Hanley’s DFA Almost Makes No Sense

Red Sox Nation took a huge hit yesterday: Hanley Ramirez was designated for assignment. This article hurts to type as I’m fighting away the tears at the same time. It leaves me to wonder why Dombrowski made this move in the first place. There are multiple reasons why, yet these reasons just simply don’t add up.

The Money

Hanley is still owed more than $12 million by the Red Sox. This is now adding on to more dead cap space, as they still have to pay obligations for Rusney Castillo (who is still in Pawtucket), and unfortunately Pablo Sandoval. This leaves the Red Sox with about $45 million in contract figures for players not even wearing a Red Sox uniform. Might as well just have waited until the end of the season to release Hanley.

Pedroia

With Hanley gone, we get the return of Dustin Pedroia. The only issue I have is Hanley was used to bring Perdroia back to the roster. The Red Sox have entertained the idea of placing Eduardo Nunez on the 10-Day Disabled List to make room for Pedroia’s return. This idea could’ve also have sent a reliever, such as Heath Hembree or Bobby Poyner, down to Pawtucket. This move would’ve made the most sense as you don’t lose anyone in the end, with Eduardo receiving time off due to his struggles defensively.

May Struggles

Hanley had a killer April to begin the season. He ended the month hitting a .330 BA with three home runs. May wasn’t too kind to Hanley, unfortunately. His average dropped to .254 and possessed a .708 OPS. Needless to say, his season could be turned around if a team decides to take him in. Maybe if Hanley was taken in with the “Alex Cora BP Method”, he might’ve turned things around quick. This “method” helped spark the bat of Rafael Devers, and slowly but surely Jackie Bradley. But I digress. Hanley also possessed a .571 BA in the postseason last year, which led the team.

Sad Ending

Nobody saw this one coming. The life and energy of the Boston Red Sox is gone and is never coming back. Who knows though? I can guarantee every Sox fan was hurt by this one way or another. I sure was. For Hanley’s sake, he can start fresh and end his impressive career with a new ball club. Maybe the Mets will give him a call (I hope not).

Early 2018 NFL Awards Predictions

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The draft is over. OTAs just started, and the NFL Opening Kickoff is lingering close by. Last year was a surprise. Teams, who weren’t expected to win, outshone all our expectations. A major part of this was key additions or breakout years from their players. This helped the likes of Todd Gurley and Marshon Lattimore win awards. Although it is way too early to really say, let’s make predictions on who can win the awards this year.

Most Valuable Player – Jared Goff, QB

Jared Goff Wild Card Round - Atlanta Falcons v Los Angeles Rams

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Would I love for this to be Brady? Of course. Will Brady win even if he has a better year than last year? Probably not, because that is just how the NFL is. Instead, I go with Jared Goff, a quarterback with all the right tools and the perfect team at his disposal. Carson Wentz could also be picked here, but his injury status could lower the number of games he will play this season.

Offensive Player of the Year – Alvin Kamara, RB

Divisional Round - New Orleans Saints v Minnesota Vikings

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Kamara will get even more touches with Mark Ingram serving a four-game suspension, and his talent is just so great. His numbers will be even better than last year.

Defensive Player of the Year – Casey Hayward, CB

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Hayward is one of the most underrated corners in my opinion. I have the feeling that he will ball out this year, leading the league in interceptions and passes defended, and thus winning him the award of DPOY.

Offensive Rookie of the Year – Ronald Jones, RB

Ronald Jones II Goodyear Cotton Bowl - USC v Ohio State

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Barkley will be the obvious choice here, but I also want to take a look at another offensive player who is in the best place to have a great year. Jones can easily win the starting job in Tampa Bay and get a lot of carries. He has the chance to be this year’s Alvin Kamara.

Defensive Rookie of the Year – Tremaine Edmunds, LB

Camping World Independence Bowl - Tulsa v Virginia Tech

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Edmunds will be immediately thrust into a starting role and has the capability to fulfill and outshine what Preston Brown brought to the team.

Coach of the Year – Mike Vrabel, Tennesee Titans

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Mike Vrabel comes into a playoff team that got even better over the offseason. The additions of Dion Lewis, Malcolm Butler, Rashaan Evans, and Harold Landry can help the Titans win their division and go far in the playoffs.

