Jackie Bradley Jr. Has To Go!!!

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While his outstanding defensive plays keep us in awe, this experiment has to end at some point.

Jackie simply cannot hit the ball, need I say it again?? While after every at bat that becomes an out, we all think it. Sure his catches and amazing arm is very helpful, there’s others who can replace him. Without him, the outfield is still strong. With Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi in the corners, we could always use another fierce hitter in the lineup.

The red sox had that opportunity. Back in July, rumors came about that the team turned down a swap with outfielder Kyle Schwarber of the Chicago Cubs. That lineup would’ve been scary. This is his sixth season in the major leagues, hearing a streak of 5 for his last 50 at bats are getting old. While he had the 29 game hitting streak stun the entire league, it was also two seasons ago!!!

While looking for a replacement deems impossible, they have one on the roster already. Enter Blake Swihart. The catcher turned utility player was the hottest hitter for the Red Sox in spring training, if not one of the best in all of spring training. With growing experience, he could revitalize his career with an opening such as this one. Throughout his injury plagued career, Blake finally has his chance as an every day player.

With a highlight reel type player like Jackie there is still a great demand for a player with his skill set. Mainly national league teams would line up and pay a small fortune for his services. Also having one more option increases his value even more. Thus saving money for a free agent that also plays the outfield. ( Bryce Harper) Sorry Red Sox nation, but in order to put the best lineup game in and game out, the Red Sox need to trade Jackie Bradley jr.

Pomeranz

Do Not Worry About Drew Pomeranz

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The Red Sox acquired Drew Pomeranz during the 2016 MLB All-Star break from the San Diego Padres. He has become an important part of the Red Sox rotation over the past two seasons. Last year, Pomeranz had a great season, going 17-6 with a 3.32 ERA. He struggled in the postseason, and this has caused Red Sox Nation to worry about his future.

(AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Injury

Going into the Spring Training before the 2018 season, Red Sox Nation had high hopes for their rotation. This rotation had two Cy Young Award winners, an arm with a 300-strikeout season, and an All-Star, so of course there was excitement. In the middle of Spring Training, Drew Pomeranz suffered from a strained left forearm flexor, thus his season started on the DL. With other important injuries and other issues affecting the rotation (Eduardo Rodriguez and Steven Wright), the Red Sox were forced to count on lesser arms to start games.

As you could tell, Drew Pomeranz was discouraged when he heard the news. When he finally recovered from his injury, he had to finish his Spring Training, which was rudely interrupted. After two rehab starts in Double-A Portland, he was finally able to come back to the majors.

Comeback to the Majors

Pomeranz had his first start to the season on April 20 against the Oakland A’s in Oakland Coliseum. He had a shaky performance, only pitching 3 2/3 innings and giving up three earned runs on 88 pitches thrown. Most people did not notice, but he did strike out seven of the eleven batters he retired. The Red Sox went on to win that game because of a strong bullpen performance and key homers by Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mitch Moreland.

This was Pomeranz’s first start back, so many people brushed it aside, as did I.

His second start wasn’t much better. Against the Rays in Fenway Park, Pomeranz went five innings, giving up four runs on 81 pitches. This start caused Red Sox Nation to worry badly, because they felt that the Rays shouldn’t be talented enough to score that many runs. May I remind you that the Rays had seven of the eight games prior and had not scored under eight runs in a game in over a week. This Rays team was blistering hot, and there was no stopping them.

Signs of Improvement

Drew Pomeranz finally achieved a quality start on May 2. It was against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park, and he pitched well. Pomeranz went six innings, giving up three runs on 89 pitches. He was able to keep his pitch count low, thus he had success. Although this was a terrible Royals team, it was still an impressive performance.

Then, at Yankee Stadium, Drew got his first crack at the vaunted Yankees lineup.

Many had low expectations, since he was going head-to-head with Yankees ace Luis Severino, but Pomeranz didn’t disappoint. Both starters went six innings and gave up two runs. The big difference was that Severino had 11 strikeouts, and Pomeranz had six. Drew also gave up two solo home runs to Giancarlo Stanton, but he still limited damage, as any pitcher is paid to do.

Why Not to Worry

Drew Pomeranz has thrown together two consecutive quality starts, one against a team that is leading the league in runs. As long as Pomeranz is finishing his pitches and cutting his fingernails correctly, he will continue to be a valuable part of the Red Sox rotation.

