Brady Talks Relationship With McDaniels, Chemistry With Receivers (@steveA1127)

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In a series of recent interview, Tom Brady has addressed topics such as his relationship with Josh McDaniels, Bill Belichick, and his new core of wide receivers.

Brady Does Not Like The Boston Globe

Via CBS Boston

It was an offseason unlike any other for Tom Brady. The QB had some time with his family, traveled the world, and worked on getting ready for another football season. Tom Brady did interviews this offseason with Oprah Winfrey and Jim Gray. In those, he hinted that the end is coming sooner rather than later. Also, he pleaded the fifth when asked if he felt appreciated by Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft.

Tom Brady skipped all offseason voluntary workouts and only attended when he had to be there. Brady spoke with local reporters for the first time on Saturday and the question about Alex Guerrero and Julian Edelman really seemed to get under his skin. He abruptly left the podium, sending the mass media into a frenzy.

Tom Has Great Relationship With McDaniels, Mum On Relationship With Belichick

Brady was asked about his relationship with Josh McDaniels and if he had a role in bringing him back. Brady responded, “Josh and I had a great relationship for 18 years, and he’s one of my best friends. I love working with him and we have a very special relationship that I cherish. It’s kind of been that way for a long time. We talk about everything, and like I said, he’s a great friend of mine. I love him, I love his family, and we’re very close. When you work together with somebody for that long, you have a great rapport and relationship. I’m happy he’s on our team, happy he’s coaching me, and I want to go out there and do well by him.”

When Tom Brady was asked about his offseason drama with Bill Belichick, Brady responded, “I have no thoughts.”

It’s been reported that Brady looks rusty through the first four practices of camp. Perhaps his absence from the voluntary workouts has caught up with him. Brady was asked if he was behind with his chemistry with the receivers at the moment. His response was, “I don’t know. Yeah, I don’t know. I mean, we have a long time. We have a lot of work to do. We’ll do the best we can every day to get the work in when we can and try to go out there and have a great year.” The overall sentiment was that it’s probably nothing to worry about long-term. Hopefully, the age doesn’t become the excuse factor; Brady turns 41 this week.

The Ego’s Are Getting In The Way

Every organization has disagreements. Belichick and Brady have been around each other for a long time. They both want to win, but their egos are getting in the way. It won’t stop them from winning, but you might see what happened in last year’s Super Bowl happen again: benching a star player to make Brady do it all himself.

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out come regular season.

Malcolm Butler Has No Bad Blood with Bill Belichick (@steveA1127)

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People Need to Get over the Malcolm Butler Super Bowl Benching

Via SI.comPeople still can’t get over why Malcolm Butler didn’t play in Super Bowl LII. Last week, Bill Belichick was asked about benching Malcolm Butler in the Super Bowl, but he wasn’t having any part of that question. Belichick is strictly focused on the 2018 NFL season. Whatever happened in the past is in the past. However, Malcolm Butler is one of the reasons they won Super Bowl XLIX. Without that historic interception by Butler to end the game, Brady wouldn’t have gotten his fourth Super Bowl ring. Last season Butler played in 98% of the snaps all season long. In the Super Bowl, he wasn’t on the field for defense except a special teams play.

Malcolm Was Benched Because He Missed the Team Plane

Malcolm Butler was sick and missed the team plane, and Belichick had enough and benched him the entire game. Now as a Tennessee Titan, he’s proving he belongs in the NFL. Butler told reporters on Saturday, “I don’t want anybody to feel sorry for me, I don’t want a feel-sorry-for-me story. No bad blood between me and Bill Belichick. One of the greatest coaches ever and I care about him …I know he cares about me. And this a hurtful game sometimes and it can look different than what it is. But that’s my guy. … I got a lot of respect for him.”