Comeback Player of the Year – Julian Edelman, WR

Julian Edelman New England Patriots v Detroit Lions

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Julian Edelman has been training hard and nonstop to get back on the field. The chemistry between him and Brady is undeniable and will be triumphant enough for him breakout after missing 2017.

Dustin Pedroia Is Back

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It was winter when we all heard the unfortunate news. Dustin Pedroia was getting surgery. We all knew he was going to be out for a while, so it was no surprise he didn’t play a game in spring training or start the regular season on the roster, even though he was itching to.

Pedroia Is Shipping up to Boston

Pedroia said he was ready to start by Opening Day, but Cora and the team kept it safe. He stuck around the team for the first several weeks before going on a rehab assignment to get ready to come back. Although it’s hard to see Pedroia sidelined, it’s nice to see him give pointers to the younger guys. He has a big and respected presence in that clubhouse. As Brock Holt has said before, Pedroia is one of those guys where if he starts talking, everyone shuts up and listens.

Pedey has one of the highest baseball IQ’s you’ll ever see. However, there really is only so much you can do when you’re not able to play. But the time has finally come. Dustin Pedroia has finally been activated today.

As this Red Sox team has been so far, one of the weaknesses has been at second base. Eduardo Nunez was the guy to fill the void for the time Pedey was out. He has not been good to say the least. Nunez playing defense at second is very hard to watch, and he’s slashing .249/.267/.370 at the plate with a .622 OPS. Nunez is a good option if you need a backup, but he has continued to show that he’s not a regular starter.

Back in Action

Pedroia is someone where if he‘s knocked out and has to miss time at his position, you’ll notice. There aren’t too many infielders who get it done like Pedey does. It’s incredible to watch the plays he’s able to make to steal hits night in and night out. It’s also certainly something you can’t take for granted, as we’ve seen what happens when he does have to miss time. And for those who didn’t know, this guy can hit too. He’s a career .300 hitter with a .366 On Base Percentage to go along with that. Not too shabby. Dustin Pedroia is someone you can rely on every single night to give it his all, and do what he can to help the Red Sox win. And this is what he’s been doing since the day he was brought up. This man eats, sleeps, and breathes baseball. The 2018 Red Sox, a team that currently have the most wins in baseball are only going to get better now as they are getting their heart and soul of the team back. Watch out MLB, the 2018 Red Sox are officially assembled.

LeBron is Tired and the Cavs Are Dead

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Following Cleveland’s Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 loss to the Celtics, LeBron James was asked about his level of exhaustion.

“I had my moments. I think everybody at this point is tired or worn down.”

LeBron James is turning 34 in December of this year. He led the entire NBA in minutes played this season. James currently leads all players in postseason minutes played. He has played long into the postseason for most of his career, making it to an absurd seven straight Finals. The man has every reason to be exhausted at this point.

LeBron Needs a Break

LeBron has a usage rate of 35.7% this postseason, second among all players (behind James Harden). He has scored nearly as many points this postseason as his three closest teammates combined. He leads the team in assists, steals, and blocks.

Perhaps the depletion of energy has to do with the fact that he has had to carry the team on his back all year. Maybe the relentless and physically bruising defense exhibited by a younger Celtics squad is finally getting to him.

LeBron looks absolutely gassed. pic.twitter.com/okcCafGhdz

— ESPN (@espn) May 24, 2018

Fatigued in the Postseason

Whatever the case may be, LeBron was undeniably drained of anything left in the tank during Game 5. At times he could be seen bent over with his hands on his knees, panting for air. During timeouts he sat hunched over on the bench with a towel over his face, soaking in every moment of down time possible. He uncharacteristically lost fast break foot races to the Celtics, failing to even attempt a chase down block on a cutting Jayson Tatum. He was caught jogging back on defense, which lead to a big Morris three late in the game.

James constantly argued non-fouls, leaving much to be desired on the defensive side of the court. His refusal to attack mismatches when given the opportunity was curious. Getting Terry Rozier switched onto him was a key part of Cleveland’s success in Games 3 and 4. When he got these mismatches in Game 5 often he would settle on fade-away jumpers or just pass out of it.

The Celtics took notice of this, particularly Marcus Morris.

