Bruins comeback

Bruins Comeback From 2-0 Defecit To Stun Arizona

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With the injury to Patrice Bergeron, the Bruins have been without one of their deadliest weapons.  Tuesday night that did not matter as the Bruins new top line was magical.  After a sloppy first period, the Bruins found themselves in a 2-0 hole.  Things looked grim as the B’s had yet to come back from a two-goal deficit this season.  With their backs against the wall, this team that has already dealt with tremendous adversity, came roaring back.

The Bruins first goal came courtesy of Danton Heinen.  He buried a beautiful backhanded feed by JFK in front of the net.  Heinen’s goal ignited a Bruins comeback that Arizona could not stop.  The Bruins then took control due to their newly formed first line.  The trio of David Krejci, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak accounted for the Bruins next three goals as the Bruins took a 4-2 lead and never looked back.

Bruins comeback

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara- USA TODAY Sports

Top Line Leads Bruins Comeback

Over the past few games, Bruce Cassidy has placed David Krejci on the first line.  Against Arizona, Krejci was in vintage form as the Bruins top line looked unstoppable.  They single handily took control of the game as Marchand tallied two goals, and Pastrnak got his 21st of the season.  The trio played as if they had been together all season.  At a time where the Bruins need everyone at their best, Krejci, Marchand, and Pastrnak carried the team.

After a crazy second period, both teams remained scoreless in the third period.  The Bruins, while sloppy at times with the puck, did enough to hold off Arizona.  It was not the Bruins prettiest game but they battled adversity and found a way to win.  They also avoided any injuries after a scary sequence in the first period.  David Backes took a skate to the face but returned at the start of the second period and finished the game.

Bruins comeback

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara- USA TODAY Sports

After four days off the Bruins will return to the ice on Friday night for a tilt against Pittsburgh.  They will look to increase their win streak to four and continue to rise in the standings.

For more Bruins news Follow @JamieGatlin1217 on Twitter

The Greatest Red Sox Legends by Uniform Number: 31-35

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The greatest Red Sox to wear the set of numbers between 31-35 are all recent players.  In fact, the one who played for the Red Sox the longest ago was a key member of the 2004 curse breaking team.  These five players won 10 World Series rings with the Red Sox.  There is a retired number, a captain and a current Sox player.

Number 31 – Jon Lester

Lester played the role of Red Sox ace for several seasons.  Before he got there, he had to overcome cancer at the age of 23.  After his return from cancer, Lester played a role in winning the World Series in 2007, pitching 5.2 shutout innings in the final game of the series.  The next year, he was ready to be the Ace on a team no one expected him to be.  In May, he no-hit the Royals at Fenway Park.  Lester finished 16-6 with a 3.21 ERA that season.

In 2009, Lester took a giant step forward in the strike out department, striking out 10 batters per nine innings.  In 2010, he struck out 225 batters for the second straight season and led the American League in k/9.  He made his first all-star team that season and won 19 games.  The end result was a top five finish for the Cy Young Award.

After his second straight all-star appearance in 2011, Lester’s pitching dropped off significantly in 2012. He rebounded in 2013, then took his game to a new level for the postseason.  After winning two games with a 2.33 ERA over the first two series, Lester dominated the Cardinals in the World Series.  Lester won both games he pitched and allowed just one run between them. That ran his World Series career to one run over 21 innings pitched.

2014 would be Lester’s last in a Red Sox uniform, as the team traded him at the deadline.  Lester was having his best season, posting a 2.52 ERA over 21 starts before the trade.  He made his third all-star team that season.  Lester was 110-63 with a 3.64 ERA with the Sox.  He pitched even better in the playoffs, winning six games with a 2.11 ERA.

Honorable Mention: Ferguson Jenkins

Number 32 – Derek Lowe

Lowe’s Red Sox career had its share of ups and downs, but overall he was a good pitcher.  Lowe also was one of many Red Sox to play the role of hero in 2004.  Acquired from the Mariners along with Jason Varitek for blown save machine Heathcliff Slocumb, Lowe was brought aboard in one of the more lopsided trades in baseball history.

