efficient. We had a couple plays, they got us on a couple of pressures where they schemed up a look and then had a little variation off it. They beat the protection, so they did a good job coaching-wise of setting up a couple things. That’s really not a player issue. That’s more of a scheme issue for us, but they hit us a couple times.”  Very interesting and long six- minute answer from Belichick. Sounds like he’s sticking up for his players and this it’s too early to judge them.

Tom Brady Can’t Do It All Himself

FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 24: Tom Brady #12 reacts with Brandin Cooks #14 of the New England Patriots after a touchdown during the third quarter of a game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Tom Brady can’t do this all himself. Yes, he has the wide receivers and the talent on the offensive side to score, but they have been missing plays. The defense has to do their part and not give up big plays on third down. The New York Jets win was an ugly one and needed the refs help at the end with the questionable touchdown or down at the one. The touch-back call proved lucky for the Patriot.s   Up next — Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night, the much-anticipated rematch of the stunning Pats victory in SuperBowl LI.

Boston Red Sox Season in Review

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Boston Red Sox Season In Review

The 2017 Boston Red Sox season had a lot of ups and downs. A 93-69 season. The Red Sox acquired Chris Sale, the pitcher they needed at the top of their rotation. Lingering questions burned about David Price, and his spat with Dennis Eckersley and the media only added more fuel throughout the season. The ‘little leader’ Dustin Pedroia, batted just .204 in his last 26 postseason games. The Red Sox starting pitching in four ALDS games pitched 11.1 innings, gave up 23 hits, 16 ER, 6 HR. ERA: 12.70.

Lots Of Young Talent But No Power Hitter

The young talent on the team was great in the regular season, but they are still missing a power hitter. With the Yankees creeping on the AL East, right behind the Red Sox, they need a big bat. Otherwise the AL East title next season will undoubtedly go to the Yankees. But which player do you give up for a power hitter? The last two postseasons Bogaerts batted .138; Betts batted .269; Pedroia batted .143; and Bradley Jr .160. All combined for 33 strikeouts and 19 hits. I have to say a shake up in the clubhouse is needed to breathe some life into the playoffs. If that means trading Bradley Jr., then they should do it.

What Does Dave Dombrowski Do About The Manager And The Team?

Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell speaks during a news conference, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, before his team’s workout as they prepare for Sunday’s Game 3 of baseball’s American League Division Series against the Houston Astros in Boston. (AP Photo/Bill Sikes)

The Red Sox have announced this morning that John Farrell will not be the manager in 2018. Farrell, who won back-to-back division titles, and lost back-to-back ALDS titles, was fired this morning. The Red Sox needed a big shakeup. Dave Dombrowski didn’t think that keeping Farrell was in the best interest of the team. You can check off one of the items Dave Dombrowski needed to do this offseason. They wasted no time firing the manager.

The next few weeks could shake up the team even more. The Red Sox have a lot of work to do.

 

Red Sox Are About To Get Swept

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Red Sox About To Get Swept Again

The Boston Red Sox face another swept for the second year in a row in the ALDS. Chris Sale, allegedly the ace, pitched game one.  He hadn’t pitched a postseason game befor, but he should have been fine, right? Wrong! He pitched five innings, gave up nine hits, seven runs, three home runs and had an ERA of 12.60. Some Red Sox fans need to wake up.   Winning the American League East means nothing if you can’t make it past the first round of the playoffs.

Red Sox in the Playoffs — A Circus

All Red Sox pitchers yesterday gave up 12 hits, eight runs, had eight strikeouts, but gave up four home runs. When Nunez gets up in the first inning, he can’t even make it to first base. He fell on his face in pain. He had to be carried off the field by John Farrell and a trainer.   Jose Altuve stole the show, hitting three homers for a 8-2 blowout win.

Red Sox Outscored 30-10 in ALDS 2016/2017

 

Deja vu all over again.  The same as last season in the playoffs.   The Red Sox have been outscored 30-11 from last year’s ALDS to this. Which means Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, Christian Vasquez — the core of this team–  have yet to win a playoff game.  They get to this stage with a full head of steam, and they completely choke. These guys can’t live up to the hype. The Red Sox had Drew Pomeranz going today and his good season completely goes out the window. He pitched just two innings, gave up five hits and four runs, one strikeout, two home runs, and an ERA of 18.00.

