On This Day In Red Sox History: July 15, 2005 (@TheFrizz87)

Leave a reply

On Friday, July 15, 2005, the Red Sox and Yankees met for the second of a four game series at Fenway Park. This was the first series after the All-Star break and the Yankees had taken the first game to move within 1.5 games of the Sox for first place in the East. Through nine games, the Red Sox had gone 5-4 in their season series. Among the wins was a 17-1 victory at Yankee Stadium in late May.

Taking the Field

The Red Sox sent former Yankee David Wells to the mound. Wells was in his first season with Boston and just a year removed from his second stint with the Yankees. He had pitched twice versus New York already on the season, going 1-1. For New York, newcomer Tim Redding would take the hill. The Yankees had just acquired Redding along with Darrell May from the Padres for Paul Quantrill. Redding was 0-5 with an unsightly 9.10 ERA while pitching in the National League West.

Wells cruised through the top half of the first, striking out Derek Jeter and Robinson Canon before getting Gary Sheffield to fly out. Johnny Damon was the Red Sox leadoff hitter and singled to right to open up the home half of the first. Edgar Renteria walked before Tim Redding surprisingly struck out David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez back-to-back. With two outs, Trot Nixon doubled home both Damon and Renteria to put the Red Sox on the board first. After a Kevin Millar walk, Jason Varitek doubled and the Red Sox were ahead 3-0.

Sox Chase Redding

After another 1-2-3 inning for Wells, the Red Sox offense went back to work. Mark Bellhorn and Johnny Damon walked followed by a single by Edgar Renteria to load the bases. Just like that, Redding’s night was over, as was his Yankees career. Redding never threw another pitch for the Yankees, getting just three outs. In came Darrell May, their other recent acquisition from the Padres. The left-hander fared a little better, if only marginally so. A run came home on a fielder’s choice. Manny Ramirez followed with a double to left to score the Red Sox fifth run of the night. Trot Nixon, in the play of the night, hit a fly ball to center that seemed to tail some. Melky Cabrera, coming in for the play missed the ball as it glanced off his glove. Trot kept running as the ball rolled well past Cabrera and came around to score with a three-run inside-the-park home run! The Red Sox were up 8-0 and it was only the second inning. Tim Redding allowed six runs while only recording three outs in his only appearance for the Yankees.

Melky Cabrera misses Trot Nixon’s fly ball, leading to an inside-the-park home run.

Red Sox Chase Another Yankee Acquisition

The Red Sox got another run in the third when Edgar Renteria drove home Johnny Damon. In the top of the 4th, the Yankees got their first hit off their old buddy on a ground ball into center by Robinson Cano. After a wild pitch moved him to second, Gary Sheffield drove him home with another hit. Wells would get Alex Rodriguez to hit into a double play and Hideki Matsui to ground out to end the inning. The Yankees had scored a run, good for them.

In the bottom of the inning, the Sox got two men on via walk with two outs. Bill Mueller doubled to left to drive home Kevin Millar with the Sox’ 10th run. After another walk, Johnny Damon doubled home two more runs to chase Darrell May from the game. May had equaled Tim Redding’s six runs allowed, although at least he had gotten eight batters out to Redding’s three. This was May’s second outing as a Yankee, having allowed seven runs six days prior against the Indians. Just like Redding, this would be his final outing with the Yankees. The Yankees two recent trade acquisitions pitched a combined three games for the Yankees, allowing 19 runs over eight innings. May never pitched in the big leagues again.

A Grand Slam

The Yankees found some semblance of competency with Jason Anderson, who enjoyed a 1-2-3 fifth inning after recording the final out of the fourth. Meanwhile, David Wells kept cruising along, allowing just one hit between the fifth and sixth.