Belichick and Butler Have No Hard Feelings

If it wasn’t for Belichick, Butler wouldn’t be where he is at today. Belichick didn’t want to sign Butler long-term, which is why they gave that big contract to Stephon Gilmore. Butler realizes that he wouldn’t have gotten paid either if it wasn’t for Belichick. Belichick called Butler after he signed with Tennessee to congratulate him. Just like he texted Garoppolo after every win in December. Was it a football decision to bench Butler in the Super Bowl? Yes, and also a personal decision. Butler missed the team plane and that is what ticked Belichick off.

Butler has a great coach in Mike Vrabel who also is a former Patriot. The five-year $61 million dollar contract will be worth it for Butler.

BIG3 Boston Preview

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The BIG3 is a basketball league created by rapper, Ice Cube, in 2017. The league consists of mostly retired NBA players, including some former all-stars. Rules for the BIG3 are different than rules in the NBA or FIBA-sanctioned 3-on-3 games. There is a four-point shot, 14 second shot-clock, hand-checking, and more. Also, there is no time-limit as halftime starts when a team reaches 25 points, and the winner is the first to 50 (win by two).

In the second season for the BIG3, things have changed from the first season. The defending-BIG3 champs are now last in the league, and many new players have been added. For example, guys like Baron Davis, Carlos Boozer, Nate Robinson, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Metta World Peace all join a stacked group of retired NBA players. With all the changes from last season to this season, the standings have changed too.

Standings

  1. 3 Headed Monsters (6-0)
  2. Power (5-1)
  3. 3’s Company (4-2)
  4. Tri-State (4-2)
  5. Killer 3’s (2-4)
  6. Ball Hogs (1-5)
  7. Ghost Ballers (1-5)
  8. Trilogy (1-5)

Only one team remains undefeated, while three teams already said goodbye to the playoffs. With Boston hosting the second-to-last regular season week of the BIG3 this year, there are major playoff implications in some of the games.

3’s Company (4-2) vs. Ghost Ballers (1-5)

In the first game of the night, third-place 3’s Company takes on seventh-place Ghost Ballers. 3’s Company and Ghost Ballers are both coming off wins this past Friday in Toronto. The Ghost Ballers defeated defending champions, Trilogy, and 3’s Company took third place from Tri-State.

3’s Company

Coach: Michael Cooper

Roster: Dermarr Johnson (Captain), Baron Davis (co-Captain), Drew Gooden (co-Captain), Andre Emmett, Jason Maxiell, Dahntay Jones

3’s Company comes into Boston able to clinch a playoff spot with a win or Killer 3’s loss. Baron Davis did not play last week against Tri-State, but that did not affect the teams play. 3’s Company destroyed Tri-State 51-29. With Baron Davis out, players on 3’s Company needed to step up. Andre Emmett went off, having 23 points while captain Dermarr Johnson had 14. They will need to have another great performance with or without Baron Davis if they are going to clinch a playoff spot.

https://twitter.com/BBallSociety_/status/1020389464097656832

Ghost Ballers

Coach: George Gervin

Roster: Mike Bibby (Captain), Ricky Davis (co-Captain), Carlos Boozer (co-captain), Lee Nailon, Marcus Banks, Mario West

The Ghost Ballers entered week six in Toronto winless as they went up against defending champs, Trilogy. They were underdogs, but managed to pull off the 50-41 victory over the Trilogy. This team added two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer this offseason, and had high hopes. Even though they are out of the playoffs, they will still look to hold off 3’s Company’s playoff hopes. Ghost Ballers have two former Celtics on their roster (Ricky Davis, Marcus Banks).

This game between 3’s Company and Ghost Ballers is one of the more meaningful games this week. 3’s Company is able to clinch a playoff spot, while Ghost Ballers look to string together a few games.

