Q&A with Patriots Offensive Lineman LaAdrian Waddle

photo cred- www.zimbio.com

This past week I had the opportunity to connect with New England Patriots offensive lineman LaAdrian Waddle via Facebook. LaAdrian is a cool dude and simply posted the question, “what is ok to mix with your eggs?”, in which I put my two cents into his discussion. We had a back and forth that eventually turned into a quick Q&A. Shout out to LaAdrian for taking the time to answer my questions, and to Boston Sports Extra for giving me the opportunity to write for them and reach out to players and be able to speak with them on a level I never thought I could.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with LaAdrian, this dude is a MONSTER. He stands at 6’6 and weighs in at 315 pounds. In other words, the dude is a mack truck. LaAdrian is a Texas native who played his college ball at Texas Tech University, the same college as former Patriot receivers Wes Welker and Danny Amendola. The big man went undrafted out of college and signed on with the Detroit Lions before being cut after an injury ruined his 2014 campaign. He was eventually signed by the Pats and recently re-signed after testing out free agency (Dallas showed interest). We are glad to have him back.

NOW, LETS GET DOWN TO THE Q & A SHALL WE?

Q: What is your all time favorite meal or food?

A (LaAdrian): “Chinese food”

-Not a bad choice at all big fella.

Q: Do you have any superstitions or rituals you carry out before a game?

A: “Nope”

– A man of few words… Nothing wrong with keeping it short and sweet!

Q: Favorite artist out right now if you had to choose one?

A: “Juicy J”

– Okay, can’t lie on this one bud… JUICY J?!? I was hoping for J.Cole, Post Malone, or Kendrick Lamar… But JUICY J? COME ON MANNNNNNN.

Q: Favorite movie of all time, and are you big into the Avengers movies?

A: “Haven’t seen the Avengers yet but I do like all those movies. Don’t really have one favorite movie, just a long list of ones I like.”

– Much respect for being an Avengers/Marvel fan, but everyone has ONE favorite / go to movie, don’t they?!

Q: It seems like Fortnite is the new craze hitting college dorm rooms, living rooms, and even locker rooms. Has it hit your home yet? Are you part of the Fortnite frenzy?

A: “Yeah I be on there getting beat by little kids”

– I feel your pain brother… I’d laugh but honestly the same happens to me, hence why I stopped playing the game…. Damn kids and their video games!

Q: For the most part do you enjoy living in New England?

A: “It’s alright minus the brutal winters. Boston is a cool city but I’m not about that traffic”

– Traffic in Boston… You don’t say?! I hear ya bro, Boston is a great city to be in but I am all set with traffic on a daily basis too big guy!

Q: Who do you got winning the NBA Finals? Give me your “expert” prediction

A: ” Rockets vs Celtics….Rockets win in 7″

– Wow, okay big man. I can’t say I don’t like the picks… Even with Kyrie and Gordon injured I think we still take the East but lose to the West… But my pick is Golden State

Q: Who would you choose as your favorite college teammate at Texas Tech and your favorite teammate on the Patriots?

A: “I’ve had a bunch of great teammates over the years. That’s what makes this game so special.”

– Kept it humble and to a minimum, so no feelings were hurt. I see what you did there!

Q: What is your most memorable moment playing in the NFL?

A: “Playing in Super Bowl LI”

– Cant lie, Super Bowl LI is one of my favorites as a fan too… FALCONS BLEW A 28-3 LEAD… #NeverForget

Q: What ultimately lead to you re-signing with the Patriots? Was it playing for another ring? Playing with Tom and for Bill?

A: “It was the best situation”

– Okay, easy to see Belichick has these guys trained well when it comes to giving answers! NOT EVEN MAD ABOUT IT.#InBillWeTrust

Q: Who are your most competitive teammates on the Patriots on both sides of the ball?

A: “If you’re a Patriot, you’re competitive lol”

– I think he is under the impression I’m trying to set him up. Don’t worry big fella, I see what your doing. I wouldn’t get you in trouble with the locker room!

Q: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

A: “Have the best season of my career and help this team win a bunch of big games”

– I cant argue with that big man, do your job right?! I like the sound of that!

Q: We all see how crazy Tom Brady is about winning but from your perspective being inside the locker room and being on his side of the ball at practice and during games, just how crazy is he and do you consider him the GOAT like many of us do?