Anderson did not seem up for another inning of work however. Kevin Millar led off with a double before Anderson walked Varitek. Alex Cora then pinch-hit for Bill Mueller and singled to load the bases. Anderson actually got two outs after that without allowing a run to come in. Close to getting out of the jam, Anderson walked Edgar Renteria to bring home the Red Sox’ 13th run of the game. That was the end of Anderson’s night. With David Ortiz due up, the Yankees brought in long-time lefty specialist Buddy Groom. With two outs and the bases loaded, Ortiz took an 0-1 offering from Groom deep to right and over the fence for a grand slam. So much for the lefty specialist, the Red Sox now led 17-1.

David Ortiz follows through on his grand slam off pitcher Buddy Groom in the sixth inning at Fenway Park on July 15, 2005. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Yankees Get Embarrassed

The rest of the game was uneventful. Buddy Groom wound up pitching a shutout seventh after allowing the grand slam. For the Red Sox, David Wells went seven innings allowing just one run to improve to 7-5 on the season. John Halama had a perfect eighth followed by Geremi Gonzalez bringing home the huge victory with a perfect ninth. For the second time on the season, the Red Sox had beaten the Yankees by a score of 17-1. Trot Nixon and David Ortiz both drove in five runs on the day, with Nixon hitting the inside-the-park home run and Ortiz the grand slam.

Down on the Farm 7/7-7/13 (@Pr1m3_Kyr1e)

Leave a reply

Down on the farm is a series in which every weekend, I will be providing weekly results from the Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA), 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 listed and dissected. Also, a “prospect of the week” will be featured at the end.

Down on the Farm- Pawtucket Red Sox

Pawtucket went 2-2 on the week and they are now 42-47 on the season. The Paw Sox started off the week with a 4-2 win on Saturday. Josh D. Smith picked up the win in relief, giving up one run in three innings. Pawtucket lost on Sunday by the score of 3-2. The offense was stagnant and Fernando Rodriguez Jr. allowed one run in 2.1 innings. They were off for the All-Star break, and Rusney Castillo, Jalen Beeks, and Ryan Brasier played in the game. They returned on Thursday and beat Syracuse 7-3. Tavarez drove in two runs and Justin Haley gave up two runs in 5.2 innings to pick up the win. The Pawsox lost 6-3 on Friday. Pomeranz gave up three runs in 3.2 innings and the offense was stifled.

Portland Sea Dogs

Portland went 1-3 over the week and they are now 35-54 on the season. The Sea Dogs started off the week with a 5-0 loss on Saturday. Matthew Kent gave up four runs in six innings and the offense was frustrated. They lost again on Sunday by the score of 4-1. Mike Shawaryn gave up three runs in five innings and the offense was left blanked. Portland did not play because of the All-Star break, and returned on Thursday. They won 5-4 on Thursday against New Hampshire. Michael Chavis knocked in two runs and Travis Lankins picked up the win in an inning of relief. They lost on Friday, 5-3 to close out the week. The offense could not do anything and Teddy Stankiewicz allowed three runs in seven innings to pick up the loss.

Salem Red Sox

The Red Sox went 4-3 over the week and they are now 45-45 on the season. Salem started off the week with a 9-4 win. Bobby Dalbec knocked in four runs and Tanner Houck gave up one run in seven innings to pick up the win. The Red Sox won 7-4 on Sunday. Ian Sagdal went deep and Darwinzon Hernandez gave up no hits in 5.2 innings to pick up the win. On Monday they lost by the score of 7-3. Daniel Gonzalez gave up four runs in six innings and the offense was quiet.

They rebounded and won 8-4 on Tuesday. Bobby Dalbec went deep again, and Bryan Mata gave up four runs in five innings to pick up the win. Salem won again the next day by the score of 5-4 via walkoff. Trenton Kemp hit a two-run home run and Harrison Cooney picked up the win by throwing a scoreless inning of relief. They lost on Thursday by the score of 6-5. Procyshen knocked in two runs but Tanner Houck gave up five runs in six innings. They closed out the week with a 10-1 win against Wilmington. Downs and Kemp went deep and Darwinzon Hernandez threw six scoreless innings.