Updates on Our Favorite Ex-Red Sox Players

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The Red Sox are a storied franchise with many great moments and great players, but many of them have become ex-Red Sox. Many of these come from the last ten years. Here are updates on our favorite active ex-Red Sox players:

Ex-Red Sox #1 – Jon Lester

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Jon Lester is definitely a fan favorite when it comes to ex-Red Sox players. Since Jon Lester signed a six-year, $155 million contract with the Chicago Cubs in the 2014, he has achieved many things. We all know about his addition to his World Series ring collection, but he has also put up great numbers. In 2016, Lester went 19-5 with a 2.44 ERA in 202 ⅔ innings, finishing in the top three in Cy Young voting that year. So far this season, he has gone 2-1 with a 2.82 ERA in 38.1 innings. Jon Lester has made three Opening Day starts for the Cubbies.

On top of his sustained excellence on the field, he has also done some humanitarian work off the field. Most recently, he donated $10,000 to ALS research after the mother of fellow MLB player Stephen Piscotty passed away for that reason. Lester has also continued doing work for his own charity, NVRQT (Never Quit). Lester established the charity in 2011 to fight against pediatric cancer.

Ex-Red Sox #2 – Josh Reddick

Here is another player who has gone on to win a ring after leaving the Red Sox. Josh Reddick played for the Red Sox from 2009-2011, which definitely wasn’t our best years. After he was traded to the Oakland A’s, he had a breakout season in 2012. He hit 32 home runs and drove in 85 runs with a .242 batting average. In 2016, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline. In the 2016-2017 offseason, he signed a four-year, $52 million contract with the Houston Astros. He provided outfield depth for the team, hitting at a .314 clip in 134 games, en route to a World Series championship.

Ex-Red Sox #3 – Jed Lowrie

Jed Lowrie was a Boston Red Sock from 2008-2011. He was traded to the Houston Astros in 2011 for reliever Mark Melancon. While he has not had as much team success as the first two, he has put up good numbers since leaving the Sox. After the Astros traded Lowrie to the A’s in 2013, he hit 15 homers and drove in 75 runs with a .290 batting average in 154 games. So far this season, Jed Lowrie has exceeded expectations exponentially. In 35 games, he has hit eight home runs and driven in 31 runs (which currently leads the league), with a .340 batting average.

Ex-Red Sox #4 – Jacoby Ellsbury

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Before you dispute the title of “one of our favorite Ex-Red Sox” for Mr. Ellsbury, hear me out. In 2013, Jacoby Ellsbury signed a seven-year, $153 million contract with the New York Yankees. At this point, many Red Sox fans marked him as a traitor, for they expected great things from him for the division rival. The only difference is that he has been ineffective for the Yankees as of late.

Sure, in his first year with the Evil Empire he put up solid numbers, hitting at a .271 clip in 149 games. But since then he has had a couple stays on the DL. Currently, he is on the 60-day DL, thus he has played in zero games for the Yankees. In 2015 and 2017, he missed 51 games and 50 games respectively for various types of injuries. These injuries include concussions, knee sprains, and hip tightness. Jacoby Ellsbury is now one of my favorite players because the Yankees wasted $155 million on him.

The Red Sox Head to New York

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Red Sox Yankee Rivalry Heads to New York

Via FOX 61

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees begin another three-game series today. The New York Yankees are 18-4 since the bench-clearing brawl that transpired the last time these two teams faced each other. The Yankees are a game behind in the AL East, which means that series in April is why the Red Sox are currently in first place in the division. The Yankees are 14-5 at home and with the weather a lot warmer the Yankee bats might be waking up. The Red Sox are 16- 8 since the bench-clearing brawl.

The Red Sox and Yankees Head to Head

According to Boston Sports Info on Twitter, the Red Sox have 46 home runs and the Yankees have 48. In 2017, the Red Sox had 30 and the Yankees had 55 homers in the first 34 games. A big difference from last season. Mookie Betts has really been hitting the ball a lot better. It is not certain if he’ll be playing in this game because he’s dealing with a right shoulder bruise. He probably will be fine and play because this is a big series.

Mookie Betts is on Fire

Mookie Betts has 13 home runs and a batting average of .355. According to Boston Sports Info, J.D. Martinez at Yankee Stadium Martinez has 39 at-bats, three home runs, nine RBI’s, and 11 strikeouts. Stanton has had 82 at-bats, four home runs, nine RBI’s, and 11 strikeouts. For the rivalry between these two teams, it’s safe to say it’s back on.