“He has to do a lot for that team, everybody knows at the end of the day these games are coming up pretty quick.” Marcus Morris said in a postgame interview. “We just played on Sunday and these games are coming fast. At the end of the day, I mean, **** I’m tired. Everybody else is tired. We’ve still got to play. He does a lot for his team. Scores, assists, rebounds, I would think he gets a little tired.”

Is This the End for the Cavs?

Not only did James reveal to the world in Game 5 how little he has left, he looked completely disinterested. His nonchalant demeanor and lackadaisical defense doesn’t bode well for Cleveland moving forward. Also, the absence of emotion in his play was all too transparent, and if you didn’t know any better it looked as if he was playing in a mid-regular season game.

The last time the Celtics defeated LeBron James in the playoffs it was 2010. That series marks the last time LeBron lost to any Eastern Conference team in a playoff series. The Celtics sent the king packing to Miami that year, seeking greener pastures with a better supporting cast. Many wonder if the Celtics bring down LeBron this year he will once again seek a brighter future as part of a different organization.

The Celtics are now closer than they have ever been since that fateful playoff series. They are one win from the NBA Finals and one win from sending LeBron to a long summer’s rest. A summer in which he will spend much time pondering his options. A summer full of questions.

Given what the world saw from him in Game 5, there is doubt even the king himself will be able to muster up enough of his reserve to pull out two straight wins. The Celtics have LeBron against the ropes, and it looks as if his knees are about to buckle.

Bobby Poyner’s Unwavering Perseverance

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Bobby Poyner has been lights-out for the Red Sox bullpen this season. His performance has made some wonder how he flew under the radar for so long. The Red Sox drafted Poyner in the 14th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He is a fearless lefty that has the ability to get batters out from both sides of the plate. His numbers in the minors have been impressive. If he can keep up his early season performance then by the end of the season he could be a Cinderella story of the 2018 season.

Bobby Poyner in the Minors

In four minor league seasons Poyner has recorded a 2.34 ERA. Before making his major league debut this season, the highest level Poyner reached was AA, where he dominated. In 27 appearances for Portland last year he recorded a 0.94 ERA. In 38 innings he struck out 52 batters. That impressive campaign earned him an invitation to Spring Training, where the former Florida Gator did not disappoint. Poyner earned his spot as in Spring Training he recorded a 0.87 ERA. He’s carried that dominate performance into the regular season.

Photo Credit: NESN Staff

Poyner Excelling in the Majors

Poyner has pitched 9.2 innings in the majors this season and has an ERA of 1.86. He is averaging a strikeout an inning. Poyner has given up 12 hits this season, but has only allowed two earned runs. He spent some time on the disabled list earlier in the season costing him a spot in the bullpen. When healthy, Manager Alex Cora has not been afraid to use him in high leverage situations. Despite his impressive start, Poyner was sent down to Pawtucket when the Red Sox activated fellow reliever Hector Velazquez from the disabled list.

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/ Getty Images

Will He Be Back?

This is not the last that Red Sox fans will see of Poyner this season. If he continues to excell in the minors, then the Red Sox will find a spot for him. He has grabbed every opportunity like his career has depended on it and delivered. How long Poyner stays in Pawtucket is unknown. If Poyner can continue to pitch well then the Sox will have a choice to make. As Poyner has done throughout his career he will not make it an easy one.

2018/19 Bruins Offseason Schedule

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Boston Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy.
Staff photo by Arthur Pollock

The Boston Bruins announced their schedule for the upcoming 2018/19 offseason. The Black and Gold will play two games in China as part of the 2018 O.R.G. NHL China Games. They have also announced important offseason dates, including the NHL Combine, NHL Awards, NHL Entry Draft, Development Camp, Rookie Camp and Training Camp.

Offseason DATES TO REMEMBER

May 28 – June 2
-NHL Combine

June 20
-NHL Awards

Boston Bruins’ Patrice Bergeron holds up the Frank J. Selke Trophy after winning the award at the NHL Awards. (AP Photo/John Locher)

June 22 – June 23
-NHL Entry Draft

June 26 – June 29
-Development Camp

July 1
-Free Agent signing period begins

September 6
-Rookie Camp opens

-Prospects Challenge Rookie Games have been scheduled vs the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils.