Lowe started his career as a swingman and didn’t have immediate success with the team.  He was stellar in 1999 though, even working his way to the closers role as he saved 15 games.  Lowe had a 2.63 ERA with a WHIP below 1.00 that season.  In 2000, serving as closer for the entire season, Lowe had a 2.56 ERA and led the league with 42 saves while making his first all-star team.  Lowe’s closing ability took a turn for the worse the following season though, as he lost the role of closer.  With his ERA over 4.00, the team experimented with him starting, giving him three starts to finish the season.  Lowe allowed just two runs over the three starts.

As a full-time starter in 2002, Lowe came out of the gates hot, allowing just one hit over seven shutout in his first start.  By the end of April, Lowe was no-hitting the Devil Rays at Fenway Park.  He finished the season 21-6 with a 2.58 ERA and came in third for the Cy Young.  No one could have imagined this success, and although it was a career season, Lowe had plenty more good pitching to come.

Lowe won 17 games in 2003, although his pitching fell off quite a lot.  In 2004, his ERA was all the way up to 5.42 and he found himself excluded from the ALDS rotation.  However, Lowe was on the mound to earn the win in the deciding game of the series over the Angels.  Down 0-3 to the Yankees in the ALCS, Lowe pitched well enough to give the Red Sox a chance as they staved off elimination.  He took the mound in game seven and was again the winning pitcher in a deciding game.  In game four of the World Series, Lowe finished off the trifecta, pitching seven shutout innings as the Red Sox swept the Cardinals.  Lowe was the winning pitcher in the series-clinching win of all three postseason series to finish out his Red Sox career.

Honorable Mention: Craig Breslow

Number 33 – Jason Varitek

“The Captain” is number 33 of course. Varitek meant a ton to the team, leading up to the curse breaking, breaking the curse, and then the ones following up on that.  His leadership in the clubhouse as well as on the field was invaluable.  He called a great game and is one of only two catchers ever to have caught four no-hitters.

Varitek split time with Scott Hatteberg at the catcher position in 1998.  The Red Sox felt comfortable enough handing the starting gig to Varitek in 1999, and he rewarded them with a 20 home run season. The starting job was his for the next decade.  He looked like he was on his way to a career year in 2001 before he broke his elbow diving for a foul pop on the on-deck circle.

Varitek’s real breakout came in 2003.  He made his first all-star team that season and mashed 25 home runs, a number that would remain his career high. He hit four home runs in the postseason with an OPS over 1.000.  The next season he batted .296 with a career best .872 OPS.  He would hit .321 with two home runs in the seven game ALCS against the Yankees.  Oh, and who could forget his encounter with Alex Rodriguez from that summer?

Varitek hit .281 with 22 home runs and an .856 OPS in 2005.  During that three year stretch from 2003-05, Varitek’s average season was .283 with 22 home runs and an .863 OPS.  He was one of the very best offensive catchers in the game while also being invaluable behind the plate.  His offensive production did fall off after that, but he did have a solid 2007.  Varitek hit .255 with 17 home runs and a .787 OPS that year.  He then won his second World Series in the fall.

In addition to the rings and the no-hitters, Varitek made three All-Star Games, won a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger Award.  He probably should have won more Gold Gloves than he did. He is tenth in franchise history in games played.  Furthermore his 193 home runs are the most by a catcher for the Red Sox.  Varitek will forever be one of the most beloved and well-respected Red Sox.

Honorable Mentions: Jose Canseco, Dave “Boo” Ferriss

Number 34 – David Ortiz

No words can really say what David Ortiz meant to the franchise.  He might be the most popular player in franchise history.  He had countless big hits, countless walk-offs, and without his heroics in 2004 the curse wouldn’t have ended.  Again in 2013, with his rallying speech following the marathon bombings, as well as his grand slam in game two of the ALCS, the 2013 World Series doesn’t happen without Ortiz.

It took the Red Sox a couple months to finally give Ortiz the playing time he deserved in 2003.  Once they gave it to him, he raked, hitting .293 with 29 homers and a 1.010 OPS from June 1st on.  With his clutch hitting he managed to enter the MVP race.  It was the first of five consecutive seasons in which Ortiz would place in the top five for the MVP.  He led the league in RBI in both 2005 and 2006 and set a Red Sox franchise record when he hit 54 home runs in 2006.  From 2004-07 he averaged a season of .304 with 44 home runs, 135 RBI and a 1.024 OPS.