Lowell Spinners

Lowell started off the week with a 3-1 win on Saturday. Cottam went deep but Andrew Politi gave up two runs in 2.1 innings. They lost again on Sunday by the score of 10-5. Brandon Phillips hit his first home run in the Red Sox organization but Taylor Ahearn gave up three runs to pick up the loss. The Spinners rebounded and won 9-6 on Monday. Michael Chavis hit is first home run since his return and Yorvin Pantoja gave up two runs in four innings to pick up the win. They did not play on the tenth and won 6-1 on Thursday. Trey Ganns knocked in two runs Eduard Bazardo gave up one run in six innings. Lowell closed out the week with an 8-5 week with an 8-5 win in ten innings. Taylor Dearden knocked in the go-ahead run and Victor Garcia picked up the save.

Prospect of the Week- Bobby Dalbec

Hitting 0.487 in his last ten games

Plays for Salem, age 23

A third baseman, bats and throws right

Revisiting Potential Risers in Red Sox Farm System (@TheFrizz87)

Leave a reply

In January, I wrote an article highlighting some Red Sox minor leaguers who might be able to make a leap in prospect rankings with a good season. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like any of them will crack Baseball America’s top 100 next season. In fact, with what has happened with Jay Groome and Michael Chavis this year, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see no Red Sox farm hands make the rankings for 2019. That doesn’t mean all is lost though, some of these guys are still performing well.

The Pitchers

Bryan Mata 

Mata is the Red Sox lone representative in the Futures Game. However, there have still been concerns with his season. Mata was known for being a well-polished pitcher for his age, having excellent command of his pitches despite being just 18 years old. Instead, Mata has walked 57 batters in 71 innings pitched this season, leading to a WHIP of 1.59. Despite the uncharacteristic amount of walks, Mata has been able to keep his ERA down, posting a 3.42 ERA in high-A to this point. Although it’s discouraging to see his control regress, it is encouraging to see him keep teams off the scoreboard still. At just 19 years old, he has a lot of development left and could easily get his control back to where it needs to be.

Tanner Houck

Houck has not made the strides he needed to make this year. The Red Sox first round pick last year is 4-11 with a 5.14 ERA for the season. His control needs to improve and he still could use the help of developing a better third pitch. Houck can reach the upper-90’s and has a good slider, but not much beyond that. He showed some potential when he threw six no-hit innings on June 14th. His good games have been too few and far between though. Houck might ultimately wind up being tried in the bullpen in the future if he doesn’t turn things around. His fastball and slider combination might play up better in the pen and get him to the Major Leagues.

Mike Shawaryn

Shawaryn has mostly put up the same numbers in AA this year as he has always put up. The main difference is a little bit of a decrease in strike outs at the higher level, but not an alarming drop-off. He has pitched to a 3.65 ERA this season with an excellent 1.10 WHIP. He still does strike out batters too, just not over a strike out per inning anymore. Shawaryn has struck out 85 batters over 93.2 innings pitched. It looks like he will continue to increase his amount of innings pitched while still being effective, a good progress in his development.

The Hitters

Josh Ockimey at the plate for the Sea Dogs.

Josh Ockimey

In January, I wrote that Ockimey was a three “true outcome” hitter, and that hasn’t changed in Portland this season. It is encouraging to see his power continue to develop while also maintaining his patience at the plate. In a game I went to in May, Ockimey hit a blast to right that was just to the right of a light tower. After striking out in his second at-bat, I correctly predicted a walk in his third at-bat. On the season, Ockimey has batted .265 with 12 home runs in AA. He has struck out 86 times in 249 at-bats, but has also drawn 50 walks, leading to an excellent .385 on-base percentage. So far he is putting up the best season of his minor league career.