There shouldn’t be any sleeping at these Yankee Red Sox games. The question remains: will the Red Sox and Yankee brawl continue at Yankee Stadium this week? Not according to Tyler Austin, who told ESPN, “We’re just coming out here to try to win ballgames”. Cold hands David Price will no longer pitch on Wednesday. Pomeranz is taking the mound tonight, and Porcello is being moved up to pitch Wednesday. The Red Sox should take two out of three of these games.

Bill Parcells comments on the Patriots Drama

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The rest of the NFL has been just waiting for the Patriots’ dynasty to finally fall. It has come to the point where any news about them has been dramaticized greatly by the media.

There has been a numerous amounts of drama circling Bill Belichick on his decision to bench Malcolm Butler and his relationships with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. Both have not attended the voluntary workouts the Patriots’ held.

Parcells’ thoughts?

Bill Parcells, one of the greatest coaches of all time and someone who has worked with Belichick, said his thoughts on the topic to the Athletic.

“I don’t pay any attention to that. Nobody knows what’s what exactly. You are just hearing gossip and conjecture and opinion. I don’t put much stock in that. Having been in a position myself as a head coach, a lot of things are said about an organization, the coaching staff and the owner. Some of the things are just flat out not true. Yet they get out and they get publicized because they make good headlines. The only thing you got to do is watch the product on the field. When the season starts, all this offseason stuff, it doesn’t mean anything. Nothing.” (Via USA Today)

He also mentioned his thoughts on the Patriots’ team, saying that they will be just fine in 2018.

Conclusion

Parcells’ words are logical and will ultimately turn out to be the truth. By season come, none of these rumors will have any value, and this New England team WILL be back in the playoffs.
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The Under Appreciation of Tuukka Rask- By the Numbers

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It’s no secret that fans of Boston sports have become spoiled over the years. Our four teams have collectively won ten championships since 2001 and Boston is the winningest sports city of the 21st century. It’s a great label to have, but these consistent banners have led to fans expecting nearly unattainable results. High expectations are nothing new in Boston, but Tuukka Rask shouldn’t be under any scrutiny.

A DEPENDABLE ASSET

Rask has a .922 career save percentage to go with a 2.26 goals-against average. Anybody would admit that these are solid numbers, but most don’t realize just how impressive they really are. According to www.quanthockey.com, Rask leads all active NHL goalies in both categories. He beats out Lundqvist, Schneider, Quick and all the other superstar goalies in the NHL. Fans might want to consider this before begging for someone else.

He’s also yet to have his first statistically “bad” NHL season. The league average for save percentage typically hovers around .915, which is the lowest Rask has ever gone in a single season. This essentially means that even in his worst season, he was still average in comparison to the other goalies around the league.

His goals-against average is just as impressive.  The league average spiked 7% this season but it usually hovers around 2.6. Rask’s career low is 2.67, and this speaks volumes to his consistency.  Even in an off year, he’ll still allow less than three goals per game.  That’s the kind of dependability teams need to be successful.

His play in the postseason, believe it or not, is even better.  He has a career goals-against average of 2.25 and a .924 save percentage, both of which top his career regular season stats.  Goalies are under an even bigger microscope in the playoffs, but this is a guy you can win a cup with.

A FLAWED PERCEPTION

The reality is that Bruins fans have been spoiled by both Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask.  Even the backups have been reliable.  It’s been so steady between the pipes that some fans have forgotten what bad goaltending is actually like.

Rask has been a victim of high expectations, and the Bruins are incredibly lucky to have him signed through 2021.

Who Is the Dark Horse to Earn a Spot on the Patriots?

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Every year, at least one hard-working player makes his way onto the Patriots roster. He could be a late-round draft choice, undrafted free agent, previous practice squad member, or just someone completely unexpected. Who will potentially be that dark horse player this year? BSE makes its picks.

Devansh Khanna (@devansh0429) – Keion Crossen

Keion Crossen Photos - 3 of 4

Photo Credit: Getty Images

I have to go with Crossen here. The dude has a work ethic that Belichick loves. He’s ready to prove it to the NFL why he is a diamond in the rough after not even getting an invite to the combine. He ran a 4.32 at Wake Forest’s Pro Day, which would have tied for first at the combine. You will never see Crossen get beat downfield, and his hips and movement are very fluid. He’s stronger than his frame lets on, and his football IQ and character will put him over the top. Crossen will compete with Cyrus Jones, J.C Jackson, Jomal Wiltz, and Ryan Lewis for the sixth cornerback spot.

Matthew O’Halloran (@Prime_Kyrie2) – Cody Hollister

See the source image

Photo Credit: Getty Images

My dark horse pick to make the roster is Cody Hollister. The Patriots are thin at the receiver position and Hollister is 6’4″. If Britt does not play well in training camp, look for him to be cut, allowing for Hollister to be the backup tall receiver.