After a couple down seasons during which he still managed to hit 51 home runs, Ortiz rebounded in 2010 and enjoyed another productive run through the end of his career.  In 2011 he batted over .300 for the first time since 2007.  He would accomplish this again in 2012, 2013 and 2016.  Ortiz saved the best for last, batting .315 with 38 home runs and a league-leading 48 doubles and 127 RBI at the age of 40 in 2016.  He also led the league in slugging (.620) and OPS (1.021).  Ortiz had his number 34 retired by the Sox the very next season.

Honorable Mentions: Rich Garces, Scott Cooper

Number 35 – Steven Wright

Although he may not be on the level as the four preceding him in this list, Wright would take number 35 on the strength of his 2016 season alone.  He also has won two World Series rings with the Red Sox, giving this group 10 total among them.

The knuckleballer didn’t make the majors until he was 28 years old.  With his four appearances during that 2013 season he got himself a ring.  He showed some ability over the next two seasons, winning five games with a 3.75 ERA.

2016 brought Steven Wright’s career season, and it could have been even better had John Farrell not inexplicably pinch-run him.  Wright, the team’s ace to that point in the season, hurt his shoulder while pinch-running and had to go on the disabled list.  Wright had thrown a complete game shutout in his previous start to improve to 13-5 with a 3.01 ERA.  After a disabled list trip, he didn’t fare well in two starts and was shut down for the season.

Unfortunately, Wright has not been healthy much since then. This season he pitched very well, but was on and off the disabled list all season long and didn’t pitch in the postseason.  When healthy, Wright was 3-1 with a 2.68 ERA over four starts and 16 relief appearances.  So far in his career he is 24-15 with a 3.77 ERA and one All-Star Game.

Honorable Mentions: Billy Klaus, Burke Badenhop

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Steven Wright (35) pitches during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

 

Boston Bruins vs Arizona Coyotes

Game Preview: Boston Bruins vs Arizona Coyotes

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The Boston Bruins return home to the TD Garden to face the Arizona Coyotes after winning back to back games.  The Bruins are now 16-10 while the Coyotes are 13-13.  They currently sit near the bottom of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference.  Boston is in fourth, holding on to first place in the wild card race in the Atlantic Division.  The Bruins welcomed back Charlie McAvoy for the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where Boston flexed their muscle to win 6-3.  In the game against the Leafs the Bruins would see goals from six different players.  Jarolslav Halak made 29 saves in net, while defenseman Torey Krug scored his 1st goal of the season.

Image result for boston bruins vs arizona coyotes

(Photos Credits: AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

BACK TO BACK

Less than 24 hours later, the Bruins traveled to Ottawa as they faced the Senators for the third time this season.  The Senators opened up the game when Mark Stone scored, putting Ottawa up 1-0.  Bruins’ Brad Marchand, however, would answer back in the second, when he scored at 7:49 off a rebound on a power play, making it 1-1.  Marchand, for his part, would have a season high nine shots.  As the game headed into overtime, it would be defenseman Torey Krug who would come out the victor as he scored at 3:07, scoring the 2-1 win over the Ottawa Senators.  David Pastrnak leads the team with 35 points, with Brad Marchand second with 29 points.  Pasta is currently fourth in the league with goals (20).

Image result for boston bruins vs arizona coyotes

(Photo Credits Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

ARIZONA

With tonight’s game, Arizona will start their four-game road trip as travel to face the Bruins.  The ‘Yotes are coming in on a three-game winning streak, and if they win tonight it will be their first four-game winning streak since 2011.  Arizona’s goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who had previously been out eight games due to a lower-body injury, is looking to make his return tonight.  Goalie Antti Raanta is out indefinitely due to a lower-body injury.  Forward/Center Clayton Keller leads the team in points with 20, netting eight goals with 12 assists.  Niklas Hjalmarsson will play his 700th NHL game tonight and is currently leading the ‘Yotes in blocked shots with 56.  Arizona is looking to end a 13 game losing streak against Boston, with their last win against the B’s in the 2010-2011 season.

The last time these two teams met, Bruins goaltender Jaroslav Halak had a great night in net when he made 32 saves and Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson scored his first NHL goal.  Halak is expected in net tonight, however as of this writing this morning’s rush had not been published.