Power (5-1) vs. 3 Headed Monsters (6-0)

Power

Coach: Nancy Lieberman

Roster: Corey Maggette (Captain), Cuttino Mobley (co-Captain), Glen Davis (co-Captain), Chris Andersen, Quentin Richardson, Ryan Gomes, Xavier Silas

The second-place Power are looking to overtake first-place for the first time this season. They have shown how dominant they are with guys Chris Andersen blocking shots. The Power have the leading scorer in the entire BIG3, Corey Maggette, who has 108 points in six games. He also top ten in rebounds alongside Power teammates, Glen Davis and Cuttino Mobley. In the Power’s last game, they beat the Killer 3’s by a score of 51-28. ‘Big Baby’ Glen Davis led the way with 14 points and two threes followed by Maggette and Mobley each having 11 points and seven boards. The Power have three former Celtics on their roster with Glen Davis, Ryan Gomes, and someone who played for them last year, Xavier Silas.

3 Headed Monsters

Coach: Gary Payton

Roster: Rashard Lewis (Captain), Reggie Evans (co-Captain), Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (co-Captain), Jamario Moon, Kwame Brown, Salim Stoudamire, Qyntel Woods

The 3 Headed Monsters are entering Friday’s game against the Power with the best record. They are the only undefeated team in the BIG3 at 6-0. The 3 Headed Monsters are bringing back key pieces from last year including reigning BIG3 MVP, Rashard Lewis. They won their last game against the Ball Hogs in Toronto by a score of 51-45. Reggie Evans went off having 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Qyntel Woods had 11 points and six rebounds.

This game includes the top two teams in the BIG3. Guys like Reggie Evans and Corey Maggette will try to show off as they compete for this years MVP. The 3 Headed Monsters will look to stay undefeated, but it will be tough as they face the one loss Power.

Ball Hogs (1-5) vs. Trilogy (1-5)

Coach: Rick Barry

Roster: Brian Scalabrine (Captain), Josh Childress (co-Captain), DeShawn Stevenson (co-Captain), Andre Owens, Corsley Edwards, Jermaine Taylor

The Ball Hogs enter this week tied for last place with a record of 1-5. After being eliminated from playoff contention in Toronto due to a 3’s Company win, they don’t have much to play for. They did have a very competitive game against the undefeated, 3 Headed Monsters this past week though. The Ball Hogs were actually leading 26-20 at halftime before losing 51-45. Jermaine Taylor lead the Hogs in that game with 18 points and Josh Childress had ten. Taylor is the Ball Hogs leading scorer as he averages 12.6 PPG. The only Celtic on the Ball Hogs is Brian Scalabrine, but he only plays 7.3 minutes per game as he takes on a player-coach role.

Trilogy

Coach: Rick Mahorn

Roster: Kenyon Martin (Captain), Al Harrington (co-Captain), Rashad McCants (co-Captain), James White, Dion Glover, Al Thornton

The Trilogy have had a disappointing season to say the least. After winning the championship in the inaugural BIG3 season, they find themselves in last place. They have brought back the same team from last year, including Kenyon Martin and reigning BIG3 DPOY, James White, but have not succeeded like they did last year. Trilogy were eliminated from playoff contention, but still looked to win against the then winless Ghost Ballers. They could not defeat the Ballers as they lost 50-41. Derrick Byars lead the Trilogy with 15 points. With Kenyon Martin only playing in two games it has been hard on the Trilogy. They will look to get a win against fellow 1-5 Ball Hogs.

This game is meaningless in the playoff picture. However, it is a treat for Boston fans to see a fan-favorite in Brian Scalabrine play again in the Garden. Scal is now a commentator for the Celtics, and was a part of that 2008 team that won the NBA Championship. Both teams will look to win to not be in last place.