Bobby Dalbec

Dalbec was someone who needed a bounceback season to restore his prospect status; boy has he done that of late. Dalbec has been on fire, posting multiple hits five times in the last ten games. Twice in that span he has banged out four base hits. Dalbec also has a multi-homer game and six home runs total in that 10 game span. With the red hot streak, Dalbec has raised his season average to a respectable .257. He has 21 home runs in A-ball, a number not many reach down in that level. He also draws a good amount of walks, giving him a nice .369 OBP to go along with his excellent .561 slugging percentage. The downside to Dalbec is the amount of swing and miss in his game, striking out 110 times in the first half of the season. It would be interesting to see how he fares if the Red Sox move him up to Portland in the second half.

 

Red Sox and O’s Discussing Zach Britton (@bosox_4150)

Leave a reply

This Red Sox bullpen becomes more worrisome by the day. Joe Kelly, who is supposed to be one of the more reliable guys, now has an ERA near 4.0. In fact, since the beginning of June, he owns an ERA of 8.31. In other words, definitely not someone you can trust, especially against a team like the Yankees or Astros. As far as Tyler Thornburg goes, you can’t rush him into high leverage situations just yet as he just returned back to the show. Other than Kimbrel and Matt Barnes, who have overall been solid, there really is nobody who is trustworthy. So what can Dombrowski do in order to make this bullpen less stressful?

Dave Dombrowski has a history of having the relief pitching be the weakest part of his teams. And as we’ve seen for years now, it’s incredibly important to have a good bullpen if you want to win in the postseason. Dombrowski will have to prove this deadline that he can in fact build a good enough squad of relievers. I’m here to tell you that some good news. They certainly are active and will continue to be until a deal is made. I recently mentioned their interest in Jeurys Familia from the Mets. But there is another name out there as well that I recently got some specific info on.

Sox Are Eyeing Britton

Of all the relievers out there, Zach Britton is one you may want to keep an eye on. According to sources, Britton is in play as far as the Red Sox go. The only thing getting in the way are the Red Sox prospects. They aren’t so sure that the Orioles will be interested in anyone in their farm system. If the price is going to be too much, they can’t do it. The farm system has already been depleted too much to just get rid of more guys. Another big job for Dombrowski will be revamping that farm system. But that’s a conversation for another day.

So once again, don’t forget about Zach Britton, even if he belongs to a division rival. If the Orioles can find some prospects that they like that won’t hurt Boston’s farm system too much, a deal could very well be worked out. Although a trade is not imminent, it’s certainly possible, and something that would help this shaky bullpen out a great deal.

Brady One of SI’s 2018 Most Fashionable Athletes (@shanna_mc)

Leave a reply

Tom Brady: Fashion Icon?

We all known Tom Brady is at the top of his game when it comes to football, but he’s also at the top of the fashion game. The evolution of Brady’s look has come with his rise to fame and the influence of his supermodel wife. He went from an awkward-looking kid at the NFL Combine to one of Sports Illustrated’s 2018 Most Stylish Athletes. The almost 41-year-old always gives us a show on the field and off the field gives us outfit inspiration.

Image result for brady at the nfl combine

Tom Brady at the 2000 NFL Draft Combine

The 2018 Most Fashionable Athletes list is created by style experts and Sports Illustrated’s 2016 Most Fashionable Player Victor Cruz. They say of Brady, “Whether he’s flanked by his supermodel wife on the red carpet or stepping off a plane en route to a game, the 40-year-old quarterback has kept up his easygoing style during his 18 years in the NFL.”

While some athletes like to keep it casual for post-game press conferences and interviews, many players show their personalities with what they wear. New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. caught the top spot on this year’s most fashionable list. Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics also made the list for having an effortlessly cool sense of style.

Brady’s Style

Number 12 has evolved his style, and his hair, during his almost two decades in the league. He admits that often his wife Gisele Bundchen picks out his outfits, but he created some of his own looks as well. Remember that time he single-handedly brought back turtlenecks?! In the past Brady has been the face of Ugg Australia, Tag Heuer and keeps his sneaker game fresh with his deal with Under Armour.