WHEN: Tonight with puck drop at 7:00 PM, TD Garden

WHERE TO WATCH: NESN, FS-A PLUS

What to consider before you buy baseball gloves

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Baseball is always fun and can be played by anyone with excitement. Whatever the fun of this game, it can cause injury. Of course it is natural that every sport is able to bring the risk of injury but by using the right sports equipment we can minimize that risk. This article will explain to you about how to have baseball gloves that are perfect for your position. The guide in this article helps in the same way when you are faced with the need to choose a device, say an electric bike. For information, if you want to buy an electric bike, visiting https://www.bestadvisor.com/electric-bike-kits will be very helpful. To note, electric bike is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor that gives riders the freedom to choose between two modes; manual mode or electric powered mode. Back to the topic, before buying a baseball glove, a few tips can be considered.

Baseball gloves

Baseball gloves are useful for connecting fingers and thumbs and protecting collisions on fingers and palms. It is equipped with a piece of skin that gives the user the ability to close their hands on the ball. Choose a baseball glove with quality leather and is quite thick. You don’t want your fingers to be broken by a ball.

Palm

This is a mandatory protection equipment that is placed under the skin to protect it from impact.

Hinge

The hinge is what allows the glove to open and close.

Heel

This is the bottom of the glove that really determines the rest of your gloves.

Wrist adjustment

This is an optional feature meaning it doesn’t have to be there but is still recommended. This adjustment includes fasteners, buckles and D rings.

Synthetic skin

Synthetic leather is recommended for beginner players. This gives a fairly light weight to bear. If using genuine leather, the weight that must be borne is quite heavy for most young players. The average synthetic leather has been softened so as to be able to offer easy “break-ins”.

Premium skin

Premium leather may be quite expensive but this offers increased durability. The longer it is used, the premium skin will be more comfortable to use.


Pro Series skin

These are the highest quality leather and are sold quite expensive. More recommended for professional players.

Fit, Feel, Style and Design are the four most important factors in choosing a baseball glove

In choosing, there are four important factors that must be considered; fit, feel, style and design. Fit is related to the compatibility of a baseball glove with the user. This is not directly related to the increase in price as an expensive baseball glove even though it is not necessarily suitable. You are recommended to choose the one that really suits you.

Fit: You should choose the right size of the glove because a mismatch of gloves size can hamper your performance in the field.

Feel: Gloves must be flexible without forgetting the strength factor. With flexibility, you can provide immediate control and response.

Style: Style may not be too crucial in a game but it affects your mood when playing. Choose your favorite color because you will be more confident in the field.

Design: Some designs are suitable for some players and are not suitable for other players. Baseball gloves with thick pads may look “swollen” but that provides protection for your finger from the pitcher’s sting. The ball can slide so fast and result in broken fingers in some cases. Claw design will help you to catch high-speed balls more easily.

Hopefully with the tips above you can improve your baseball performance in the field.

What Mike Napoli Meant To Boston

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His journey through Boston didn’t need to be a long one.  Mike Napoli had left his mark on the city.  The slugger announced his retirement this past weekend, and for many fans of the 2013 championship team, it called for a chance to reminisce. He only spent a little over two seasons with the team, but he was a very impactful, lovable character.  He’ll mainly be remembered for his bushy beard and clutch heroics throughout the 2013 season.   But most importantly, for helping bring a championship to a city that truly needed it, after their darkest time.

How The Era Of Napoli Came To Be

I recall being on vacation down in Florida in December of 2012.  I heard about a multitude of signings the team was in the process of making.  They needed some veteran presence alongside David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia, so they made three moves.  All three of those moves occurred within three days, and all helped shaped the 2013 season.

Shane Victorino and Koji Uehara both signed.  They were probably the two most important players throughout the 2013 ALCS.  The third signing of the week was Mike Napoli. After some issues passing his physical, he eventually made his way to the Red Sox on a one year deal.  All three of these guys had been solid, but the team faced backlash, as all three were seen as ‘past their prime’.

I lauded the move at the time, how can you not want these likable, locker room presence-type guys? Of course, it paid off.  Napoli transitioned to first base smoothly for Boston, and ended up having some huge hits down the stretch, and into October.

Why He Was So Important

In April of 2013, the country was sent into a state of shock.  Terrorists had carried out an attack this close to home, right at the Boston Marathon.  For as many people this sent into a frenzy and a state of panic, it ended up bringing together a city.  Nobody will ever forget Big Papi’s speech before the first home game following the attacks:

It became a theme of the season.  The Boston Strong jersey hung in the dugout during every game.  The players were often discussing with the media and with each other how much they wanted this for the city and for the fans.  It all just felt like it was meant to be, and Mike Napoli was central to all of this.