Killer 3s (2-4) vs. Tri-State (4-2)

Killer 3s

Coach: Charles Oakley

Roster: Chauncey Billups (Captain), Stephen Jackson (co-Captain), Metta World Peace (co-Captain), Alan Anderson, Ryan Hollins, Mike James, Josh Powell

The Killer 3s are entering Boston with a lot to lose. A loss for them would eliminate them from playoff contention. The Killer 3s have a lot of talent on their team, including five-time All-Star Chauncey Billups, while adding former NBA DPOY Metta World Peace. This season has not been something special for the Killer 3’s as they have not lived up to expectations. In their most recent game against the Power, they lost 50-28. This loss pushed them further to the brink of elimination. Metta World Peace led the Killer 3s in scoring with only nine points. Stephen Jackson leads the Killer 3s in PPG with 16.6, while Metta World Peace holds it down defensively. Chauncey Billups will not play this year, but he is not the only Celtic on the roster. The Killer 3s have Ryan Hollins and Mike James as other former Celtics.

Tri-State

Coach: Julius Erving

Roster: Jermaine O’Neal (Captain), Nate Robinson (co-Captain), Amar’e Stoudemire (co-Captain), David Hawkins, Robert Hite, Bonzi Wells

Tri-State has been one of the more fun teams to watch this BIG3 season. With big NBA names like Amar’e Stoudemire, Nate Robinson, and Jermaine O’Neal they are on the verge of the playoffs. A win here would clinch that for Tri-State. Tri-State could have clinched a playoff berth last week, but failed to do so as they lost to 3’s Company 51-29. David Hawkins led Tri-State with ten points in the loss. Amar’e Stoudemire has shown how dominant he is in these games on defense. He has seven blocks and 24 rebounds this season. David Hawkins is leading Tri-State with 17.5 PPG. Tri-State enters Boston with two well-known former Celtics, Nate Robinson and Jermaine O’Neal.

This game is probably the most important game of the night. With Tri-State able to clinch a playoff berth, and the Killer 3s looking to stay alive, it is one to watch.

With the playoffs approaching, there are many games with heavy implications this week. The first game will air on Facebook Live while the last three will be on FS1.

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.

BSE at Patriots Training Camp (@steveA1127)

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 Boston Sports Extra At Patriots Training Camp

The Patriots had day four of training camp yesterday morning. Throughout the practice the Patriots did a lot of 11-on-11 drills. The Patriots were in full pads for the second day of training camp. Rookie running back Sony Michel went untouched on 20 and 30 yard dashes as well.

Julian Edelman Looks Great

Julian Edelman still looks good coming off his ACL injury. Edelman will miss the first four games of the season due to his suspension. During today’s practice, though, Cordarelle Patterson made the catch of training camp so far. Eric Rowe was covering.

James White is Helping Sony Michel

James White was asked on Friday about Sony Michel, to which he responded, “You try to help him as much as you can, try not to throw too much at him but help him here and there after each rep, just coach him up a little bit on the side. But, you don’t want to give him too much at one time so he can just go out there and play fast. It’s just football at the end of the day, just take your coaching points and once you’re out there just go out there play fast, and play football.”

Sony Michel spoke after Sunday’s practice and said, “I’m actually getting a chance to learn from one of them — James White — and many more. Brandon, Rex — a lot of guys in that room, I get to learn from, and I think that’s pretty cool.”

Boston Sports Extra was in attendance when James White spoke to media. Julian Edelman also spoke today on getting ready for the season. He talked about what is in the past is the past. He just has to keep moving forward.

With the first four days of training camp in the books, the Patriots will move on to next week to begin the next phase in training camp.

Remembering Reggie – 25 Years Since The Loss of Reggie Lewis

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Drafted out of Northeastern

Courtesy of NBC Sports

Boston Drafts Reggie Lewis in the First Round

Reggie Lewis was picked22nd overall by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft. His talent and work ethic displayed at Northeastern didn’t go unnoticed, even though it is a smaller college basketball program. In his rookie season, he averaged only 8.5 minutes and 4.5 PPG. With Boston’s Big 3 running the show, he would sit and watch like any other rookie and learn from the legends. Reggie’s second year was completely different. He played in 81 of 82 games, averaging 18.5 PPG and showing he could be the next great Celtic. As each year past, Lewis got better, becoming a fan favorite with his offense and defensive play. Reggie was quickly becoming a star in the NBA, which was on full display in the 90’s.