Steve Atkinson (@stevea1127) – Danny Etling

See the source image

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Will the Patriots keep three quarterbacks? After selecting Danny Etling in the seventh round of the NFL draft, the Patriots now have three quarterbacks on their roster. Tom Brady isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and the Patriots still have backup Brian Hoyer. Danny Etling comes out of LSU and to everyone’s surprise, the Patriots have eyed him for a while. The Patriots don’t usually keep three quarterbacks. However, Tom Brady will be 41 in August and the Patriots need to start looking at options for his successor. Etling is already starting to work with Tom Brady’s throwing coaches in California. Expect to see Danny Etling on the team for the 2018 NFL season.

Michael Clement (@MikeClement_) – Frank Herron

Herron is a senior defensive tackle coming out of LSU who recently signed with New England after going undrafted. Officially listed as a strong-side defensive end in college, Herron possesses enough versatility to play both inside and outside on the defensive line. A versatile player hailing from the SEC is a match made in heaven for Bill Belichick. Though Trey Flowers and newly-acquired Adrian Clayborn will lock down the starting roles each end, Frank Herron can provide some depth on either side. He’ll most likely battle for a roster spot as a defensive tackle, a position that was plagued with injuries last year. Defensive tackles Malcolm Brown and Danny Shelton both had their fifth-year team options declined recently, so if they fail to give New England a reason to re-sign them Herron could make his way up the depth chart this season.

Herron logged 67 tackles, two sacks, and three forced fumbles in his four years at LSU. Though those aren’t the prettiest numbers, the film reel tells all. Frank Herron is the supporting role on the defensive line that the Patriots cannot let go this summer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRPo7ousdV4

 

Who do you think the dark horse will be this year? Let us know on Twitter and Instagram.

IS IT TIME FOR CHEERLEADING TO END?

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ALL GOOD THINGS…

Anybody who is up-to-date will know; the Jedi Order is at risk. This doesn’t mean the end of lightsabers, good guys, the Force, etc. The Force is not only used by the Jedi, just ask a Sith, or Ahsoka Tano. What do Jedi Knights have to do with cheerleading? Well, the Force will carry on just fine without the Jedi religion, in the same way the NFL will continue when cheerleading has gone. The recent disputed revelations about the treatment of the Washington Redskins’ cheerleaders can mean only one thing: it is time for cheerleading, in its current form, to end.

IT’S NOT JUST THE NFL

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When I watch a game of football I want to see a game of football. Does anybody watch the NFL because they have sparkly dancers? Who watches Formula One to see models on the grid? Does anybody watch a five-hour cycling race waiting for two women on the podium to kiss the winner? I doubt it. Just as I doubt viewing figures would suffer from taking these archaic traditions away. Surely, we as a society, are long past the objectification of women.

PRAISE WHERE PRAISE IS DUE

The NFL is a bastion of modernization; with video review and remote decision-making, rules are continually updated to improve the game and decrease the risk of injury. Sure, they still measure yardage with a chain, but nobody’s perfect. Soccer, by contrast, is hesitantly introducing the Video Assistant Referee and has done nothing to stamp out the blatant cheating that mars the game. The NFL is well on top of it and for that, applause be given.

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However, praise cannot be bestowed for the way it treats cheerleaders. Aside from the current news, cheerleading is awash with tales of strict regimes, body shaming, image pressures and low pay. It’s a wonderful thing to engage in something big and exciting like an NFL team but ask yourself “why do we have cheerleaders?” In my opinion it’s because men formed the NFL and men like attractive women. The NFL is for entertainment purposes and does it well, but it can always do better and evolve. Let’s find a way to celebrate women and the art of cheerleading more befitting to the culture of 2018.

Red Sox get a huge series win taking 3 out of 4 from Texas.

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With the AL East heating up, this series win is huge momentum for the Red Sox.

After David Price got shelled on Thursday giving the Red Sox their 4th loss in their last 7 games, the next 3 games would be more reassuring. On Friday night, Rick Porcello would take the hill as he would be facing the 60 year old Bartolo Colon on the opposition.  Porcello would continue to roll as he went 6 innings, struck out 8 men while only giving up one earned run; a solo shot to Nomar Mazara. JD would keep on rolling as he hit another homer, along with Devers who hit 2. They would go on to win the game 5-1.