A: ” The reason you play is to win! He is the GREATEST”

-Basically confirmed what we ALL already know… Brady is a MANIAC and he is truly the G.O.A.T.

photo credit- www.nesn.com

This concludes my Q & A with LaAdrian Waddle. Again, I want to give a big shout out to him for taking the time to answer these and give me some insight on him as a person and as a football player. Stay tuned for more to come! Check out Boston Sports Extra on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more articles from our talented and knowledgeable writers!

GO PATS!

Expectations for a Healthy Tyler Thornburg

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When the Red Sox acquired Tyler Thornburg in the 2016 offseason, they envisioned him becoming a critical bullpen piece. Since the trade, Thornburg has not thrown a pitch for the Red Sox due to thoracic outlet syndrome in his right shoulder. The former Brewer could rejoin the Red Sox soon as he began his rehab assignment Monday. Thornburg was impressive in his first appearance considering the last time he pitched any kind of regular season game was in 2016. He could be a very welcomed addition to the Red Sox bullpen if he can return to his old form.

Red Sox Trade for Thornburg

When the Red Sox acquired Thornburg, he was coming of a dominant season in which he recorded a 2.15 ERA. He had recorded thirteen saves and struck out ninety batters in just 67 innings. He held batters to a .167 average, and was particularly dominant on lefties, who hit a measly .130 against him. In exchange for him, the Sox gave up prospects and Travis Shaw, who has broken out as the Brewers’ starting third baseman. This hurt the Red Sox as they struggled to get any production from third base until the MLB debut of Rafael Devers last year. Thornburg could still make it a good trade for the Sox, but the team will ease him back in.

Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Where Thornburg Fits In

When the Red Sox acquired Thornburg he was supposed to be a dominant late inning reliever. He still could be, but the Sox will be careful. Like with Carson Smith when he returned from Tommy John, the Red Sox will not use Thornburg in high leverage situations at first. The priority will be getting him comfortable on a Major League mound again. In his first rehab appearance he struck out three, showing that his strikeout stuff is still there. By the end of the season he could be the setup man for Kimbrel.

Photo Credit: Matt Stone

What to Expect

People will have to be patient with Thornburg, as he is coming off a difficult injury. It would be a surprise if he came back and dominated right away. The Red Sox will give him every opportunity to succeed. If he can return to his old form then the Red Sox get one of the best relievers in baseball without having to give anything up. Thornburg’s timetable is still uncertain and the Red Sox will be very cautious with his rehab. One thing is for sure- he will be more determined than ever and the Sox could be in store for something special. Getting him back to where he was in 2016 could be better than any trade the Red Sox could make.

David Price Needs to Get It Together Before It’s Too Late

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It was December 4th, 2015. John Henry, Tom Werner, and Dave Dombrowski were all sitting at the press conference and made it official. David Price was now a member of the Boston Red Sox. He talked about how excited he is to win and play with such a great group of guys. Great things were ahead. Or were they?

A Turn for the Worst

Skip ahead to the beginning of 2018. Price is coming off two very disappointing seasons. Although 2016 wasn’t awful, a horrendous April left him with a 3.99 ERA. For an ace that is no good. In 2017 he only made 11 starts, as he would have an injury plagued season. The plan was to keep him in the bullpen for the rest of 2017 and to get him ready to start again in 2018.

Price went into Spring Training this year with high hopes. A new manager and a whole new coaching staff (except for Dana Levangie, the pitching coach) took over the old one. It was a good thing for Price since there were rumors of him not being the biggest John Farrell fan on the team last year. Price talked about how he was “mad at the world” last year when he got his injury that kept him from having the season he wanted. He was confident, this whole team was confident, hell even the whole fan base was confident, too. It was looking good for Price.

The season started very well for him, as he opened the season with 14 shutout innings against the Rays. The redemption tour was starting. Or was it? It went downhill after that, as he gave up four runs in the first inning to the Yankees in his next start. The next week he threw five scoreless innings in a Red Sox blowout win. Against the Oakland A’s he was one out away from going eight innings with only allowing one run. He’s back, right? Nope. The first pitch Price threw to Khris Davis was driven into the left field seats for a three run homer. After that he took on Tampa again, and it was ugly. He gave up six runs (five earned), eight hits, and walked four men over 5.2 innings. Not what you want.

More of the Same?

I sit here, writing this article after David Price once again wet the bed. This time against the Texas Rangers, a team that had a record of 12-20 and in the basement of the AL West going into the game. Yet somehow, this start was even worse. He gave up nine runs (seven earned) on six hits, while walking two in 3.2 innings. Price has always had struggles at Globe Life Park in Arlington, but this is not the same type of offense he faced back when the Rangers were a first place team.

The thing that is the hardest for me about Price is the fact that I have been one of his biggest cheerleaders for the past two years. I absolutely loved when we signed him. I have rooted as hard as anyone from the moment he threw his first pitch in a Boston uniform up until now. Through all the ups and downs, I defended him, and stayed confident in him. And all of this is why it gets me so frustrated when he fails. When Price signed with Boston, he signed the largest contract ever by a pitcher ($30,000,000 every year for seven seasons). That’s a lot of dough.

Clayton Kershaw previously made the record at $215 million, but there is a difference. Kershaw was the best pitcher in baseball at the time of his contract signing. All these years later, he still is. Price, on the other hand, has struggled mightily this whole time. Now I know it has only been a couple of years, but it’s getting to the point where enough is enough. It’s going to become too late. We won’t be able to defend him anymore. We’re going to just be stuck with a washed up David Price for the next four years.

Now can he avoid that? Yes, of course he can. If there is one man in the game of baseball who can get out of a struggle and get back to his old self, its David Price. I will keep on rooting for this guy, and cheering for him all I can, and I will still have faith in him. He used to be one of the best pitchers in the game, and there is no saying he can’t get back to that. The only problem is there is only a matter of time before it’s too late.

Christian Sam Film Review: The Linebacker New England Needs?

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So for about a month, I have been continually raving about how New England will get an athletic, fast first-round linebacker in Rashaan Evans or Leighton Vander Esch. Well, it didn’t work out like that. In fact, the Patriots did not draft a linebacker until the fifth round, where they took Ja’whaun Bentley and Christian Sam. Sam is referred to as the type of linebacker I have been wanting. Let’s get an understanding of how he really plays.

Against the Run

Sam is very patient in run defense. He waits for the play to develop to get the best position on the runner to make the tackle.

With his quickness, he uses a side-step move a lot to get past offensive linemen and tackle the runner.

The side-step move doesn’t work every time. He tries it here with no luck. He gets taken out of play.

The thing is that Sam isn’t great at taking on contact. His quickness and patience are his strengths in the run game. He puts his shoulder down here and tries to lead with power. The fullback consumes him with ease.

Analysis

Sam is fairly decent in the run game. He consistently makes tackles, as shown in the first clip against Oregon. His side step move is not consistent and can take him out of play. He also is helpless if a lineman can lock him or limit his movement. All that being said, he is a smart, instinctive, and dependable player. Although he is undersized, he still makes his presence known against the run.

Against the Pass

Sam is extremely gifted in coverage. He matches up with running backs well, as shown here. He takes away the quarterback’s check down option. This forces the quarterback to scramble and eventually get sacked.

His football IQ and diagnosis are very high. He immediately recognizes the screen and tackles the back for a loss of yards.

Sam is dropped into a zone coverage here. His reaction time is fast and therefore makes an excellent pass breakup.

Open-field tackling is a thing of beauty right here.

Analysis

This is where Sam can bring the most help to the team. He matches up with well with running backs, which is something the Patriots had trouble with in the playoffs (Corey Clement and Corey Grant still haunt my nightmares). Sam has a high football IQ, is stellar in zone coverage, and is a sure-fire tackler.

Conclusion

Thus, Christian Sam definitely has the potential to be an amazing linebacker. His cover skills are a dire necessity. He is most likely going to be a rotational player, but there is a chance he could overtake Elandon Roberts as starting middle linebacker. Although, the more likely prospect for that role is Marquis Flowers.

No matter what happens, expect to see Sam to still be wearing a Patriots uniform come September. Hopefully, you readers out there get a better understanding of the type of player Sam is. Is he the linebacker the Patriots need? Only time can tell.

The Red Sox Travel to Texas to Take on the Rangers

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The Red Sox Are on to Texas

Via Gambling SitesThe 20-8 Boston Red Sox will be in Texas to take on the Rangers this weekend. The Rangers record is 20-8, and hopefully the Red Sox bats keep coming alive. Mookie Betts has been on fire lately and had himself a three home run game against Kansas City. Last night, David Price took the mound against Mike Minor. It was nice and warm in Texas, but David Price wasn’t able to get the job done. Besides that weird outing against the Yankees, Price has pitched pretty well. However, the bats seem to be quiet when Price and even Chris Sale pitch.

The Pitching Matchups

Today, Rick Porcello gets the start against Bartolo Colon. Porcello is off to a better start than last year. Rick Porcello currently is 4-0 with a 2.23 ERA. He has only given up one home run in his four starts. The former Cy Young winner looks to have another great season like he did two years ago. It seems like Bartolo Colon has pitched since the beginning of baseball. Colon is almost 45 years old, and he’s still pitching. He has a 3.00 ERA in 31 innings so far this season. We’ll see how much longer this guy pitches, but it doesn’t look like he’s retiring anytime soon.

Saturday Eduardo Rodriguez is going against Cole Hamels. Rodriguez was on family leave and missed three games. If Rodriguez can’t make the start, the Red Sox have Brian Johnson or Hector Velazquez. Lastly, Chris Sale will play on Sunday against Doug Fister in an afternoon game. Chris Sale hasn’t gotten the run support lately when he pitches.

The New York Yankees Are Creeping Up

This series is important, as the Yankees are creeping up right behind the Red Sox for first place. The Red Sox lead the division with a game and a half lead over the New York Yankees. This four-game series could be a difference maker in the division come Monday.

Why Can’t the Red Sox Hit When Chris Sale Pitches?

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Chris Sale Having a Rough Start with Run Support

Chris Sale had a great season during his first year in a Red Sox uniform. This season, though, Sale has a record of 2-1 after seven games. For some reason, the Red Sox can’t hit the baseball when Chris Sale pitches. So far he’s pitched 42 innings, allowed 31 hits, 11 runs, 51 strikeouts, and four walks according to baseball reference. He’s giving up four home runs too. His ERA currently is 2.14. He pitches well, but the Red Sox can’t seem to find the hitting they need to win games when he’s on the mound.

The Seven Starts Chris Sale Has Pitched

Through the seven starts Chris Sale has started, the batting average as a team is .159. The Red Sox have scored 36 runs in the seven starts that Chris Sale pitches. When Chris hasn’t pitched, the Red Sox have scored 118 runs. On April 22nd, the Red Sox were 11-0 when anyone other than Chris Sale or David Price pitches. The Red Sox are 7-5 when Chris Sale or David Price pitch.

Since the beginning of the season, the Red Sox are 17-0 when Chris Sale doesn’t pitch. When he does pitch the Red Sox are 4-3. That is a jaw-dropping stat for a guy that is supposed to be the ace on the team. Chris Sale needs the bats to perform when he pitches too, especially in October. Chris Sale and David Price need the run support if they really want to get past the first round in October. Last night the Red Sox made four errors when Chris Sale was pitching against the 8-22 Kansas City Royals.

What If the Red Sox Didn’t Sign David Price?

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NOTE: There is no way anyone can tell what would actually happen to the Red Sox and David Price, so these educated guesses are based on rumors from MLBTradeRumors.com

On December 4, 2015, the Boston Red Sox signed left-hander David Price to a seven-year, $214 million contract. This was supposed to be a sign to the league that the Red Sox wanted to compete, but it didn’t work out right away. Here’s what would happen if the signing didn’t happen at all.

Where Does David Price Go?

David Price was one of the top free agents of the 2015-2016 offseason. He was seeking a large contract (which he ended up getting). This means that only the big market teams would be able to compete for his services. The Cubs, Dodgers, and Giants had interest in Price, but I have him going somewhere else.

The rumor was that the St. Louis Cardinals were about to sign Price, but the Sox simply outbid them. David Price is a St. Louis Cardinal.

Who do the Red Sox Sign Instead?

(Jim Gensheimer/Bay Area News Group)

The free agent class of 2015-2016 was full of talent. Since the Red Sox were obviously willing to spend the money, they get someone else.

Originally, Johnny Cueto, after winning a World Series with the Royals in 2015, signed a six-year, $130 million deal with the Giants. In this reality, the Red Sox outbid the Giants and they sign him to a six-year, $180 million deal. There is no way that Brian Sabean, GM of the Giants, matches that offer.

The Red Sox still trade for Craig Kimbrel and Carson Smith.

2016 Red Sox – First Half

The Red Sox, rolling out a rotation of Johnny Cueto, Rick Porcello, Eduardo Rodriguez, Clay Buchholz, and Steven Wright, look to compete this year. They have a great start to the year, since the pitching perfoms well.

Johnny Cueto, in real life, goes 13-1 with a 2.47 ERA in the first half with the Giants, but to be fair, we’ll say the ERA goes up a bit due to the change in leagues. Steven Wright pitches well too, going 10-5 with a 2.68 ERA.

It’s not just the pitching that does well. The Red Sox, as a team, average 5.63 runs in the first half of the season (87 games). There are many Red Sox players in the annual All-Star game too, with Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley Jr., David Ortiz, Craig Kimbrel, and Johnny Cueto making appearances.

2016 Trade Deadline

The Red Sox originally only made one important trade at the deadline, trading for 2016 All-Star Drew Pomeranz, and they still do. Lackluster performances from Clay Buchholz and Eduardo Rodriguez force the Red Sox to add starting pitching depth.

2016 Season – Second Half & Postseason

The Red Sox cruise along the second half, sailing to an AL East Division title, and win 95 games instead of 93.

Around the league, the Giants miss the playoffs because of the loss of Johnny Cueto. Since they added David Price, the St. Louis Cardinals take that last Wild Card spot and play the Mets in the one-game playoff.

As for the Red Sox, instead of winning zero games, we win one game. Johnny Cueto is a proven postseason performer, and he guides the Red Sox to their only playoff win of 2016.

The Cubs still win the World Series against the Indians in seven games.

2016-2017 Offseason

The Red Sox this offseason have the daunting task of finding someone to fill in the shoes of David Ortiz. In real life, all they did was sign Mitch Moreland, and that stays the same. The Chris Sale and Tyler Thornburg trades still happen because of the lack of pitching success in the postseason.

Around the league, things stay mostly the same, except the Giants sign Jeremy Hellickson to add pitching depth. Dexter Fowler still signs with the Cardinals, and all the free agents who stayed (Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Turner, Kenley Jansen, etc.) still stay with their respective teams.

2017 Boston Red Sox

Johnny Cueto deals with injuries and just plain ineffectiveness during the season (sounds familiar?). And yes, David Price also still deals with injuries. This season plays out the same way in this reality, with the Red Sox winning the division in the second-to-last game of the season.

Around the league, the Giants still struggle, and the Cardinals miss the playoffs (as they did in real life) because of injuries. Playoffs teams all stay the same.

Only one difference: the Red Sox win zero games in the postseason. The one game they won (Game 3) relied heavily on David Price’s relief performance, and without that, they don’t win that game. Sure, Cueto is healthy in time for the playoffs, but it’s hard to see him performing well in the playoffs with his struggles in the regular season.

Everything else stays the same.

The Point

Getty Images

Nothing really changes if the Red Sox don’t sign David Price in 2015. It was inevitable that the Sox were going to spend big money on a starter. Of course, both Cueto and Price are still under the contracts they signed in 2015, and they still can prove their worth.

Before you judge the David Price signing, remind yourself that there is still time for him to prove himself. Yes, you could argue that all of the off-the-field issues would disappear, but how would you really know that? How can anyone tell how Johnny Cueto would react to the Boston media?

The Red Sox still have David Price on their payroll. If you are a true Red Sox fan, you will support him. Please give him a chance to prove his worth.

Grading the Bruins’ Game Two Performance

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@demalia_lorenzo Game Two Grade

Much has been made about the officiating after the Bruins dropped game two. Most of that criticism is justified, as the Bruins were on the wrong side of some bad calls all night. But even if the officials did not stink up the place the Bruins were not the better team that night. Tampa took it to them all game long and out worked them in every aspect of the game. The Bruins did not have a shot on goal for most of the first period and were out shot 31-20 on the night. They were also playing on their heels far too much, not making enough plays through the neutral zone and getting quality second chances.

Photo Credit: Eric Russo

The Bruins just could not handle the pressure the Lightning put on them all game. But it was not just the Lightning, it was the Bruins’ sloppy play that cost them the game. The B’s turned the puck over 13 times and Tampa had eight takeaways. Both are far too many against a team of Tampa’s stature. The Bruins were also noticeable less physical than the Lightning, as they got out hit 42-24. Overall, everyone will take a split in Tampa heading back to Boston for Game 3. But if the Bruins want to get back on track, they need to tighten things up through the neutral zone and clean up the turnovers.

Grade: D

@JamieGatlin1217 Game Two Grade

The Bruins knew Tampa Bay would come into Game 2 highly motivated after being dominated on their home ice in Game 1. The Bruins struggled offensively in the beginning, as they were unable to record a shot on net in the first thirteen minutes of the game. They fell behind early as Tampa scored the game’s first goal eleven minutes in. The Bruins gained some momentum later in the first period, as Charlie McAvoy scored his first goal of the postseason to tie the game at one.

Tampa Bay scored the next two goals while the Bruins struggled with their puck management. Rask played well in this game, but turnovers hurt the Bruins and led to good scoring opportunities that Tampa Bay capitalized on. In the third period Torey Krug cut Tampa’s lead to one. The Bruins seemed poised to tie it after Marchand got a breakaway that was broken up after he was clearly slashed on the hands by Anton Stralman. This was one of the many controversial calls by the officials that changed the momentum of the game. Tampa put the game out of reach with an empty net goal that made it 4-2 with less than thirty seconds left.

Photo Credit: Douglas R. Clifford/ Tampa Bay Times

Overall Grade C: In Game 3 they will need to put the puck in the net. They will have to tighten up on defense as stretch passes and turnovers have hurt them all year. They will need to be more physical and help Rask. If they can do this then Game 3 could end very differently than Game 2.

@Lizzie88 Game Two Grade

The Bruins knew Tampa was going to come out strong after losing 6-3 on home ice. The Bolts hit back, and Boston just couldn’t catch up. In the first 13 minutes, the Bruins were held without a shot on net. The Black and Gold fell behind, and for once it wasn’t all on Rask. The Bruins were a bit sloppy at times before changing the momentum after Charlie McAvoy tied the game up in the first period. But the night belonged to Tampa. One thing stood out in this game and continues to be a problem throughout the league: the inconsistent officiating in the NHL. Not to use it as an excuse for how disjointed the Bruins looked, but blatant missed calls can change the play of the game.

After Krug brought the B’s within one goal in the third, Brad Marchand was poised to tie the game on a breakaway. However a head scratcher non call stopped the B’s momentum as Marchand was clearly slashed on his hands by Anton Stralman. The interesting part is Torey Krug got called on a “slash”–a love tap up against the pad that did not interfere with any play. Other non calls included a clear cross check to David Pastrnak against the boards. And for the refs, an even more frustrating aspect is the continued shifting of players during the face off. As a fan of the game, just drop the puck.

Photo Credit: NHL. Com

The Bruins need to play better, hit better, and just shoot the puck on net. This series is expected to be chippy and exhausting. The B’s will be bringing the series back to Boston tonight, and with home ice advantage, the Garden will be vibrating. Let’s hope the boys will feed off the crowd and win these next two games. As Marchand puts it:
“We have home ice advantage now, we’ll go home. This games’ over, it’s done with and we’ll move on”

OVERALL GRADE: C- The Bruins need to stop with those turnovers. It’s been their issue all season long. Top line is allowed one off night. Tighten up the D, help Rask out more and get more physical. This series won’t be easy. Stay out of the penalty box, hoping the refs will call a better game.

Xander/Didi is Jeter/Nomar: Part Deux

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The Red Sox/Yankees rivalry is a classic that all baseball fans can enjoy. However, in the peak of this rivalry (late 1990s/early 2000s), there was always a rivalry within the rivalry. Both teams were home to two of my generation’s best shortstops (Alex Rodriguez was better than both) in Derek Jeter and Nomar Garciaparra.

Nomar vs. Jeter

To give the average baseball fan some background on this rivalry, Nomar and Jeter was a closer face-off than their accolades tell. Both being first round draft picks, it seemed that Jeter and Nomar always had something to prove to one another right out of the gate. It didn’t take long, as both won the Rookie of the Year awards in their respective rookie seasons (Jeter in 1996, Nomar in 1997). What followed was another chapter in the storied rivalry.

Both shortstops went on to battle one another throughout many seasons. Nomar had the better stats in an eight year stretch (1996 – 2004). But overall, Jeter was the better player. Maybe Nomar would have taken the bragging rights away from Jeter if he wasn’t plagued by injuries after the 2004 season. However, the latter’s consistency and burning passion to win five World Series would ultimately lead to the victory in the competition. Jeter achieved 14 All-Star appearances, five Gold Gloves, five Silver Sluggers, and a World Series MVP. But fans of the game will never forget how Nomar was, for a moment in time, the better player.

Bogaerts vs. Gregorius

Fast forward to 2013, Xander Bogaerts debuted for the Red Sox in a championship year. Didi Gregorius exceeded his rookie status in the same season with Arizona. After the 2014 season concluded, Derek Jeter decided to walk away from baseball as a player, and the Yankees searched for his replacement. Alex Rodriguez was clearly way past his time to man the position, and Brian Cashman decided to take a shot on the Arizona short stop from the Netherlands.

Gregorius was known for his fielding prowess, but became a gamble when it came to his offensive abilities. Initially, the plan was to platoon with Brendan Ryan and see if Gregorius could distance himself for a consistent spot on the roster. Didi’s numbers weren’t all that great, but over time he has grown into a top five shortstop, and shows no signs of slowing down. Every season, he has improved in every asset of his offensive abilities while maintaining a steady rate defensively. To start off the 2018 season, Didi has been by far and away one of the best players in the majors with a 1.156 OPS, ten homers and 30 RBIs.

Enter Bogey

Xander Bogaerts, however, has had an arguably better career as of now, but it’s insanely close. Born in Oranjestad, Aruba, Bogaerts took the minor leagues by storm in 2009. He ascended through the ranks of the Red Sox farm system and eventually earned his call-up in 2013. He won a World Series ring in the same season, and never really looked back since. Albeit, he had a dip in performance in 2017 that many attribute to an injury that he never recovered fully from. But Xander is on track in 2018 after smashing two grand slams, a slash of .412/.426/.725 with an OPS of 1.171, all in the month of April.

Rivalry Within the Rivalry

Let the record show that I am not comparing Xander and Didi to two of the best short stops I’ve ever seen in my lifetime. However, it’s interesting that Xander and Didi started breaking out in their own way right around the time of a renewed rivalry. One cannot help but to think back to a time when this sort of battle has been prevalent for the position’s sake. With the surplus of talent at the position, these two players can really be compared with the likes of Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager, Manny Machado, and Carlos Correa. This fantastic battle is bound to give fans of the game reason to keep close watch on their careers.

@ELJGON

The Patriots Almost Got Baker Mayfield

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The Giants and Patriots Almost Made a Trade for Baker Mayfield

Via Sports Illustrated

Believe it or not, Baker Mayfield was almost a New England Patriot, according to his agent. The Giants and Patriots were in discussion about a possible trade for the Patriots to move up to the number two spot in the Draft. But when the Browns got Mayfield, the talks stopped, and it never happened. What also didn’t happen was Lamar Jackson going to New England. That was a complete smokescreen by Bill Belichick, making people think they are into Lamar Jackson when really they wanted to get Baker Mayfield.

Baker Mayfield was the closest thing to Jimmy Garoppolo in this draft. The next head coach Josh McDaniels was really into Baker Mayfield being the heir apparent to Tom Brady. I still do believe that Belichick is leaving after this season and Josh McDaniels will be taking over starting next season. With everything going on lately, I really don’t blame Belichick for walking away. Imagine Baker Mayfield in a Patriots uniform, though. There are people comparing him to Johnny Manziel. Who knows if any of the quarterbacks will be a bust or not? For some, it goes to their head, and for others, they work their tails off to get better.

People Are Already Judging Danny Etling

Via NESN.com

People seem to want to forget that Tom Brady was taken in the sixth round at pick 199. Dan Etling is no Tom Brady, however, he’s working with Brady’s throwing coaches and that should be taken into consideration. Why is there no talk about Danny Etling? Did the Patriots draft their next quarterback in this draft? Who knows. Let’s see how Etling does before we jump to conclusions that he’s going to suck. Instead of getting Mayfield, they instead loaded up McDaniels for next season with draft picks. I don’t see Brian Hoyer with the team after this upcoming season. Then in 2020, it will be Josh McDaniels, Etling (or another quarterback), and the backup with a completely new Patriots team.