In March of the 91-92 season, Boston went up against the great Michael Jordan. Lewis was up for that challenge, famously blocking four of MJ’s shots. During that season, Lewis averaged a career high 20.8 PPG playing in all 82 games. He was the only Celtic to be represented in the All-Star game. By years end, Lewis became the only Celtic in history to have over 100 rebounds, 100 assists, 100 blocks, and 100 steals. In 1992, Lewis chosen as captain of the Celtics.

Courtesy of NBA.com

The Rise and Fall

Reggie Lewis entered the 1993 NBA playoffs against the Charlotte Hornets at home in the Boston Garden. In Game 1 of the first round, Lewis started the game shooting 7-11 and scoring 17 points until he collapsed on to the floor 13 minutes into the game. The fans waited in utter silence as Lewis eventually woke up. Unbelievably, Lewis tried to come back into the game. He played another 6 mins until the coaching staff had to get him off the floor. Those would be the last minutes he ever played in the NBA.

Reggie was taken after the game to New England Baptist Hospital to have tests done by 12 cardiologists. The Celtics called them a “dream team” of doctors. Reggie didn’t get the news he was hoping for as the doctors advised him of a heart condition that can be fatal. He was strongly advised to stop playing basketball. Reggie Lewis decided to seek a second opinion. He transferred to Brigham and women’s hospital for more testing. Dr. Gilbert Mudge disagreed with the first diagnosis Reggie received from the previous hospital, assuring the All-Star it wasn’t a heart condition and he could resume playing basketball with no limitations. Going with the second opinion, Reggie went to work on his jumper and on July 27th, 1993, Lewis collapsed to the floor and  tragically passed away two hours later in the hospital.

The Legacy

Lewis was 27 years ols when he passed. But his memory will live forever through the Reggie Lewis track and athletic center. He will never be forgotten on the court. Number 35 will always be up above as the Celtics retired his number in 1995.

Courtesy of NBC Sports

Down On The Farm- 7/21-7/27 (@Pr1m3_Kyr1e)

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Down on the farm is a series in which every weekend, I will be updating you on weekly results from the Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA) as well as the Portland Sea Dogs (AA), Salem Red Sox (High A) and Lowell Spinners (class a short season). After every team is recapped, individual stats are posted. Also, there will be a prospect of the week section at the end.

Down On The Farm- Pawtucket Red Sox

The Sox started off the week on Saturday with a 5-4 loss. Castillo got three hits, but Josh A Smith picked up the loss over three innings of relief. They lost again on Sunday by the score of 4-3. Mike Miller drove in two runs, but Josh D Smith gave up the winning run in the tenth. Pawtucket had the day off on Monday and won 6-3 on Tuesday. Dan Butler went deep and William Cuevas got the win by giving up two runs in 6.2 innings.

They lost on Wednesday, 3-1. The offense was stagnant and Rodriguez Jr gave up two runs in two innings. The Sox lost again on Thursday by the score 6-4. Tavarez hit a home run but Robby Scott gave up two runs in the tenth. They closed out the week on Friday with a 6-1 win over the Knights. Castillo knocked in three runs and Chandler Shepherd gave up one run in five innings.

Down On The Farm- Portland Sea Dogs

The Sea Dogs started off the week with a 4-1 loss on Saturday. The offense was stifled and Kyle Hart gave up one run over seven innings. They did not play on Sunday and they won 6-0 on Monday. Jantzen White went deep and Jiminez threw 5.2 scoreless innings. Portland won again on Tuesday, 1-0. Michael Chavis drove in the only run and Shawaryn threw seven scoreless innings. The Sea Dogs lost on Wednesday, 8-7, in ten innings. Chavis, Tendler, and Betts all went deep but Weems gave up five runs in two innings of relief. They lost again on Thursday by the score of 8-1. McGrath gave up two runs in four innings and the offense was frustrated. They closed out the week on Friday with a 5-1 win over Trenton. De la Guerra drove in two runs and Gorst gave up no runs in four innings.