-Main Camp Opens for all players

2018 PRESEASON SCHEDULE

September 15 (China)
-Preseason Game at Calgary Flames

China Games 2018
Bruins vs Flames

September 16
-Preseason Game vs Washington Capitals

September 18
-Preseason Game at Washington Capitals

September 19 (China)
-Preseason Game vs. Calgary Flames

September 22
-Preseason Game at Detroit Red Wings

September 24
-Preseason Game at Philadelphia Flyers

September 26
-Preseason Game vs. Detroit Red Wings

September 29
-Preseason Game vs. Philadelphia Flyers

Why It’s Time to Give Bergeron the “C”

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Fifteen years ago the face of the Boston Bruins franchise changed for the better. They drafted a young kid out of L’Ancienne-Lorette, Quebec, from the Acadie -Bathurst Titan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. His name is Patrice Bergeron, and it is time for the Bruins to give him the Captian’s C.

By the Numbers

In his rookie year, right away he brought an impact to the Bruins lineup. He played in 71 regular season games and seven playoff games, accumulating 43 points altogether. For a rookie this was certainly a step in the right direction to establish a solid career. He certainly did not disappoint Boston’s passionate fan base, who eat, sleep and breathe the sport.

Following the lockout year, Bergy capped two consecutive 70 point regular seasons, despite Boston missing the playoffs both years. Bergeron’s 2007-08 season lasted just ten games following a nasty hit from Randy Jones, in which he suffered a grade three concussion and a broken nose.

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Bergeron eventually returned to the form that Bruins fans became accustomed to. He tallied 250 points in the four seasons post injury as the boys in Black and Gold qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs every year before 2012. Of course as fans remember the penultimate accomplishment in that span was bringing Lord Stanley back to Causeway Street for the first time in 39 long years.

In the last six years we have seen 377 points from #37. Accompanied by four trips to the postseason is another trip to an unforgettable Stanley Cup Final in 2013. Boston rallied behind the Bruins following the terrible events on what is now Patriots Day,

Out of a Bruins Jersey

A World Junior Championship Gold Medal, World Championship’s Gold Medal, World Cup of Hockey Gold Medal, two Olympic Gold Medals, and a four time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner (nominated in 2018 for the seventh consecutive season). Bergeron is also the only Bruin in the top 20 of the NHL’s most popular jersey sales.

The Bruins’ front office extended Chara’s contract for another year, which marks his 12th year wearing the spoked B as well as the C. However, it has become a little worrisome for fans who don’t know how much Big Z has left in the tank. With that being said, it is certainly going to be soon that we see Chara hang up his skates. It would certainly benefit a lot of people to see a shift in leadership before the big man is out the door. Bergeron continues to lead by example for the Bruins. The effort and determination shown by him every single day to be the best player possible rubs off on those around him, and it certainly shows as he makes those around him better in all aspects of the game.

Front Runners to Taste World Cup Success

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The ultimate goal for every team participating in the upcoming World Cup is to win it all. While teams might state they are complacent with a 16 qualification or a quarter-final appearance, everyone deep down wants to raise the cup. Making it past the first round of play demonstrates signs of improvement, but there is no doubt that every player dreams of winning for their homeland. Small footballing countries such as Saudi Arabia or powerhouses such as Brazil all share the same common goal.

With everyone’s eyes set on the greatest prize, let’s explore who stands a better chance of tasting World Cup success. You can also have your say on which team you think is going to win the World Cup by visiting netbet.co.uk and placing your bet.

Brazil

The hot favorite going into the tournament is Brazil. There are a number of factors that add to this fanfare. First, Brazil has experience of lifting the World Cup trophy, having won it on five different occasions. Second, Brazil is entering this tournament on in good form after winning their last five matches on the bounce. To cap it all, Brazil has one of the best squads in the tournament. In goal, they have two of the best in Ederson of Manchester City and Allison of Roma. On defense, they have PSG’s Thiago Silva and Marquinhos. At defensive midfield, they have workaholics in Fernandinho and Casemiro, while in attacking midfield they have Philippe Coutinho and Willian. Up front, Brazil can call upon Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, or Roberto Firmino.

Germany

Just like Brazil, Germany has experience with succeeding in World Cup play. Germany won the most recent tournament in 2014, and they look to become the third squad to ever record a repeat win. Germany will have the same technical staff, including manager Joachim Low, who orchestrated the team’s success at the last World Cup. While Germany is known for its ability to play as a collective unit, they have standout players of their own, including Toni Kroos, Thomas Mueller, Leroy Sane, and Mario Gomez.