Image result for tom brady turtlenecks

Tom Brady before Super Bowl LII (NFL)

His boldest fashion choices have come at the MET Gala and the Kentucky Derby. At these events he is able to take fashion to the next level and surprise people with his wardrobe choices.

Image result for tom brady met gala

Brady and Gisele Bunchen at the 2018 Met Gala (Sports Illustrated)

 

Image result for tom brady met gala

Brady and Bundchen at the 2013 Met Gala (Getty Images)

 

David Ortiz and Tom Brady at the 2017 Kentucky Derby

Belichick: A Fashion Influencer

Brady does not just get fashion advice from his wife Gisele Bundchen. Bill Belichick also seems to influence Brady’s wardrobe. Belichick is not known for his impeccable sense of style, but fans always recognize his signature cut-off hoodie look. Brady is known to copy this fashion choice from time to time.

Image result for brady in a cutoff sweatshirt

Not all of Brady’s outfits are home runs (or should I say touchdowns), but whether you love them or hate them you’re bound to have an opinion on his wardrobe choices.

Cristiano Ronaldo- Adding to His Legacy (@SOURCEFRIAS)

Leave a reply

At the age of 33, Cristiano Ronaldo has won 26 trophies in his career and is looking for more.

Photo courtesy:
CR7 Museum

He started his career playing in Portugal and was noticed by Manchester United during a friendly game. The rest is history.

Over the course of his career, Ronaldo has received five Ballon d’Or Awards, the most for a European player tied for the most all-time. Ronaldo also holds the records for most official goals scored in the top five European leagues. He has scored 670 goals for clubs and country.

His time at Manchester United

Photo courtesy:
GOAL.com

He won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008 with United. During his time in England, he was able to accomplish many personal awards as a young player. As a team they also won the English Premier League in 2007, 2008, and 2009. He also added to those championships with four other domestic trophies. In the 2007 season he also won his first UEFA Champions League trophy and added a FIFA Club World Cup in 2008.

He spent six years in Manchester and in 2009 decided it was time to move on and play for his favorite childhood team: Real Madrid.

In his prime at Real Madrid

Photo courtesy:
GOAL.com

At 24, Ronaldo was set to become the most expensive footballer in history following United’s decision to accept Real’s offer. At his time at the Bernabeu, he faced off annually against Messi and Barcelona, but still managed to add to his awards and trophies. They were able to win the Spanish La Liga in 2011 and 2016. Some of the historic moments for Real were winning the UEFA Champions League in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018, giving them the most of any other team. During that time they also won another nine domestic trophies in competitions and more FIFA Club World Cups in 2014, 2016, and 2017.

 

His international career with Portugal

Photo courtesy:
ABOLA

Cristiano is Portugal’s all-time leader in goals and games played. He was able to captain the team to the Euro 2016 Championship and they also placed in the World Cup and Confederations Cup as well.

Juventus welcomes CR7 

Photo courtesy:
Bleacher report

Ronaldo is now 33 and is still proving his tremendous skill. He is determined to rule Italy as he has done previously in England and Spain. The team is hoping to add more titles and trophies, and he wants nothing more than to add to his already impressive collection in the CR7 Museum.

Follow on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS

Betts

Fresh Take Friday: Mookie Betts Is Better Than Mike Trout Right Now (@jackbuffett_)

Leave a reply

The AL MVP Race Consists of Two Players- Mookie and Mike

For years, Mike Trout has reigned supreme as the face of Major League Baseball. He has two MVP awards to his name already. Until this year, no one questioned his status as the best player in baseball. However, Mookie Betts is dominating this year for the first-place Red Sox. The results of the All-Star Game fan voting showed him with 600,000 more votes than Trout. While this is by no means an accurate measure of their skill, the stats show that it’s time to consider Mookie the best player in baseball right now.