Down On The Farm- Salem Red Sox

Salem started off the week with a 7-3 loss. Baldwin knocked in two runs, but McAvoy gave up four runs in 3.1 innings. The Sox lost again on Sunday by the score of 5-0. The offense got blanked and Thompson allowed four runs in five innings. They picked up the win on Monday by a score of 3-1. Downs hit a home run and Houck gave up zero earned runs in six innings. On Tuesday, Salem lost by the score of 8-6. Downs drove in three runs and Oliver gave up two runs in 1.2 innings.

The Red Sox lost on Wednesday, 8-4. Bobby Dalbec drove in two runs and Gonzalez allowed four runs in 3.2 innings. On Thursday, they lost again by a score of 5-4. Procyshen gave up two runs and Bryan Mata gave up one run in an inning. He got pulled after one inning, but it wasn’t not trade related. Salem closed out the week on Friday with a 6-5 loss. Thompson gave up five runs in six innings while Dalbeck knocked in three runs.

Down On The Farm- Lowell Spinners

Lowell started off the week with a 3-2 loss. The offense could not do anything and Haworth picked up the loss by giving up one run in 3.1 innings of relief. On Sunday, they went 0-2 in a doubleheader. The offense was quiet, scoring a combined two runs in the games. The Spinners did not play on Monday and won 5-3 on Tuesday. Duran drove in two runs and Ahearn gave up zero runs in three innings of relief. On Wednesday, Lowell lost by a score of 10-8. Dearden knocked in three runs and Biondic gave up three runs in 1.2 innings. The Spinners lost 5-2 on Thursday. The offense was stagnant and Politi gave up four runs in the ninth, blowing the save. Lowell closed out the week with a 9-3 loss. LeGrant knocked in a run but Machamer gave up six runs in 1.2 innings.

Prospect Of The Week- Darwinzon Hernandez

Seventh-ranked prospect in the system

Pitcher for Salem

3.99 ERA this year

Lefty, age 21

Red Sox Never Had A Shot At Zach Britton

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Zach Britton was a name rumored among many teams within the last few weeks. Britton  had arguably the greatest season ever by a reliever just a couple years ago. Its no secret why a team in the pennant race would want to snatch this guy. The race for Britton came between three teams: Houston, New York, and Boston. 

Recently, I wrote that the Red Sox wouldn’t have enough for Britton. They were in play for him, no doubt, as this is a team that certainly needs help in its bullpen. Dombrowski knew he had too little pieces to trade to Baltimore in order to get a guy like Britton. Unless they give up the only good prospects left for a rental, no deal can be done. 

BRITTON TRADED

So no deal was done, as Britton was traded to the Yankees. As the info released on who the Yankees gave up, it became more of a realization the Red Sox never had a chance. Three years ago, Dombrowski traded four solid prospects to San Diego for Craig Kimbrel. Dombrowski had to give up a lot in that trade because he was getting three years of Kimbrel in return. In this case with Britton, you can’t really do that with a rental. The Yankees did. They didn’t necessarily give up exactly what Boston was willing to give up. But they came awfully close to the deal the Red Sox did as far as the top prospects they had to give away.

So in reality, there was never a shot for Dombrowski to get this deal done. Jeurys Familia, who was an option for the Red Sox, was traded to Oakland. So there’s another guy crossed off the list. The trade deadline is getting closer and closer. Options become more slim and it will be vital to make a deal as this bullpen is becoming more worrisome every day. It’s going to be tough, but we have to put faith in Dombrowski. 

Examining How The Celtics Rotation Will Shape Up

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This year’s Celtics rotation will be the strongest in years.

With Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving both returning, this is likely the deepest roster we’ve seen since the ’08 team. With 15 guaranteed contracts, the current roster is likely going to be the same as the opening day roster, barring an August trade. Let’s examine which players will get big minutes this upcoming year, as well as which players will see a rise or fall in their roles, and who is likely to ride the pine all year.

Image result for celtics starters

Via CBS Boston

The Starters

PG- Kyrie Irving                                                                                                                                                      SG- Jaylen Brown                                                                                                                                                  SF- Gordon Hayward                                                                                                                                            PF- Jayson Tatum                                                                                                                                                  C- Al Horford

This was going to be the starting lineup last year before Hayward’s injury. This season, were are likely to see it opening night. Kyrie, Hayward, and Horford are locks to be in the starting lineup on a nightly basis. If the Celtics decide to go with a bigger lineup in some games, they’ll slide Aron Baynes in at center. If that happens, either Brown or Tatum will come off the bench (probably Brown). Brad Stevens has shown willingness to adjust the lineup depending on the opponent. With everyone healthy, he has more freedom to do so. The Celtics can go big with Baynes, and if they want, they can go even bigger by taking Kyrie out of the lineup for stretches and running with the remaining starters and Baynes. Brown, Tatum, and Hayward all have shown their ability to be ballhandlers in the past. Even Horford brings the ball up confidently and efficiently. Lineup flexibility is going to be a huge advantage for the Celtics this year.

As far as minutes go, Irving and Horford won’t see much fluctuation in theirs. Kyrie averaged 32.2 MPG last year and Horford averaged 31.6. These numbers won’t change much. The main variable is Hayward returning. He’s going to get around 30 MPG as well and he’ll draw them from a lot of different places. Tatum and Brown could see their minutes drop to accommodate Hayward, though not drastically. They both averaged 30 MPG last year. They could drop to around 28, but it probably won’t dip much farther than that. Things are pretty straightforward in the starting lineup, but the bench is where it gets interesting.

Image result for celtics bench

Via Boston Herald

The Bench

Guards- Terry Rozier, Marcus Smart, Brad Wanamaker, Jabari Bird                                                      Forwards- Marcus Morris, Semi Ojeleye, Robert Williams, Guerschon Yabusele                            Centers- Aron Baynes, Daniel Theis

As previously mentioned, this team is crazy-deep. Four of these players could easily be starters on other teams, and you can make the case for more. There are a few interesting situations to watch this year. One is what the team will do with Rozier. Last season, Smart played more minutes (29.9) than Rozier (25.9). However, with Rozier’s breakout at the end of the year, we’ll see if their roles change. I’d guess that their roles are similar this year; they’ll be the first ones off the bench. I don’t see Williams playing too much this year – he’s got Baynes and Theis both ahead of him on the depth chart. He’ll see some garbage time minutes, but probably not much more as the Celtics develop him.

Another story to watch is what happens with Marcus Morris. He’s still of value to the team, but Hayward is going to usurp much of his role. He played 26.8 MPG last year; that could take a big hit with Hayward and the continuing evolution of Ojeleye. Another player who will see their minutes drop is Baynes. His starting role is gone now, and though he’s the first big off the bench, his minutes will be reduced as well. Brad Wanamaker is a wild card, as he’s an overseas signing. It’ll be interesting to see if he plays.

This roster is a beautiful sight after the depleted stretches last year. This team has a lot of players that can contribute, but there are only so many minutes to go around. With lots of talent, Brad Stevens has some tough decisions to make. The starters are set in stone, but after that, the waters get murky. No matter who ends up playing, the Celtics are ready to go for the 2018-19 season. Let’s leave it in the hands of the best head coach in basketball to figure out the optimal rotations.

Who do you think will get big minutes? Let me know on twitter- @jackbuffett_

Brian Johnson Is Better Suited For Rotation

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Despite Drew Pomeranz struggles this season, Alex Cora said he would remain in the starting rotation. Following the acquisition of right-hander Nathan Eovaldi from Tampa Bay, this presumably leaves Brian Johnson without a spot in the rotation. If the Red Sox follow through with those plans, they will be making a serious mistake.