The 3rd game of the series was an impressive comeback win by the Sox. They were down 4-1 in the 5th after Erod gave up a 2 out, 3 run shot to Delino Desheilds. But they were not done yet. Mitch Moreland would hit yet another one of his homers(his 5th on the year) a 2 run shot to make it a 1 run game. Rodriguez would finish one more inning, but not before Joey Gallo would take him deep for the second time in the game, his 3rd homer given up overall. The Red Sox would once again rally in the 7th. With Mookie on first base with 1 out, Benintendi would hit a little blooper that would fall. As the fielder got to the ball, he didn’t look at Mookie, which was a bad decision. Mookie would literally steal a run as he started to run home since he wasn’t being paid attention to and would successfully score. JD Martinez would later get an RBI single up the middle to bring home Benintendi to tie the game at 5, but in the bottom of the 8th inning the Red Sox would get into trouble. With men on second and third and nobody out, Hembree would get 1 man out before Joe Kelly aka Jim Buchanan would make his appearance. With an intentionally walked batter to load the bases with 1 out, Kelly would blow away Joey Gallo, who had homered in 2 of his previous At bat’s, and get Jurickson Profar looking on 98 mph on the paint. Nasty. After a Benintendi triple in the 9th, Hanley would drive him in with a sac fly. Kimbrel would lock it down in the 9th getting the save to secure a 6-5 Red Sox win. But this was not just any save, his 300th of his career. Unbelievable.  

Sunday was a combination of great pitching and great hitting, once again. Mitch Moreland and Xander Bogearts would each drive in a run of their own. Sandy Leon, aka the only active Hall of Famer in the game would go deep for a 3 run shot that would break it open in the 6th. JD would hit yet another home run as the Sox would win finishing out a huge series win taking 3 out of 4 in Arlington.

The story of this game however was Chris Sale. Sale has clearly been not the same guy this year so far, the numbers were there but his velocity was down. It was clear he was holding it off because on Sunday, he was bringing the heat. He was throwing 97-99 with his usual nasty slider. He went 7 strong innings striking out 12 men, and only giving up 1 earned run. Be scared, MLB. Chris Sale looks like he’s back. 

The Yankees did not cool off one bit this weekend, as they swept the Cleveland Indians and capped the series off with an epic comeback. Winning this series was huge for Boston. With New York not slowing down, the Red Sox were able to keep the pace and stay in first place going into the Yankees series, which starts Tuesday. Drew Pomeranz will take the ball in game 1 to take on Luis Severino. It will be the first Sox-Yankees series since the epic brawl that broke out back in April. This time its going to be in the Bronx. With the way things are going right now, these 3 upcoming games won’t be the only intriguing games between these 2 teams in 2018. Get your popcorn ready. Its going to be a fun summer. 

Looking at the Patriots Draft Picks

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Going over the Patriots Draft Picks

Via NESN.comThe Patriots waited until the seventh round to select a quarterback. Danny Etling out of LSU has worked out with Tom Brady’s throwing coaches in California and worked on his mechanics. Etling is excited to learn from the greatest quarterback of all time. However, he seemed to go under the radar in the NFL Draft, and it’s a wonder what Belichick has up his sleeve.

The Patriots Plan for the Future

Via Patriots.comhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45ZWI7sQRBo

Nick Caserio spoke after the draft and explained why the Patriots took Etling: “[Etling] was a player that we spent some time with here as a part of the process. Here’s a guy, a Purdue transfer, went down to LSU and the thing about him – he played for Coach [Cam] Cameron in kind of a pro-style offense. He had some experience. The one thing he didn’t do – he didn’t turn the ball over. You look at his career production and this guy didn’t turn the ball over. I think it was 16-2 this year, a low percentage. He takes care of the ball, smart, pretty accurate thrower. There’s some good qualities and traits that we think we can work with and develop. He played against good people on a weekly basis.” We’ll see how he does and sees if he’s a fit for the Patriots. With knowing that Brady has at least two more years they really needed to draft a quarterback.

As for running back Sony Michel who they drafted 31st overall in the draft, he seems to be an explosive force in the backfield. The Patriots could not only use Michel as a running back, but also as a receiver.  The Patriots have Mike Gillislee, Rex Burkhead, and James White also at the running back position. In the 2017, season according to PatsPulpit the Patriots ran the ball 48% of the time. That number dropped to 36% of the time when Rex Burkhead was in the backfield.  Nick Caserio said after the draft, “We think [Michel is] a good football player, so we picked the player. He’s got pretty good skills, he’s athletic, he’s good in space, he’s a strong runner for his size.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UAtbW46JoE