Player Ratings for Crew SC vs New England Revolution

Last Saturday, the Revolution marched into MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus with their heads high. After a 1-0 home loss the previous week to FC Dallas, they were dying to get some points back. The Revolution got off to a rough start as Andrew Farrell headed in an own goal in the 9th minute. The Revolution quickly answered back after Teal Bunbury scored on a bad angle to tie it in the 14th minute. In a game that went back and forth with both goalies making great saves, the Crew broke free again in the 43rd minute off of a Gyasi Zardes goal from inside the penalty box. It seemed that was going to be the score going into the half, but once again the Revolution answered back in the 45th+1 minute on a Cristian Penilla volley, with an incredible set up from Juan Agudelo.

The 2nd half was back and forth football that saw each team get great chances. In the end, it came down to the last second when a shot from Cristian Martinez knocked down by Turner and ricocheted off the post came right out front only to be cleared away by Scott Caldwell, to see the Revolution steal a point in a 2-2 draw.

Revolution Player Ratings

Matt Turner 7.3

Matt Turner faced five total shots on net in the stat line. However, he did much more than stats can show. Turner came up big making three big saves along with multiple rush outs to steal the ball off the feet of Crew players. He also cleared the ball off the line a few times to keep the game level. Then of course, is the elephant in the room. Stats say he let in two goals on five shot on net, but forget to tell you one of the goals was an own goal.

Andrew Farrell 6.7

Andrew Farrell didn’t get Revs fans too pumped after scoring an own goal early into a road game. It definitely wasn’t one of his better moments. But afterward, he really stepped his game up. Farrell made key defensive plays throughout the rest of the night and continued on like it was a new game.

Claude Dielna 7.4

Claude Dielna may have executed the best slide tackle of the year in the 72nd-minute, completely pickpocketing Gyasi Zardes and avoid a breakaway chance with an opportunity to take the lead. Claude Dielna also spent the night winning six aerial battles and racking up nine clearances, earning him a spot on the MLS Team of the Week.

Jalil Anibaba 7.9

Claude Dielna may have made the Team of the Week, but Jalil Anibaba should have won Defensive Player of the Week. Jalil single-handedly saved the Revs from conceding a goal three different times. On the night Jalil blocked four shots and cleared two balls off the line, while six clearances and six interceptions. Jalil most certainly earned his starting spot on.

Gabriel Somi 6.2

Gabriel Somi could have had a better game, but he could have played worse too. He only registered two clearances and three interceptions. He also getting burned by the Crew three times, one of which was in the penalty area. Somi had less than 70% pass completion and to add insult to injury, he also picked up a yellow card.

Wilfried Zahibo 6.6

Zahibo didn’t play especially bad. However, he also didn’t contribute much to the team that stood out. He played a pretty average game, registering a pass completion percentage of 80%. It was higher than it has been, but that’s really the only takeaway. Zahibo also had two clearances and two tackles on the night. He also was awarded a yellow card.

Cristian Penilla 8.3

Mar 31, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; New England Revolution forward Cristian Penilla (70) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second half against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Ecuadorian Dellorian continues to tear up MLS in 2018. Penilla played great notching the game-tying goal on a beautiful volley, and also provided the assist to the games first tying goal scored by Teal Bunbury. Penilla came very close to scoring two other times with his three shots on net, which was half of the Revs total shots on net. With that, Penilla wins my vote for Man of the Match.

Luis Caicedo 6.7

Caicedo does his job, that’s the bottom line. So far in 2018 Luis hasn’t done anything to really disappoint people. He did deliver an almost 82% pass completion rate, which is well above average. He also registered four tackles and three clearances of the ball.

Diego Fagundez 6.6

It was definitely an off day for Diego, and not just because he didn’t score. Diego looked sloppy at times. He made some bad passes, bad decisions, and really just didn’t fully show up to play. While he registered 82% pass completion, Diego was not his normal self.

Juan Agudelo 7.0

In his first start of the season since week one against the Philadelphia Union, Juan surely impressed Brad Freidel. Juan was able to give the Revs an additional offensive asset with Scott Caldwell on the bench, and it definitely showed. The Revs had more scoring chances and were getting forward more often. To add to his night, Juan provided Penilla with a beautiful assist for the game-tying goal.

Teal Bunbury 7.8

I have been pretty hard on Teal for a while now. But on Saturday, he really impressed me. Teal got forward and created chances to provide 1/3 of the Revs’ total shots on net with two. This includes one he buried in off the post to tie the game. Teal really stepped up for me and has given me confidence in him. I never thought I would say this, but I’ll be happy to see Teal in the Revs next starting XI.

Kristian Nemeth 6.6

There isn’t much to say about Nemeth as he only played about 15 minutes, but he looked good I guess. Didn’t screw anything up for them and helped preserve the tie. I still think Nemeth should be given another chance to start to show us his full potential.

Scott Caldwell 6.9

This substitution confused me at the time. Juan was having a great game and they put Scott in, a defensive player, in for a forward. Scott only played about 34 minutes, but in that time kept things in line and came up huge in the final seconds clearing the loose ball out of the area to end the game.

More Protection for Tom Brady

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The Patriots Are Building a Team to Protect Tom Brady

Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY SportsThe Patriots made a trade with San Francisco 49ers today. New England received Trent Brown, another offensive tackle, to help protect Tom Brady. The 49ers and Patriots also swapped the 143rd and 95th picks. No one expected the Patriots to make moves like this prior to this weekend.

It was first reported by Pro Football talk that the two teams were in trade talks early this morning. Brown was a seventh-round pick in 2015 NFL Draft. He started ten games in 2017 and 16 in 2016. Brown is also under contract through 2018 with a salary of $1.9 million. Trent Brown had a shoulder injury which made him miss the end of the 2017 season. However, he is expected to be ready by training camp. This comes after the Patriots drafting Isaiah Wynn 23rd overall in the NFL Draft last night.

What Do the Patriots Have up Their Sleeve?

According to Mike Reiss, the offensive tackle depth chart is as follows: Marcus Cannon, LaAdrian Waddle, Isaiah Wynn, Trent Brown, Antonio Garcia, Cole Croston, Matt Tobin, Ulrick John, and Andrew Jelks. The rest of the Patriots draft picks are as follows: In Round 2, they have picks 11 (43rd overall) and 31 (63rd overall). The Patriots in Round 5 have pick 6 (143rd overall). In Round 6, they have picks 24 (198th overall) and 36 (210th overall).

The Patriots seem to be committed with Tom Brady, who turns 41 in August. All of his talk wanting to play till 45 may be false, but so far Belichick wants to protect him with the best players possible. Reports are saying that the Patriots aren’t impressed with this year’s quarterback class. So now they have to build an offensive line good enough so Brady doesn’t get injured. Does this mean Johnny Manziel is in play? Possibly, because there’s really nobody else out there. I don’t like Manziel, but they’ve done this to themselves. They traded the next guy to San Francisco so now they have to deal with the consequences.

Red Sox Take Series Against Toronto

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Tuesday- Porcello vs. Happ

Porcello took the mound for his fifth start against Toronto’s J. A. Happ. Unfortunately, today’s game didn’t end in the Sox’ favor. Rick Porcello pitched another great game ending with a 1.93 ERA. Hanley Ramirez and Rafael Devers both hit singles to get on base. This allowed Eduardo Nuñez to hit and RBI single into left field. With bases loaded, Brock Holt hit to left field, which forced the game into extra innings. The Toronto Blue Jays eventually took the win as Craig Kimbrel let up his first run in the 2018 season.

Wednesday- Rodriguez vs. Sanchez

It was another night of the Mookie Show for the Sox. The Toronto Blue Jays lost 4-3 against the Red Sox Wednesday night. Hitting two homers, one in his first at bat of the game, Mookie smashed the losing streak. In an interview later that night, Alex Cora compared them to the likes of Altuve and Trout. Brock Holt had three hits, to raise his batting average to .327. Eduardo Rodriguez pitched nearly seven innings and only let up six hits. He extended the Red Sox lead to 18-5. It also happened that the Bruins were playing the same day, and there is a large support system coming from the Sox. Both teams are seen often cheering for the others. Tomorrow is Sale day and with the losing streak gone can he add a win under his belt.

“Two good swings. The one to the opposite side of the field, that was great.” – Alex Cora on Mookie Betts

“Good win for us. Good win for the Bruins. Everybody is pulling for them over here. Mookie did his thing… again” -Hanley Ramirez on the win

Thursday – Sale vs. Estrada

J.D. hit the ball to right center to allow three runs with only two outs in the fifth inning. Chris Sale let up a run in the first inning causing Toronto to give Sanchez the run support Sale wanted. With Joe Kelly serving his suspension, Matt Barnes was brought in. With the Sox only leading Toronto by one run in the seventh inning, Barnes struck out Maile, avoiding a run to tie the game. I’m the eighth inning, Toronto was ready to rally and the Sox had to make a great play. Brock Holt had to throw the ball to Moreland at first, to get Grichuk out. Toronto challenged the call, but luckily there was not enough evidence in their favor. Tomorrow Xander Bogaerts with return from the disabled list and Drew Pomeranz will pitch at Fenway for the first time this season.

You know, even when he’s struggling, you think he’s one adjustment away to do damage.” -Alex Cora on J. D. Martinez

“That’s the kind of guy he is. He does some pretty incredible things with that bat, and I’m appreciative of it tonight. ” – Chris Sale on J. D.

Sources

Red Sox Twitter

NESN

Patriots’ Picks in the First Round of the NFL Draft

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Wild Night at the NFL Draft

Via UGA WireThe 2018 NFL Draft began last night and once again Bill Belichick fooled everyone. He did not pick a quarterback in the first round. Instead, the Patriots drafted two players from the University of Georgia. They drafted offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn at No. 23 and running back Sony Michel at No. 31. The Patriots filled the hole Nate Solder left at offensive tackle early. They also addressed running back Dion Lewis leaving. The quarterback question remains going into the second round.

Tom Brady Gets Help on Offense

Tom Brady got help in the first round with adding an explosive running back. They also added an offensive lineman to replace Nate Solder. Running back Sony Michel had a conference call last night and said, “I’m just honored just to be able to get a call from a prestigious program like the Patriots and it was just so much excitement. No words can really describe what the feeling was like.” And Isaiah Wynn also is excited to be a Patriot saying on a conference call. “It’s awesome. Who wouldn’t want to get a phone call from them? I mean it’s great and I’m just looking forward to starting this new chapter of my life”.

Will the Patriots Select a Quarterback on Friday?

The Lamar Jackson speculation is over as he was selected by the Baltimore Ravens. He was selected with the No. 32 pick in the draft. However, Nick Caserio joked when he met the media Thursday night after the draft. Caserio said, “There are some quarterbacks left in the draft? Look, there’s a lot of good players and a lot of positions. We will re-calibrate in the morning see where we are”. Furthermore, Tom Brady turns 41 in August and fans did not like that New England didn’t select a quarterback in the first round. Remember, Tom Brady wasn’t selected until the sixth round. The top quarterbacks left in the draft are Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph, Richmond’s Kyle Lauletta, and Washington State’s Luke Falk.

Boston Sports Extra Mock Draft 2.0: Pats Get Brady’s Heir?

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Quarterback abundance. Trading a whole city to move up in the draft. Cleveland having the first pick. This 2018 draft has it all, and will definitely go down as one to remember. At least five quarterbacks are expected to be taken in the first round with the draft class being compared to the one in 1983. Mock drafts are mostly horribly wrong, but they are fun to do.

Photo Credit: USA Today

The Patriots have two picks in the first round this year, and there has been a plethora of rumors about them moving up in the draft to select their quarterback of the future. It is impossible to know exactly what Belichick will do come draft day, but let’s try anyways. This is Boston Sports Extra’s second and final mock draft:

1. Cleveland Browns – Baker Mayfield, QB

Yes, I know. Ten million other mock drafts have Sam Darnold as this pick. However, Cleveland has a lot riding on this pick. They have to look at the intangibles here. Mayfield is a born leader with a fiery determination. He has that prove-it mentality and is willing to do whatever it takes. Cleveland could use his command of the offense, and he can be the future of their franchise.

2. Buffalo Bills – Sam Darnold, QB (via mock trade with NYG)

I have read so much on how Dave Gettleman will go with a running back or defensive player here. The Bills have been desperate to trade up, so I’m thinking of a way to satisfy everyone’s needs here. Bills get their man to develop along with AJ McCarron. Stay tuned for the Giants.

3. New York Jets – Josh Rosen, QB (via IND)

The Jets traded THREE second round picks, as well as number six to move up to this spot. They have been linked to Mayfield, but with him off the board they take a proven passer in Mr. Chosen Rosen.

4. Cleveland Browns – Saquon Barkley, RB

They passed on him at number one, but they won’t here. Barkley is a rare talent and can be a humongous spark in this revamped team. Imagine having Mayfield, Barkley, and Landry leading that offense. Kinda scary if you think about it.

5. Denver Broncos – Josh Allen, QB

Elway has had a serious problem trying to find the future quarterback for this team in the draft. Paxton Lynch might have been the biggest waste of a first round pick that I have seen. The Broncos go with the strong-armed quarterback in Allen to develop behind Keenum who, let’s face it, is not a long term plan at quarterback.

6. Indianapolis Colts – Bradley Chubb, DE (via NYJ)

They traded down and still got arguably the best defensive player in this draft. The Colts could go with Quentin Nelson to protect Andrew Luck, but Chubb is too good a prospect to pass up.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Derwin James, S

James is an amazing talent at his position. He’s learned from Pro-Bowlers, Landon Collins and Jalen Ramsey, and he’s ready to make a difference, no matter the team. The Buccaneers would greatly improve their secondary by adding James, who has that certain attitude and skill set they need.

8. Chicago Bears – Quentin Nelson, OG

The Bears have been focused on building around Mitchell Trubisky, and will continue here. With Josh Sitton gone, this seems like the perfect pick. Another option they could go with here is Tremaine Edmunds.

9. San Francisco 49ers – Roquan Smith, LB

Man, the 49ers just can’t stop winning. They won five straight with Jimmy G. They won the coin flip to get this pick, and they draft an absolute stud with it. Reuben Foster, who had great promise, will be cut if he is found guilty of his charges. That leaves a hole in the roster which Smith can definitely fill.

10. Oakland Raiders – Tremaine Edmunds, LB

Raiders can use all the help on defense they can. Their secondary looks better with Gareon Conley and Rashaan Melvin, so they look to improve their linebacker corps with arguably the best linebacker in the class.

11. Miami Dolphins – Vita Vea, DT

Dolphins have shown interest in drafting a quarterback, but choose to address a 307 pound hole in the defense. Vea is an absolute MONSTER. If you don’t believe me, watch his film against UCLA – or against anyone to be honest. Perfect fit for the Hawaiian who will love the beaches in South Florida.

12. New York Giants – Harold Landry, DE (via mock trade with BUF)

I mentioned how I had a way before how Buffalo and New York can get what they need. Harold Landry is an absolute beast with amazing technique. He can absolutely replace JPP.

13. Washington Redskins – Marcus Davenport, DE

Davenport is an untapped freak of nature. He can complement Jonathan Allen on a defensive line that faces Zeke and Ajayi twice a year.

14. Green Bay Packers – Denzel Ward, CB

Ward is the perfect person to pair with Kevin King to improve the Packers depleted secondary. Another option here could be a pass rusher.

15. Arizona Cardinals – Calvin Ridley, WR

Arizona could go quarterback, but instead choose to develop a wide receiver under the great Larry Fitzgerald. Look for them to draft an offensive linemen in the later rounds to protect their injury-prone quarterback.

16. Baltimore Ravens – Lamar Jackson, QB

Flacco is on the back end of his career, so the Ravens could look to develop an amazing athlete. They addressed the wide receiver position in free agency, but can still go with that here if it’s someone they really love.

17. Los Angeles Chargers – Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB

The influx of quarterback picks allowed Fitzpatrick to fall. Chargers would definitely not pass him up, and he would be an amazing replacement for Tre Boston.

18. Seattle Seahawks – Mike McGlinchey, OT

Seattle’s reign is over. There are so MANY holes on this team. I think the first option they should go is to protect their quarterback so he doesn’t run like a chicken with his head cut off every play. Look for Seattle to draft cornerback here as another option.

19. Dallas Cowboys – D.J. Moore, WR

Goodbye, Dez Bryant. Hello, D.J. Moore. Dak gets another weapon, so he doesn’t have to rely on Zeke for their offense to be productive. We saw last year how that turned out.

20. Detroit Lions – Da’ron Payne, DT

Lions need help on the interior. Matty P should love the ‘Bama product. Welcome to the House of Payne.

21. Cincinatti Bengals – Will Hernandez, OG

Bengals drafts Hernandez to have a powerful player for Joe Mixon to run behind.

22. New York Giants – Derrius Guice, RB (via mock trade with BUF)

Instead of taking Saquon at No. 2, they trade down and take an end to replace JPP and a running back to give a spark their offense desperately needs. Guice’s 2016 season was remarkable, and he would be rated higher if it wasn’t for his injury plagued 2017.

23. New England Patriots – Rashaan Evans, LB

If Rosen and Mayfield are off the board early, Patriots won’t trade up. Instead they elect to pick an absolute Saban-bred stud in Evans. If you want to know why, then click here.

24. Carolina Panthers – Jaire Alexander, CB

Alexander is not far behind from Ward as a top cornerback. Hip movement is fluid and coverage is excellent. He honestly shouldn’t fall this far.

25. Tennessee Titans – Leighton Vander Esch, LB

Mike Vrabel will love having this extremely athletic linebacker to help the depleted core. ‘Nuff said.

26. Atlanta Falcons – Taven Bryan, DT

I still think Bryan is a perfect fit for Atlanta. His versatility on the line can help a team who lost both Dontari Poe and Adrian Clayborn.

27. New Orleans Saints – Mike Gesicki, TE

I’m sticking with my pick if Gesicki here. The trio of Thomas, Kamara, and Gesicki is a matchup nightmare. Brees will love having a Jimmy Graham-like target

28. Pittsburgh Steelers – Josh Jackson, CB

Jackson has a lack of experience, but his seven interceptions this year should not go unnoticed. Maybe he can finally help the Steelers beat the Patriots this year (probably not).

29. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dallas Goedert, TE

Defense is definitely not the priority here. If I were the Jaguars, I would go with Mason Rudolph here. However, this is the same team that just gave Bortles a long contract, so I doubt they will listen to me. I don’t think Austin Sefarian- Jenkins is a No. 1 tight end, so Goedert seems like the more likely approach for the Jag.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Connor Williams, OT

Vikings spent big bucks on a flashy, new quarterback and now have to make sure that they can protect him.

31. New England Patriots – Justin Reid, S

Patriots fans are probably scared of drafting this player because he is a Stanford safety, and our last Stanford safety is absolutely terrible (*cough* Jordan Richards). Well, you guys can RELAX. Reid is the real deal- smart, versatile, and great in coverage.

32. Philadephia Eagles – Hayden Hurst, TE

Yeah, I particularly don’t like making a pick here to make this team better (I’m not salty, you are). Anyways, the GM of the Eagles doesn’t think like that. Looking at the Eagles depth chart, they don’t have a lot of holes in the roster. There is not a lot of depth behind Zach Ertz, however. Enter Hurst, a huge catch machine who can create matchup issues for opposing defenses.

So Where’s Brady’s Heir?

Photo Credit: NESN

I do realize what I put in the title. I’m not about clickbait garbage. I do think the Patriots will draft their future quarterback – just not in the first round. Mason Rudolph at No. 43 is a potential prospect. Other later round picks could be Kyle Lauletta, Luke Falk, Logan Woodside, and Alex McGough.

Jake DeBrusk: A Star Is Born

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IT’S DO OR DIE

The stage was set for Game 7 in one of the most anticipated series in the playoffs. After 60 minutes of play, the Boston Bruins beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in a dramatic 7-4 win last night at TD Garden. In a hard-fought game with missed scoring chances, rough net minding in a back and forth game, a young superstar helped his team punch their ticket to round two. In his first taste of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, scoring two goals and playing a solid game throughout the series, Jake DeBrusk came through—big time.

HOT TAKE

The Bruins were up 3-1 in the series only to see the Maple Leafs charge back and tie it up. The one consistent player on the team would be DeBrusk, who garnered seven points in seven games, along with netting five goals (tying it up with fellow superstar David Pastrnak). On a night that he’ll never forget, the humble 21 year old took a moment to catch his breath:

“I’ll never forget this series…first playoffs and I was really happy to contribute and obviously tonight with the home crowd here, too and how the game was going. It was back and forth and emotions were pretty crazy. It was nice to get on the board and it was nice to help the team win.”

GET IT DONE

The story about the Bruins this year is the amount of effort given by the first year players. Last night was no exception. After Torey Krug drove the puck hard on net, tying up the game 4-4, DeBrusk took a pass from David Krecji and was heading straight for Anderson. Toronto’s defenseman Jake Gardiner took a few good side hits to DeBrusk. Both players ended up crashing behind the net with DeBrusk sending his puck right through Frederik Anderson’s five hole. For the second time that night , the Bruins would be up on the score and were poised to make an emotional comeback.

THERE’S HOPE YET

With DeBrusk scoring his second goal of the night, the B’s finally found their legs. David Pastrňák and Brad Marchand hit the final nail on the Leaf’s coffin, scoring the final two goals. The Bruins secured a series victory with a 7-4 win. As for Jake DeBrusk, you wouldn’t know that he was a first year player. From his stellar rushes, to scoring important goals in a playoff game, DeBrusk isn’t afraid to make tough plays. Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy commented:

“That’s always the first thing; get into the inside, play inside, be willing to hit, fight for your space…He’s (DeBrusk) around the net. ..he’s been real greasy..And he had his legs the whole series. He can really get on pucks and make people uncomfortable, so I was happy for him. He’s really contributing for us.”

FINAL QUICK THOUGHTS

The Bruins are heading into the second round in the playoffs, and as special as this team has been they’ll need to continue to drive hard to the net, get real physical, shoot the puck and be better in net. For someone like DeBrusk, he can only thrive as he continue to push himself.

We’re looking at you, kid.

Thoughts? Comments?

Follow Liz Rizzo on Twitter @pastagrl88

Gronkowski Says There’s a Lot of Fake News

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Gronk Says ‘Fake News’ Is Being Reported

It was reported before the Super Bowl that Rob Gronkowski was thinking about retiring. After the Super Bowl he was thinking about his career and what his plan was moving forward. Then we got that he was thinking about an acting career and sending people signs on social media with his tweets. Gronkowski on Saturday did a press conference and made a fool out of himself and the team. He talked about how much he was going to be working on his dirt bike skills and not be attending the offseason workout program.

Belichick Gave Gronk a Choice

Via CNNOn Tuesday, Gronk met with Belichick because he gave him the ultimatum: that he’s either in or out. Gronkowski said that he’s been working out and will be ready for the 2018 season, which is what he wrote on Instagram. Now, yesterday he posted a video of Patriots fans saying there is a lot of fake news being reported. I’d like to know what that is since Gronkowski is the one that started this whole thing. He’s also saying how he feels more pliable. Gronkowski is heading to the Bahamas to shoot Shark Week, but will be ready for the 2018 NFL Season.

With the NFL Draft is tonight, the Patriots had to know if he was going to be in or not. Would they have to draft a tight end? They still might, but who knows because they do need other help besides on the offensive side of the ball. I swear, since the Super Bowl every single day there’s something new to talk about with this team. It’s amazing. You have the three other teams in Boston doing well and the Patriots are still making headlines. Unreal.

Maybe some of the things being reported were blown out of proportion, however, the overall gist is there. There’s are a rift and Gronkowski was told to keep his mouth shut and get ready for the season.

Lamar Jackson Is Ready for the NFL Draft

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Draft Day Is Today

FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 06: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the New England Patriots and Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots run onto the field prior to the game between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Today is the day the NFL Draft begins. The day when dreams come true in the face of the NFL. The Patriots have hosted Lamar Jackson a few times among other prospects. The drama surrounding the team can be pushed aside for a while, and real football can be talked about. Bill Belichick is building a team for the future to have an easy transition for Josh McDaniels. What the Patriots are going to do with the 23rd overall pick remains to be unseen, but Lamar Jackson was excited when he met with Bill Belichick.

Lamar Jackson spoke yesterday in Dallas. According to USA Today, Jackson talked about Belichick, saying, “I’ve always seen him so serious. Even when he won the AFC championship, he just passed the trophy like he was so serious about it. So I was like, he’s probably going to be hard or something. But he was cool, laid back. Just wanted to talk and stuff like that, so it was pretty cool for me. We were just talking and having a conversation, and he was trying to help me. And he, like, giggled and started laughing, and I said, ‘Oh snap!’

Lamar Jackson Ready to Begin a Career in the NFL

Lamar Jackson wouldn’t mind being the next Jimmy Garoppolo. Jackson knows Garoppolo learned a lot when he was behind Tom Brady. Jackson also said yesterday, “When Brady said I’m a beast, I’m like, ‘Brady said that!?’” Brady doesn’t really come out too much and talk, but that’s one of the guys I’ve looked up to as well, playing football and just trying to learn to be a quarterback”. Nope, Brady doesn’t, so him approving of Jackson is pretty clear what could be happening tonight, even though Brady shouldn’t have a say.

Jackson also said that McDaniels and Belichick could help him grow more as a quarterback. Like I’ve said all along what’s going to happen. They are drafting a quarterback this draft to groom to be the successor to Tom Brady. At the end of the press conference, Jackson said, “I’m just happy for my name to be on their mind period, It’s cool to me. I’m cool with it in a positive way”.

On This Day in Red Sox History: Baseball Is Back!

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On April 26, 1995, baseball returned to Boston. The strike was finally over and there was to be baseball again at Fenway Park. The prior season had been cut short due to the strike in August. In addition, the new season was getting a late start, causing a very long winter for baseball fans. On this day however, baseball was back and the Red Sox were playing host to the Twins to begin a new season.

A New Team

The Red Sox brought a new look team with them following the strike. The Butch Hobson era was mercifully over, as the team finished under .500 all three seasons with him at the helm. In came former Rangers manager Kevin Kennedy to take his place. In the starting lineup on Opening Day, the Sox featured four brand new players. Luis Alicea was the leadoff hitter in his first game with the club. Mark Whiten was in the lineup as was new catcher Mike Macfarlane. The most notable addition to the lineup however was the designated hitter, Jose Canseco. Canseco was coming off a 31 home run season despite the shortened year. He had been acquired from Texas for center fielder Otis Nixon and prospect Luis Ortiz and was expected to add some thump to the lineup alongside Mo Vaughn.

The Season Gets Underway

With Roger Clemens beginning the season on the disabled list, the Red Sox sent Aaron Sele to the mound for the opener. Sele was looked to as the de facto ace after having gone 15-9 with a 3.35 ERA over his first two seasons. He was opposed on the mound by Scott Erickson, despite the fact Erickson had lost 30 games over the past two seasons with an ERA above 5.00.

A Jose Canseco single in his first Red Sox at-bat highlighted a scoreless first inning. Sele cruised through the second with three ground ball outs. In the bottom half, another newcomer (Mark Whiten) started the inning with a base hit. A passed ball advanced him to second and Mike Greenwell promptly drove him across the plate with a single to score the Red Sox first run of the new season.

The Red Sox threatened in the third when John Valentin tripled. However, Jose Canseco popped out to end the inning with a chance to give his new fans something to cheer about. The Sox got two more on base in the fourth yet failed to score. Meanwhile, Aaron Sele was dealing, allowing just the walk to the opening batter of the game through four innings.

Aaron Sele autographing baseballs for kids. (Boston.com)

Red Sox Take Charge

Sele allowed his first hit leading off the fifth, but retired the next three batters to conclude his day with two baserunners allowed over five shutout innings. In the bottom half of the inning, Luis Alicea got aboard with his first Red Sox base hit. After a Jose Canseco walk, Mo Vaughn hit a line drive to right-center that got down for a hit and scored Alicea. The Red Sox led 2-0 after five.

After prospect Frankie Rodriguez set the Twins down in order on eight pitches, the Red Sox bats went to work. Carl Willis (the future pitching coach of the Red Sox) replaced Mark Guthrie with one out and walked Mike Macfarlane. Tim Naehring bunted him over to second to get a man in scoring position with two outs; then the rally began. The nine-hole hitter, Lee Tinsley, came through with a run scoring single to center. After he stole second, Willis issued back-to-back walks to Luis Alicea and John Valentin. The bases were loaded with the big bats coming up. Jose Canseco lined one into center field to score two and the Sox were ahead 5-0.

With Mo Vaughn due up the Twins went to the left-handed Vince Horsman. That decision did not fare any better than the one to go to Willis. Big Mo doubled off the lefty to score both Valentin and Canseco. A walk to Mark Whiten was followed by another RBI hit for Mike Greenwell and Horsman’s day was over without recording an out. Mo Sanford hit Mike Macfarlane with a pitch to load the bases back up. Tim Naehring then hit a ball that was stopped by Scott Leius, but he had no play to make. The infield hit scored another run and the Sox had a 7 run sixth inning.

Red Sox Win First Game Big Following Strike

The rest of the game was rather uneventful with the Sox having a big lead. The Twins only got one more hit against three different pitchers. Mike Greenwell ended up collecting his fourth hit of the game, finished Opening Day 4-5 with 2 runs batted in. The pairing of Jose Canseco and Mo Vaughn in the middle of the order got off to a good start, with Mo Vaughn driving in three and Canseco bringing home two. They would end up flip-flopping spots in the lineup after just a few games, with Vaughn batting third and Canseco batting cleanup for most of the next two seasons. Baseball was back, and the Red Sox had a 9-0 win to start the season.

1995 Red Sox team photo (Bostonredsox.com)

Feature picture from WCVB TV

Jackie Bradley Jr. Is What the Red Sox Need

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“He cannot hit!” “Send him down.” Blah, blah, blah. When discussing Jackie Bradley Jr. and what he means to the Red Sox, these are the responses I get. However, I disagree. Jackie Bradley Jr. is doing exactly what the Red Sox need him to do. Jackie Bradley Jr. is currently hitting .225 with two homeruns and six runs batted in. If his average climbs to the .240-.250 range for the season, that is all we need.

Defensive Wizard

In case you are living under a rock, Jackie Bradley Jr. is already making jaw-dropping plays. His spectacular catch against the Marlins is pretty much forgotten because of the catch he made against the Orioles.

Watch the catch here:

I mean, this ball is about a millionth of a centimeter from touching the ground, and JBJ swoops in and catches it. The fact that Jackie Bradley Jr. was not a finalist for a Golden Glove last season is a joke. If you search “Jackie Bradley Jr. Catch”, about thirty different shocking plays will pop up. JBJ takes so many runs away from opposing teams. In addition to Craig Kimbrel, David Price and Chris Sale, all owe him a debt of gratitude. The hits he takes away from teams more than makes up for his (sometimes) disappointing bat. However, by no means is Jackie Bradley Jr. a slouch at the plate.

Hitting

Is Jackie Bradley Jr. the best hitter on the Red Sox? No. Is he an instant out? Absolutely not. JBJ can drive the ball. When he gets a hold of one, it flies off his bat. His numbers from the 2016 campaign are outstanding. A .267 average, 26 homeruns, and 87 RBIs. Many players only dream of achieving these stats. Not to mention an All-Star selection and a 29-game hitting streak mixed in? Wow. As a matter of fact, JBJ is one of only five Red Sox players to hit a homerun onto Eutaw Street at Camden Yards. Only 89 dingers have reached Eutaw Street. Jackie joins David Ortiz, who hit two, Mo Vaughn, Carl Everett, and Troy O’Leary. Not bad company to be in.

If Jackie Bradley Jr. keeps playing the way he is, there is no reason not to keep him in Boston long term. With Scott Boras as his agent, he might look to get his client overpaid. However, JBJ is a smart guy. Despite this, I hope to see him manning center field for years to come.

#AllthewaywithJBJ

Follow Matt McGurn on twitter: @MickGurn