When I think of this team, I remember how great the entire ‘beard’ thing was.  I remember Jonny Gomes showing up with a huge beard at Spring Training, and Napoli just loved it.  Eventually the whole team had beards.  The team had named them and marketed it.  That ended up being another huge theme of the season.

The Fun

Napoli and his bearded brothers brought a sense of passion everyday, to get it done for this city. However, they always did it while having fun.  Even when the team struggled, or fell behind against Detroit in the playoffs, this crew was there to pick each other up.  Just like they picked this city up, when the people needed it most.

Putting Nap’s Red Sox Career in Perspective

The clear cut, go-to Napoli Red Sox moment, is his seventh inning home run against Justin Verlander in game 3 of the ALCS.  It broke the tie and ended up being the only run in a 1-0 final. It ended up being a key factor in Boston’s grasp of the momentum in the series.

The stats aren’t flashy over the two and half seasons in Boston, and the way it ended in 2015 is unfortunate. The Sox were going nowhere, and unfortunately Napoli had begun to really fall off.  So they shipped him back to Texas.

He’ll never be forgotten for helping bring this city a title when they needed it.  Nobody will ever forget seeing his big beard laughing it up at first base.  Nobody had more fun than Nap, and nobody partied harder when the Sox won.  Most of all, nobody will ever forget this.  Possibly the greatest photo in the history of Boston Sports, shirtless Napoli patrolling Boston days after winning the World Series:

Thank you for everything Nap, it was a fun ride.

 

Boston Red Sox 2019 MLB Season Schedule – Important Dates

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Well, Boston Red Sox fans are waiting for the 2019 season with bated breath, not just because MLB is everybody’s favored game but because this is the Red Sox.

As always, when we have something to look forward to it makes the near future that much more interesting and exciting. As such, the Boston Red Sox have made sure that with the 2019 MLB Season Schedule is available to the general public.

As far as 2018 is concerned, we still have several weeks to go through, and the Boston Red Sox must make sure that they remain in their present status as the best team in baseball.

Putting worry aside, there are important dates in next year’s schedule that we should be careful to keep in mind. You can look here for no fee Boston Red Sox tickets to their MLB games and save from every purchase you make.

The Red Sox’s 2019 MLB season will only begin in March with the 28th official opening day, so we have plenty of time to plan, and we notice that unlike past seasons this season will begin in the west coast with the Red Sox playing opposite the Dodgers in a three-game series.

A road trip consisting of eleven games will take the Red Sox across Seattle, Oakland, and Arizona. Then, with a bit of time in between, giving them enough time to travel and get some rest before we see them in their home game on the 9th of April where they will be facing none other than the formidable Toronto Blue Jays.

Another important date for the Red Sox is the game that will have them crossing the Atlantic for the occasion that the MLB will be played in London for the first time. For that game, the Red Sox will face the Yankees in a two-game series. Notably, these rivals have never met in a place other than Boston or New York. They will be playing in the Bronx for the two games, and both teams will have another go at each other when they meet in London on the 29th and 30th of June.

Then, we will see the Red Sox sprinting off to Toronto for another encounter with the Jays in a three-game series.

Back from London, the Red Sox will have six games to play which will be followed closely by the All-Star break.

But that is not all; another important date for the Red Sox is when they play against San Diego Padres in a rare visit to Petco Park.

With still more in their schedule, Red Sox will still have several games to go through not the least of which is their meetings with these teams; Tampa Bay Rays, San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, and Texas Rangers.

These teams are quite formidable, but the Red Sox are so much more, and we need not worry about them. All we can do is hope for the best for our favorite team and get our tickets early on, so we can be there to cheer them along.

Goodbye Number One Seed in the AFC

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The Patriots will not be getting the number one seed in the AFC

Playing in Miami has always been tough

Jan 1, 2017; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is pressured by Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (90) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots are 16-38 all-time in Miami and can’t seem to ever get a win.  This loss for the Patriots is one of the top losses on the season.  With the loss today you can say goodbye to the number one seed in the AFC. Kansas City beat Baltimore today, and holds a two-game lead in the conference.  The Patriots seem to struggle a lot defensively, especially on the road this season.  Last week they just held the Vikings to ten points, but in today’s game every time New England scored, Miami would score quickly. Also, the missed field goals need to stop.  Losing on a play like that to end a game is something you never see.  I haven’t seen that since playing Madden.  No excuse for why you can’t make the tackle.