To make matters worse, Betts leaves the game after his last at bat, re-injuring his left wrist.   With the 8 -2 loss, the pitching gave up 12 hits, eight runs, two homers, five strikeouts, and six walks. The Red Sox and Astros play again Sunday afternoon at Fenway Park with Doug Fister on the mound.  If the Sox lose, either Betts, or Benintendi will be gone in the offseason for a power hitter, because boy do they need one.

 

 

New England Patriots Split Month One — 2-2

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Patriots Are 2-2

Foxborough, MA: September 7, 2017: After the Chiefs scored their 41st point of the game, dejected Patriots defenders are pictured on the bench. The New England Patriots hosted the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL regular season football opener at Gillette Stadium. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff).

The New England Patriots are 2-2 for the first time since the 2014 NFL Season. We all know what happened they ended up winning the Super Bowl. You would think with the latest additions in the offseason they wouldn’t be 2-2. The Patriots almost lost to Houston at home if it wasn’t for Tom Brady saving the day. He can only do so much though.  The defense has to step it up. That win against the Houston Texans was a win because Tom Brady went down the field scored  and he had the ball last. Sunday Brady goes down the field scores, but the defense doesn’t do their job and lets the Panthers get in field goal range for the win.

Is Stephon Gilmore Bust?

(Foxborough, MA 5/25/17) New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) walks out onto the field during practice at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Thursday, May 25, 2017. Staff photo by Nicolaus Czarnecki

The Patriots just singed Stephon Gilmore to that massive contract and it looks like it’s going to his head. The Panthers had 444 total yards. That’s the fourth straight game the Patriots have given up at least 300 yards. The question many people have centers on whether the Patriots bring back Darrelle Revis?  In his time with New England, he had only two interceptions but had 44 tackles in 2014.  They really could use a veteran corner right now with Butler having a slow start as well, along with that whole secondary.

Should The Patriots Sign Darrelle Revis?

Bringing back Revis makes sense.   It gets someone in there that knows the Patriots system and knows the defense. Brady can’t do everything.   He can’t keep bailing them out all the time.   The defense has to do its part too. Devin McCourty said after the game, “Giving up 30 points a game, 400-something yards. If it was one thing, we’d be better one of these weeks. It’s just all of us. It’s all 11 guys who are out there not playing good football.” Even with Hightower back on Sunday it wasn’t enough.  Seems the Gilmore singing is a bust so far, but hopefully it’s just a fluke.

Red Sox Open Postseason Against The Astros

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Red Sox Set To Open Postseason

 

The Boston Red Sox open the postseason Thursday at 4pm CT at Minute Maid Park in Houston. The Red Sox vs. Houston match up seems to be a lot better than the Cleveland match up from last year in the postseason. Chris Sale gets the start on Thursday, without a good September to close the regular season. The Red Sox clinched the division Saturday and celebrated in the clubhouse,  but they still need 11 more wins.

Can They Win the American League East?

Winning the American League East means nothing if you get swept in the first round. They still backed into the playoffs with their win on Saturday just because of the way they’ve been playing lately. David Price currently is coming out of the bullpen, and like I’ve said before, the guy is makes $31M and should get a start in the postseason to earn his contract.  The hitting has also struggled.  This year they ranked 14th in slugging (.407) and dead last in home runs (167), through four players:  Mookie Betts (24 HR), Hanley Ramirez (23), Mitch Moreland (22) and Andrew Benintendi (20). According to Tom Verducci , none of the last seven champions finished among the majors’ top five in homers.

David Price Comes Out Of The Bullpen

David Price out of the bullpen so far has had four appearances, 7- 2/3 innings, 11 strikeouts and just four base runners.  The  bullpen ranks second in the American League in ERA (3.10). The Red Sox rank sixth in the league in scoring runs, (4.86) runs per game. But they lead the  American League  in slugging percentage (.461), batting average (.282) and on-base percentage (.348) in 2016.