Spain

After what seemed like a period of decline soon after Spain’s last UEFA Euro success, the team is now starting to perform at the highest level once again. The current Spanish team is a blend of both experienced players like Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique. The team also has some emerging talent in the form of David de Gea, who has been in outstanding form for Manchester United. Other young guns include Real Madrid’s trio of Isco, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez. If Spain can get into their rhythm early in the tournament, then they will be a dangerous team.

Alex Guerrero Has Meeting at Brigham and Women’s Health Center

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Alex Guerrero Holds Meeting at Pats Health Center

(Foxboro, MA, 08/07/17) New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his nutritionist Alex Guerrero during Patriots Training Camp Joint Practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on Monday, August 07, 2017. Staff photo by Matt Stone

Last week Alex Guerrero had a meeting at the Health Center at Patriot Place. The purpose of the meeting is unknown, but according to an insider at the facility, the meeting was about the Dana Farber Facility being built. Also, the Brigham and Women’s Health Care Center will expand into the new building. The speculation is that Guerrero is upset about the new healthcare center going up. There’s a physical therapy department going into the new facility too, which could take business away from TB12. The new Health Care Center along with the Dana Farber Center is going up right across from TB12.

Via Steve Atkinson

If that’s true, it’s no wonder why Belichick can’t stand Guerrero and kicked him out of the locker room. TB12 has enjoyed success. Guerrero seems like the kind of guy that knows what he’s doing better than everybody else. It probably has to do with Tom Brady, who at 40 is still playing at a high level. Brady has established his brand so well that I really doubt they will lose business with another health center going up. Players currently go to the Brigham and Women’s Health Center for their x-rays and treatment.

Will Business Decline at TB12?

The treatment Brady and other players on the team get from TB12 seems to work wonders. However, that doesn’t sit well with Belichick, who wants the players to use the team’s medical staff for treatment. Belichick is sick of the Brady drama with Guerrero, a cause for some of the rift between Brady and Belichick. Guerrero’s meeting the other day raises questions about his integrity. Does Guerrero go too far? Is that what he did when he was treating Brady in the Patriots locker room and telling him not to listen to the team trainers?

If that meeting was about taking business away from TB12, that’s short-sighted on his part. If the health center is expanding into the new building and it takes away business from TB12 because of the new physical therapy department, then Brady should come up with new treatments. I wonder if Brady had any part of Guerrero setting up the meeting. If not, he needs to remember it’s TB12, not AG12.

Why Did Josh McDaniels Come Back?

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The Future Is Now for the Patriots

Let’s go back in time to after the Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Josh McDaniels was on the verge of taking the Indianapolis Colts head coaching job. He was about to step away from the Patriots organization. But after the Super Bowl, Belichick, Kraft, and McDaniels got together and had a meeting. During that meeting, there’s speculation that Belichick announced his upcoming retirement at the end of the season. Josh McDaniels would become the head coach following this season. I’ve said this before, but the more I see how they are planning for the future it could be true.

Belichick had McDaniels in the draft room in April, along with Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio. They stacked up for the 2019 NFL Draft so Josh and Nick can really build a team for the future. While they are trying to do that, the drama between Brady and Belichick has taken a toll on this off-season, and with good reason. However, some Patriots fans think this is all part of Belichick’s plan to fool the media, but if that was the case Brady would be at OTAs.

Josh McDaniels Had to Know What His Future in New England Was Going to Be Like

McDaniels had to know what his future was going to be like before he made his decision to come back. Once he found out that he would be the next head coach, he really had no choice to come back. It hasn’t been released because they don’t want it to become a distraction. There’s enough drama going on in Foxborough. If it is true the only people who know are Belichick, Kraft, McDaniels, and possibly Nick Caserio. Tom Brady or any other player wouldn’t know. It’s a fact that Brady had a say in bringing McDaniels back. Just like how he went over Belichick’s head to get rid of Jimmy Garoppolo.

Belichick is still mad about Brady going over his head, while Brady is still upset that Belichick won’t let his trainer in the locker room. The answer to why did Josh McDaniels come back? It’s pretty simple, because the future is now for this team, like it or not. Josh is part of the future along with Danny Etling who just signed a four-year contract. He may not be Brady, but it helps that he was working with Brady’s throwing coaches.