The Patriots need to work on mental toughness as a team

Now they just made it harder for themselves to get a bye in the AFC Conferene.  They will play the Steelers next week in a big matchup, then finish with the Jets and Bills. Kansas City isn’t losing the rest of the season so the hope that the Patriots would host the Chiefs in the playoffs is gone.  Gronkowski, Edelman, and Gordon looked good.  And finally some life out of Patterson. But that defense is scary, and if people think they can beat Kansas City at Arrowhead it’s not going to happen.

You rarely see a Belichick team lose a game that could risk getting them the number one seed. Gronkowski talked about his mental toughness and the team’s after the game.  Their mental toughness has been in question all season for some reason.  Gronkowski seemed to finally be back on track today but it wasn’t enough.  They just can’t win in Miami for whatever reason.  The defense ranks 9th in points, 22nd in yards, 24th in passing yards, and 13th in rushing yards.

Patriots-Dolphins Preview

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The Dolphins’ Home Field Advantage

The way this Patriots team is built and the fact that the Dolphins’ best player, Xavien Howard, is out for the game will help Josh Gordon the most. The one issue is the game is in Miami, a place that always gives New England trouble.

Playing in Miami has always been tough

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Just in the past 5 years, the team is 1-4 in Miami. Historically the Patriots have not played well at Miami Gardens. The temperature is also expected to be relatively high too which may affect the game as well. The loss in Jacksonville is an example of the heat playing a factor against New England.

Bill Belichick won’t use the weather as an excuse, but we all know since 200, the Patriots have struggled in the heat. Former Patriot Tedy Bruschi said as much on ESPN when asked about why this team struggles in Miami.

Built for Success

The Patriots right now are just built for success. They are extremely healthy, have top 10 players in many categories including one of the best cornerback duos right now. Stephon Gilmore is questionable although Is likely to play, as he flew with the team for this matchup. The Patriots should be able to come out of this with a win. Look for Sony Michel and the running backs to have a big day.

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

New England should look to set up the run game early, using all three backs. Rotating the running backs will keep them from cramping up and running out of steam from the heat. Tom Brady will be able to take advantage of the injury riddled Dolphins. The running game will set up  play action passes, and more defenders in the box.

Patriots-Dolphins Prediction

The Patriots come in as heavy favorites despite recent history, and I don’t think it will be a blowout. Miami has played well at home this year, at 6-6 they will be looking for revenge from week 4. The rash of injuries to this Dolphins team, along with New England coming in almost at 100% will be the difference today. Not the heat.

The Patriots are really starting to look better on offense, defense and are only missing one player. The Patriots will win the AFC East again today, for the 10th year in a row. The players will get up for this “hat and T-shirt game” as they continue to try and get that number one seed.

(Patriots 28 Miami 17)

Sorry Haters– 2018 Season Just More of the Same for the Patriots

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There seems to be a growing number of people out in the football-loving free world that want to see one thing happen. You would think the answer would be for their team to win the Super Bowl but that is not it. No, they are more interested and eager to see the New England Patriots get knocked from the ranks of the NFL’s elite.

They would rather not see the Patriots win the Super Bowl more than they want to see their team get there. For much of the season, it looked like they might get their wish.

The Beginning of the End?

It all started when the team failed to beat the Houston Texans by more than they did (seven points). The Patriots were in control for the majority of the game, but for some reason, they were not able to put the Texans away.

This raised some eyebrows, but a win is a win. However, then came back-to-back losses to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions. The Jags were expected to be tough but not as tough as they were. But the Lions? That was a bit of a shocker—and those eagerly awaiting the fall of the Patriots to begin jumped all over it.

The comments were nothing new—the defense is terrible, Tom Brady is too old, they don’t have enough weapons on offense. Tack on all the crazy rumors about discontent among the players with Bill Belichick and the argument was almost compelling.

But then the Patriots did what they always do when people think the sky is falling in Foxboro. They went on a six-game winning streak that included victories over the Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers.