Photo via USA Today

(Disclaimer: note that this is RIGHT NOW. Trout has had a far more successful career. Just making it clear.)

The Stats

Let’s get this out of the way right now: yes, Mike Trout has a better WAR than Mookie Betts. Trout’s is 7.1, Betts’ is 5.9. Some people think that is the end-all, be-all of baseball statistics. It is not. That is a conversation for another time, though.

Photo via Getty Images

Let’s start with batting average-the most basic baseball statistic. Mookie Betts currently leads all of baseball in this area, currently hitting .352. Mike Trout is hitting .314. Trout has a higher on-base percentage, beating Mookie .457 to .440. All that means is that more of Trout’s appearances on base come from walks, while Mookie hits more, but draws walks less. Mookie’s slugging percentage is .683 right now, leading the MLB. Trout’s is .618. Betts also leads the league in OPS (on-base plus slugging), with an absurd 1.123, in front of Trout’s 1.075. If you’re looking at solely these numbers, you’re thinking Betts is better, no?

Maybe you’re not a percentage fan. If that’s the case, take a gander at these numbers. Thus far this year, Trout has had 415 plate appearances and Mookie has 341. During these PA’s, Mookie has the same number of hits (102), seven more doubles (25 to 18), and two fewer homers (25 to 23). Not too shabby for having 74 fewer appearances at the plate. This season, Mookie also has just one less RBI, and has scored five more runs. However, Trout has been far better at drawing walks, taking 81 bases on balls to Betts’ 43.

Mookie

Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images

Look at the numbers. Mookie Betts is statistically a better baseball player than Mike Trout this season. It doesn’t hurt that number 50 is leading the Sox to the MLB’s best record at 66-29, riding a ten-game win streak. Meanwhile, Trout’s Angels are 48-46. A team’s record is obviously not indicative of an individual’s success (see Machado, Manny), but it’s worth mentioning.

As the league approaches the All-Star break, both players are destroying the rest of the league. The two are in a tier all by themselves, above the rest of the MLB. Don’t discount how good of a baseball player Mike Trout is. It’s crazy what he’s been able to do for years. However, right now, Betts is the best player in baseball. We’ll see who takes home the MVP award at the end of the year.

*Stats accurate as of Friday, June 13th.

Follow me on Twitter: @jackbuffett_

Patriots Training Camp Preview: Offensive Tackles (@bigmike7772)

Leave a reply

There are many different faces on this Patriots team compared to last year. New England acquired four guys from trade, fifteen from free agency, and nine from the NFL Draft. They also lost nine players from trade and free agency and had three players retire.

In this new series, I will be looking at every player from each position leading up to training camp. For this installment I will talk about the offensive tackles.

The Patriots have had a solid tackle group since Brady took over. The Pats lost a significant o-linemen this offseason, Nate Solder, and will look to replace him with the new guys they brought in.

Marcus Cannon #61 (2011-Present):

Marcus Cannon drafted in the fifth round of the 2011 draft by the New England Patriots. He was drafted as a project and he ended up working out. Cannon was a backup for the beginning of his career for Sebastian Vollmer. In 2012, Marcus played in all 18 of the Patriots games ans started one. He got six starts in 2013, four in 2014, and eight in 2015.

After Vollmer retired, Cannon got the starting job at right tackle. He showed up to the Pats in 2016 in the best shape of his life. He started all 15 games that he played in and was signed to a five-year, $32.5 million contract extension. Marcus was named a Second-Team All-Pro in 2016 and was a key part as to why the Patriots won Super Bowl 51. Cannon played in only seven games in 2017 due to a toe injury and was later placed on the injured-reserve.

With Nate Solder out, Cannon is now the leader of the offensive line. Hopefully he stays healthy next season for the Patriots to make a run for the Super Bowl. He will 100% make the 53 man roster.