After Saturday’s, win Dave Dombrowski spoke about David Price, telling the Boston Herald.  “I’m really happy for him, I know it hasn’t been easy in many ways, because of the injury factor but I’m really happy for him to see what he did. He’s a great pitcher. I know he gets scrutinized at times. But he really stepped up for us here down the stretch and I’m glad he’s healthy because when you have him healthy he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball.”

Red Sox Backing Into The Playoffs

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Red Sox Backing Into The Playoffs

With the regular season coming to a close and the playoffs starting, it seems the Boston Red Sox are backing into the postseason just like last year. Last season the Red Sox won the division with a loss to the Yankees but still wearing goggles and drinking champagne in the clubhouse. The Red Sox play the Astros today and tomorrow to close out the regular season. They have lost four of their last five games and lead the division by two games. With a Red Sox win or a  Yankees loss they would clinch the AL East.

This would be the first time in the team’s history they would clinch the AL East in back-to back seasons. Clinching the division means nothing if you back yourself into the playoffs and get swept in the first round. If the Red Sox don’t win the division today do you pitch Chris Sale tomorrow? In Sale’ s last eight starts he’s 4-4 with 48 hits and 23 runs, 11 home runs and 67 strikeouts. I say keep him rested, clinch today so you don’t have to pitch him tomorrow. The only reason Sale pitches tomorrow is if they haven’t clinched yet or to get to 313 strikeouts.

Will David Price Start A Playoff Game?

I still would have David Price pitch a playoff game like I’ve said before. He’s making way too much money to be coming out of the bullpen. The bats have been quiet too as of late. Losing 12-2 Thursday night and 3-2 last night they just can’t seem to get the hit they need to win.

Pedroia On Last Night’s Loss

Baseball: World Series: Boston Red Sox Dustin Pedroia (15) in action, making throw vs St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Game 5.
St. Louis, MO 10/28/2013
CREDIT: Al Tielemans (Photo by Al Tielemans /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images)
(Set Number: X157127 TK3 R1 F82 )I

Pedroia said after last night’s game “it’s just one of those games, we couldn’t find a way to get the big hit and do something offensively. We just came out a couple of runs short we’ll get after it Saturday.” Now if both the Yankees and Red Sox are tied for the division they would play a one game playoff Monday at Yankee Stadium.

Drew Pomeranz Has a Rough Start

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The Boston Red Sox opened up a series against the Toronto Blue Jays Monday night.  Drew Pomeranz got the start and pitched completely opposite of what he’s been doing all season. Going into the game he was 16-5 and looking for his 17th win of  the season.  Pomeranz would give up five runs and only last two innings before being taken out in the third.  He gave up seven hits, five runs, one walk, and one home run.

The home run came in the first inning by Josh Donaldson hitting the ball to center field.  Austin Maddox, Blanie Boyer, Carson Smith, and Addison Reed pitched in the loss last night. Eduardo Nunez and Mookie Betts both left the game;  Betts with a sore wrist and Nunez aggravated his right knee on a swing and a miss in the fifth inning. The Red Sox had seven hits in the 6-4 loss Andrew Benintendi pitched hit for Mookie Betts in the eighth inning and hit a home run to center field. But it wouldn’t be enough, and Drew Pomeranz falls to 16-6 on the season with a 3.38 ERA.

Pomeranz and John Farrell React To The Loss

After the game, Drew Pomeranz spoke about his outing saying “I feel fine.  I came out early and throwing some two-seams a little slower and was trying to get some swings on them. I was missing. My velocity dipped a few times in the last few outings but then I get it right back up when I need it so I really didn’t have a chance to get settled in  and work some of those higher velocities in there.”

After the game Manager John Farrell said “We recognize the innings total he’s climbed over the last couple of years in particular.” Pomeranz has already pitched 167 2/3 innings last year he pitched 170 2/3 innings. Prior to that Pomeranz never pitched more 100 innings in his previous five seasons.

 

(Boston, MA, 05/02/17) Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale throws against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of a Major League Baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston on Tuesday, May 02, 2017. Staff photo by Christopher Evans

Tonight Chris Sale gets the start looking for his 18th win of the season. He’s pitching against J.A. Happ who’s 9-11 with a 3.64 ERA. The number to clinch the division is  still three and the division lead is four games. We will see if Mookie Betts is in the lineup tonight along with Eduardo Nunez.

Red Sox Playoff Pitching Rotation

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With The Regular Season Ending, The Red Sox Get Their Rotation Ready

The Major League Baseball season is almost over, believe it or not which means teams will be getting ready for the playoffs. While others will be making plans for their off season.  The Red Sox have 11 regular season games left before the playoffs get underway. The starting rotation all year has been in question. With David Price now coming out of the bullpen, Chris Sale having a few rocky starts lately, the true ace on the team right now is Drew Pomeranz.   Pomeranz is 16-5 with a 3.28 ERA for this season.

Chris Sale Gets The Ball For Game One Of ALDS

there is know doubt Chris Sale will get the start in game one of the ALDS. Chris Sale has never pitched in the playoffs, so this will be the true test to see how he does in a bigger stage. Sale is 16-7 with a 2.86 ERA so far this season. LDavid Price who’s making $31M should be a playoff starter.  I know his two wins in the playoffs have come while pitching out of the bullpen. But he could prove everyone wrong and earn his contract by pitching well in the playoffs.

Drew Pomeranz, Doug Fister, Rick Porcello: Are The Bottom Three Of The Rotation

Drew Pomeranz would likely be third on the playoff rotation.  He’s had a pretty good season, but in the ALDS last season against Cleveland he only pitched 3.2 innings, gave up two runs, and two hits.

CLEVELAND, OH – AUGUST 22: Starting pitcher Doug Fister #38 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on August 22, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio

My  fourth starter would be Doug Fister who’s 4-2 in the postseason, with a 2.60 ERA according to Baseball Reference.

BOSTON, MA – AUGUST 15: Rick Porcello #22 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates after a triple play during the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Fenway Park on August 15, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

My fifth starter would have to be Rick Porcello Even though he has 17 losses this season I’d rather have him pitch in a playoff game because I trust him more in the playoffs and who has the experience too. Eduardo Rodriguez is an average pitcher but I don’t think is ready to start a playoff game.

  1. Chris Sale
  2. David Price
  3. Drew Pomeranz
  4. Doug Fister
  5. Rick Porcello

 

Patriots: On To New Orleans

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After the Patriots got their wake up Thursday night against Kansas City, it’s on to New Orleans to play the Saints on Sunday. The Patriots appeared lost on offense, defense, and special teams. It was unusual for the Patriots to have a distraction get in the way.

Too much play, not enough work?

What was the distraction? The banner ceremony for one.  But Brady and Bill have all the answers, right?  Some players might think that this game was going to be a cakewalk but that certainly didn’t happen. Like Belichick said,  “Last year was last year. This is a new year new team and everyone starts from the beginning.”

Another distraction?  The Patriots missed Julian Edelman Thursday night. Fans everywhere predicted that someone like Hogan, Cooks, Amendola would step up. For some reason, Brady couldn’t connect with anyone.  Or nobody could get open. I know Belichick doesn’t want to look to the past. But in 2014 when they lost to Kansas City, Belichick said the team fought to the end. Last Thursday it seemed like they just gave up. No fight. No urgency to win. Very unusual and sort of a kick in the butt that you won’t playing in Super Bowls with performances like that.

Brady and Belichick have shifted the team to only focus on this week’s opponent,  the New Orleans Saints. The Saints didn’t look good on Monday night in their loss to Minnesota. The Patriots haven’t practiced all weekend.  Puzzling. You would think after that performance Thursday, they would practice Sunday and Monday, off Tuesday, then practice on Wednesday. But the Patriots started practice Wednesday for the Saints.

The defensive line and the pass rush  need work.  Hopefully they get it together with these practices. I don’t see the Patriots going 0-2.  I do think they bounce back this week and they have a better game against the Saints.