The haters didn’t have much to say at that point. No one was predicting the end of the Patriots era of dominance anymore. With the defense playing well and Tom Brady figuring out how to make it work on offense, it was beginning to look like just another season for the New England Patriots.

Brady wasn’t looking like an MVP-caliber player just a year removed from winning the award. This season he isn’t even in the conversation. According to Betway Sports, his odds of winning are +4000.00 (as of December 7). But he is playing well enough to win games, and that is what matters.

Then the team traveled to Nashville for what should have been an easy game against the Tennessee Titans. But then the Patriots were absolutely dominated once again. With this being the third time this season that the Patriots were dominated, the haters and naysayers were back.

More of the Same

What those who want to see the Patriots fail tend to forget is that the team often gets off to a slow start. During the season, it is not unusual for them to have hiccups along the way; quarters, halves, and sometimes entire games where they play poorly.

But when the team is faced with its next real challenge, it always steps up to the plate. They did against the Chiefs and Bears earlier in the season, and they certainly did so once again in Week 13 against the Minnesota Vikings.

At this point, it looks like the team is set for another playoff run. They have one more challenging game on their schedule (against the Pittsburgh Steelers). So, they will finish either 13-3 or 12-4. A great record, but right now it appears to only be good enough for the No. 2 seed.

However, there is a very good chance that could change.

Kansas City, the current No. 1 seed in the AFC, has a three-game slate ahead of them that is, to say the least (the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers, and Seattle Seahawks). Without Kareem Hunt to pace the running game anymore, it is not hard to see them losing at least one of those three.

If that should happen, since the Patriots beat them earlier this season, New England would win the tiebreaker and slide into a very familiar place—the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

So, they may need some help to make it to the top of the conference this year. The Chiefs having to cut their star running back certainly helps, too. But in the end, it appears that while it may have appeared as if things were going to change this season for the Patriots, they are not.

It’s like the old saying—the more things change, the more things stay the same. These Patriots may not be like the 2014 or 2016 squads. But they are still the Patriots.

Winning is just what they do.

Nathan Eovaldi Is Back

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The Red Sox have re-signed Nathan Eovaldi to a 4 year, $67.5 Million deal.  The postseason horse is back in the barn.  Because of the lack of home grown talent, and a shallow free agent pool, this was a move the Red Sox needed to make.

Overpaid?

Well respected and knowledgeable baseball minds are trumpeting how bad a deal this is.  To whit:

Framingham’s own Lou Merloni was on the airwaves of WEEI and NBCSN last night saying essentially the same thing.  Because of Eovaldi’s injury history, this is an over-pay.

It is true that Eovaldi has not been consistent in his career.  Therefore, the Red Sox could paying for only potential.  But where does this deal stack up against a different set of peers than the esteemed Mr. Massarotti put forth:

  • Yu Darvish $21 Million
  • Jeff Samardzija $18 Million
  • Hyun-Jin Ryu $17.9 Million
  • Nathan Eovaldi $16.875 Million
  • Mike Leake $16 Million
  • Wei-Yin Chen $16 Million
  • Rich Hill $16 Million

In this context, Eovaldi almost looks like a bargain.

October Performance

Songs have been sung about Eovaldi’s guts in Game 3 of the World Series alone, because these numbers are positively Schilling-esk:

22.1 Innings, 2-1 record, 15 Hits, 3 Walks, 16 Strikeouts, 1.61 ERA

He pitched in three of the five World Series games, and was the hard-luck looser in the longest game in World Series history.  Because of his 6 innings of extra innings work in Game 3, the bullpen was saved, as well as the other starters.  This ultimately resulted in a World Series Championship.

Nathan Eovaldi Is Necessary 

The Red Sox have almost no starting pitcher talent in the minor leagues.  Their best prospect, Jay Groome, underwent Tommy John Surgery in May of this year.  Beyond Groome, there is no one to speak of who could help the Red Sox in 2019.

If not Eovaldi, then what?  J.A. Happ: A 36 year old pitcher who pitched a grand total of 2 innings in the Yankees Game 1 loss to the Red Sox in the Divisional Round.  Dallas Keuchel: A 31 year old pitcher who has already had his best days.  Eovaldi’s best days are ahead.

Perhaps the Eovaldi signing leads to a bigger deal.  At the very least, the Red Sox have a solid #3 or #4 starter.  And he has the potential to be more, at a reasonable cost.