Isaiah Wynn (Rookie):

Isaiah Wynn was the Patriots’ 23rd overall in the first draft round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Wynn played four years at Georgia University alongside new Patriots’ RB, Sony Michel. In his freshman year he played in all 11 games for the Bulldogs. He then played in 25 games over the next two years, and solidified himself as the leader of the o-line. Wynn started all 15 games for Georgia his senior year which ultimately brought them to the championship game. Over the course of Isaiah’s college career he has let up only four sacks.

Even though Wynn has shown how talented he is at left tackle, many people put him as a guard leading up to the draft. At only 6’2″ Wynn is very undersized, but makes up for it in outstanding hand placement and footwork. He showed how amazing he is at left tackle at the Senior Bowl where he dominated the defensive linemen.

When the Patriots selected Wynn the ticket they sent in said tackle. This is most likely due to the fact that Nate Solder left this offseason. Isaiah will have to fight to start Week 1, but he will definitely be on the roster.

Trent Brown #77 (2018-Present):

Trent Brown is entering his fourth year in the NFL, and his first with the Pats. Brown was acquired by the Patriots from San Francisco via trade during the 2018 Draft. In Brown’s rookie season he started the last two games and played in six total. His 2016 campaign saw him start all 16 games for the 49ers. Trent gained some praise from Super Bowl MVP, Von Miller in 2017.

“He’s the best right tackle in the National Football League! And he may even be a top-five tackle, period, in the National Football League. There’s not another tackle who’s that tall, that big and can move the way he moves.”

https://twitter.com/VeteranScout/status/916420354871934976

Brown started the first ten games of the 2017 season, but was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Trent Brown is a very big man with him being listed at 6’8″, 355 pounds. Brown is fast for his size though and is able to not only keep up, but excel against the best edge rushers in the league. As a right tackle, Brown most likely won’t start over Marcus Cannon. However, if Brown shows what he can do at left tackle and beats out Isaiah Wynn, he will have a roster spot.

LaAdrian Waddle #68 (2015-Present):

LaAdrian Waddle is entering his sixth season in the NFL, and fourth for the Pats. Waddle was an undrafted free agent in 2013 and was picked up by Detroit. In his rookie season he started eight games. In his next season he started in ten games, but couldn’t complete the season due to knee surgery. Waddle was then cut in his third season for Detroit in December of 2017. He was picked up by New England the day after.

Waddle signed a two-year deal with New England in 2016, but was inactive for all-but two games that next year. 2017 is where Waddle showed he can be a solid option as tackle for the Pats. He was active in 12 games and started in four due to Marcus Cannon getting injured. In the 2018 offseason he re-signed with the Patriots on a one-year deal.

LaAdrian has proven to be an excellent option as a starting tackle in case someone gets hurt. I believe he will make the team due to the fact that he can play at left or right tackle when asked.

Cole Croston #74 (2017-Present):

Cole Croston is entering his second year in the NFL. He was picked up by New England after the 2017 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent. Croston was kept on by the Patriots as a member of their practice squad for the 2017 season. He only played in three games last year with him, getting his first NFL snaps as a left guard in a 33-8 victory of Oakland in Week 11. Croston was ultimately kept on due to the fact that he can play tackle and guard.

Croston will have to work very hard if he wants to make the 53-man roster. I believe he will make it, but he could also become a member of the practice-squad. However, if the Pats do place him on the practice squad, I wouldn’t be surprised if another team did not pick him up.

Ulrick John #67 (2018-Present):

Ulrick John is heading into his fifth NFL season, and first for the Pats. This is Ulrick’s fifth NFL team since entering the league in 2014. He was drafted in the seventh round by Indianapolis, then got cut. He then got signed by Miami where he only played two games. The most games he has played in a season came from Green Bay where he played in five games. John’s next season was in Arizona where he started all three games that he played in.

Overall, Ulrick has only had three career starts in ten games. He was signed by New England on April 23, 2018, but his chances of making the roster are very slim.