Minor League Career

Brian Johnson came through the system as a starting pitcher following a two-way career in college. He made 103 appearances during his minor league career, all starts. Not once, ever, did he pitch out of the bullpen during his professional career until this season. He made one start for the Red Sox in 2015 and five starts in 2017 in addition to his 103 minor league starts.

During Johnson’s time in the minor leagues, he won 32 games against 26 losses. More importantly, he pitched to a stellar 2.69 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. Opponents batted just .216 against Johnson. This wasn’t just beating up on the low minors, as Johnson was 10-2 with a 1.75 ERA in AA Portland. In AAA, Johnson still posted a very good 3.18 ERA. Minor league success does not mean success in the big leagues, but it shows his success as a starting pitcher.

Brian Johnson enjoyed great success as a starting pitcher in the minor leagues.

Headed to the Bullpen

After six seasons of exclusively pitching as a starter, the Red Sox put Johnson in their bullpen to begin the season. This was the right move to make as they didn’t have room in their starting rotation. Johnson was out of minor league options so he had to be on the club or would be open to waivers. The bullpen did not agree with Johnson, however, which really isn’t a surprise. Johnson is not the type of pitcher who typically succeeds in relief; he doesn’t throw hard, he isn’t deceptive, and doesn’t have a funky delivery from the left side. His stuff isn’t going to play up out of the pen.

Johnson made 21 appearances out of the bullpen, totaling 30 innings pitched. His ERA was much too high for a starter, let alone a reliever at 5.10. He was relegated to mop-up roles, and deservedly so. He put lots of men on base, posting a 1.47 WHIP. The only thing he did better as a reliever was striking out a few more batters.

A Spot Opens Up

Brian Johnson got his chance to start again due to injuries in the Red Sox rotation, and he took advantage. Over six starts, Johnson has thrown 30 innings – the exact same amount of innings he has thrown in relief. While working up his arm strength, Johnson has pitched to a 1.80 ERA over his 30 innings starting. His WHIP, although not great, is much lower at 1.33. He sports a 5.10 ERA relieving, but a 1.80 ERA starting, both in 30 innings. The guy is just built to start. I’m not saying he will post a 1.80 ERA for the rest of the season if starting, but he will pitch better there than in relief.

Johnson’s best outing yet was his last one, pitching 5.2 shutout innings against the Twins. The start before he allowed two runs, but neither was earned over five innings. He’s getting stronger the more they stretch his arm out.

Drew Pomeranz

Drew Pomeranz, on the other hand, has an ERA of 6.91 this season as a starter. Why is he pitching again? Yes, he was very good last year, but he has not been the same pitcher. Throwing a fastball in the upper-80’s, it practically screams “hit me” when he misses his spot. Pomeranz only has one outing all year in which he allowed less than three runs. Over his last five starts, Pomeranz is 0-3 with an unsightly 8.57 ERA. Opponents have a slash line of .330/.425/.560/.985 during that time against him. Basically, the average hitter against him is turned into an MVP candidate lately.

Unlike Johnson, Pomeranz has success as a reliever, especially at the Major League level. He didn’t pan out as a starter at first and was moved to the bullpen in 2014. He didn’t have to worry about pitching longer and his stuff played up. In 10 relief appearances that season, Pomeranz had a 1.62 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. The next season, Pomeranz pitched to a 2.61 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 44 relief appearances. Compare this to his 4.63 ERA and 1.30 WHIP as a starting pitcher that season and it is clear Pomeranz has had much more success in the bullpen, by and large.

Maybe something isn’t right with Pomeranz and he won’t be effective anywhere, but that certainly doesn’t mean the Red Sox should be trotting him back out to the mound every five days to get lit up. Try him in the bullpen, where he has been effective before and see how he does.

It makes no sense to throw a guy pitching well like Johnson back in the bullpen, especially when he has had zero professional success in that role and when Pomeranz is stinking up the mound.

 

Featured picture from FanRag Sports