The Offensive Tackle position has had some big names come through since 2001. The Pats look to protect Tom Brady en route to their sixth Super Bowl.

WORLD CUP FINAL – Preview and Prediction – @SOURCEFRIAS

Leave a reply

It all comes down to this. 

France vs. Croatia 

Photo courtesy: @SOURCEFRIAS

Can the second smallest country in the World Cup take down a soccer giant? 

Croatia won their group by beating Argentina, Nigeria, and Iceland.

From that point on they won in penalties against Denmark and Russia. Just when you thought they were headed to a third consecutive shootout, they scored in the second half of extra time to reach the place we are at now: the World Cup Final.

Photo courtesy: FIFA

Croatia Possible Starting Lineup:

  • GK- Subašić;
  • D-Strinić, Vida, Lovren,Vrsaljko
  • MFs-  Brozović, Perišić, Rakitić, Modrić, Rebić;
  • F- Mandžukić

France also won their group with victories over Australia, Peru, and a draw versus Denmark.

Their prize for winning the group was a matchup against Argentina, which may go down as the most exciting game of the World Cup tournament this year. They then had to beat Uruguay and everyone’s dark horse favorite Belgium to reach the final for the first time since 2006, where they lost to Italy in penalties.

Photo courtesy: FIFA

France Possible Starting Lineup:

  • GKLloris
  • Ds- Hernández, Umtiti, Varane, Pavard
  • MFs-Kanté, Pogba, Matuidi
  • Fs- Griezmann, Mbappé, Giroud

France – Croatia History

France leads 3-0-2 overall, 1-0 in World Cups, and 1-0-1 in official competition.

Past Meeting

In Euro 2004, France fought back in a memorable game to help Les Bleus to a 2-2 tie with Croatia in the second game of the group stage. Croatia seemed to never recover from that game and lost to England in the knockout stage. The French lost in the quarterfinals by Greece.

The most recent game was a friendly played by these teams in 2011.

Verdict: France is a well-organized team and has had to play tough teams to reach this point. They have also tasted defeat in a final in Euro 2016 as Portugal beat them on their homeland, and will do whatever necessary to avoid another defeat in the last game.

Croatia has been beating the odds this whole tournament and have played more minutes than any other team. They will dig deep to reach the pinnacle of being a champion.

Croatia will lift the trophy for the first time this Sunday as 2018 World Cup Champions.

Follow on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS

Recapping the World Cup Semi Final – @SOURCEFRIAS

Leave a reply

The Final Four Battle for a Spot to Play for the World Cup.

Photo courtesy: FIFA

FRANCE ADVANCES PAST BELGIUM

Photo courtesy: FIFA

Once again, like in previous games France got the lead and never relinquished it, winning 1-0 over Belgium. It was a hard-fought, physical and emotional game that kept going back-and-forth from the start. The goalies for both teams had to make incredible stops to keep the game tied until in the 51st minute. A goal by France’s Samuel Umtiti was the difference and all they needed to secure a spot in the Final this Sunday.

France last won the title in 1998 when they beat Brazil 3-0 in a World Cup they hosted.

Belgium will face England on Saturday, July 14th to battle for the third place spot.

Croatia stuns England in Extra Time 

Photo courtesy: FIFA

Croatia went undefeated in their group and beat both Spain and Russia in matches that went to penalty kicks. Their semi-final game against England also needed two periods of extra time, but the match ended before penalties. The game started with a remarkable free kick goal in the opening minutes by Trippier of England. Croatia put the pressure on and in the 68th minute Persic tied the game at 1-1. It stayed scoreless until the decisive moment came in the 109th minute of extra time. Striker Mario Mandzukic found the back of the net and placed Croatia in the Final versus France.

Croatia will be playing in their first ever Final this Sunday.

Up next, the preview and prediction of the 2018 World Cup Final between Croatia and France on Sunday, July 15th.

Follow on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS