Celtics Win Streak Indicative Of Promising Future

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THE CELTICS ARE ON A SIX GAME WINNING STREAK

The Celtics are on a six game winning streak, after defeating the Sacramento Kings at TD last night. Could this be an indication of a very promising future? There are many factors that are promising. The Celtics are now 6-2, and have moved into the first spot in the Eastern Conference. Incredibly, the whole team has stepped up after the fall of Gordon Hayward.

DON’T COUNT THIS TEAM OUT JUST BECAUSE THEY’RE YOUNG

Don’t count this team out just because they’re young. You have to remember that those youngsters stepping up have so much talent. They are plugging away at being effective and productive. Coach Stevens’ player rotation is outstanding, and gives the rookies minutes to develop. Team chemistry has formed this young talented team into an undeniable, viable contender. They possess a legit standing in their conference, and have an incredible future. All of this is contributing to their winning streak.

CELTICS ARE DEVELOPING NICELY IN THE AFTERMATH OF HAYWARD LOSS

The Celtics are developing nicely in the aftermath of loss of Hayward. It can take a tragedy to gain a defiant work ethic. When bad things happen to NBA players, the team has to be willing to not give up with losses of any kind. This is exactly what the Celtics are accomplishing. They’re focused on moving ahead, and doing what’s required to win. They’ve realized that it was time to put themselves to the test. The loss of Hayward encouraged them to re-evaluate and adjust. Perhaps we can assume this was a blessing in disguise. I’m not making light of what happened to Gordon, but we should focus on the positives that occurred from this tragic injury.

IT’S NOT JUST LUCK FOR THE BOSTON CELTICS

It’s not just luck for the Boston Celtics, it’s pulling together as a unit, with a winning mentality. The rookies, and the bench, are being relied upon. With more minutes, they’ve begun an early development. They’re also learning to be aggressive on both ends of the court. The team is adjusting to player rotations, and building chemistry along with the starters. They have a lot of talent, and are optimizing productivity early on in the season.

STATISTICS DON’T LIE

These statistics don’t lie, even when we don’t want to believe them. Here’s a look at the current stats of this very talented team:

Team Leaders

PPG:

  1. Kyrie Irving 21.8
  2. Jaylen Brown 16.3
  3. Al Horford 14

RPG:

  1. Al Horford 9.1
  2. Jayson Tatum 6.6
  3. Jaylen Brown 5.9

FG%:

  1. Daniel Theis 59.3%
  2. Guerschon Yabusele 55.6%
  3. Aron Baynes 54.1%

FT%:

  1. Guerschon Yabusele 100%
  2. Kyrie Irving 92.6%
  3. Daniel Theis 88.9%

APG:

  1. Kyrie Irving 5.6
  2. Marcus Smart 5
  3. Al Horford 4.4

3 PT FG%:

  1. Jayson Tatum 50%
  2. Guerschon Yabusele 50%
  3. Jaylen Brown 41%

Steals PG:

  1. Kyrie Irving 2.6
  2. Terry Rozier 1.9
  3. Marcus Smart 1.7

Blocks PG

  1. Jayson Tatum 1
  2. Aron Baynes 0.9
  3. Al Horford 0.9

The team leader stats are very well rounded. It shows the starters, and the bench, are contributing. These are important, optimistic indications of a promising future. The Celtics are on the right track. It’s much too early in the NBA season to correctly predict what will happen. However, with development, improvements and chemistry, the Celtics future is still bright. This talented team must adhere to their winning mentality. And have fun as they develop into a solid unit.

Red Sox Signing Tony La Russa is HUGE

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Quick little post here. When the Sox lost their final game, I tweeted (@goudtweets) I believed the Red Sox needed a veteran in their system. One who has been “there” before. Vague I know, but my mind was thinking of a certain list of players. At the top was Yadier Molina. Boston fans remember him as the pesky, clinical, defensive catcher for every amazing Cardinals team since 2004. You remember his manager?

Fast-forward to the World Series game 7 finale last night. I receive a notification that said something along the lines of what this most recent Red Sox tweet says:

 

Initial Reaction:

What an insane time to throw this news out there. I was relaxing, watching two teams that I have no strong feelings towards, duke it out on the big stage. Now my head was spinning into 2018. These are the kind of moves Boston fans need this winter. I realized this is the next best thing to Yadier’s experience. This is just as good as getting anyone from the 2004 team in the front office.

Flash It Back:

2004 was a magical year for the Sox. Everyone in Boston knows that. If someone from the outside knows that, it’s probably someone from the ’04 Cardinals team. The team won 105 games, had one of the best teams I have ever seen, and was dismantled by the Red Sox. Tony La Russa, the Hall of Fame manager, and manager of the Cardinals at that time, knows what went into that team. Maybe he didn’t at the time of battle, but he had front row seats to one of the top teams Boston has produced in any sport.

Now we fast forward to a couple of this man’s World Series titles in 2006, and 2011. He left the game in 2011, after winning a World Series. He went to the Diamondbacks as Chief Baseball Officer front office, and played a crucial role in turning them into what we saw this season. The D-backs team he left had a very sound rebuild, and went from something deplorable to a Wild Card team. Now he comes to the team that caused the demise of one of his best creations in 2004.  Why would he do that? He wants to be with the better chapter of Boston history. It’s time to start believing in what this team is about to turn into with this small move.

What This Does:

Tony La Russa isn’t going to fetch Dombrowski’s his ice mocha lattes, my friends. In fact, there’s a better chance Dave goes to get Tony’s. Larussa is one of the greatest baseballs organizational minds we’ve seen. From helping operate a sound Arizona team, to conducting 15 years of great Cardinals teams. Dave Dombrowski has money he doesn’t even know how to spend at this point. Having Tony sit behind him as a war general telling him where to drop the bombs helps a lot. The Red Sox have gotten the best candidate for the spots they need every offseason. Someone who knows the tactical side of it all can sure help.

There are a lot of veterans with on-field experience like Yadier, that the Sox can find. Someone who is aware of what is going on the league now, and has history to build his credibility. La Russa checks those boxes. This Red Sox team is not a lost cause at all. There is a lot of untapped talent this team can grab hold of. Yet there are some things this team desperately needs, and that’s where Tony comes in to help Dave make those moves. Everyone is concerned with Alex Cora’s managerial experience. What would it do for someone like Cora to have Tony helping out a little bit? The growth and wisdom is endless.

Conclusion:

Respect what the Red Sox will be doing this offseason. This team isn’t rebuilding. Besides Chris Sale, Devers and Kimbrel, it seems everyone’s job is at risk. It is clear changes had to be made. Tony La Russa, behind closed doors, using his baseball knowledge is a step into a bright future. It will also be nice to have a line of defense between Dombrowski and specific harsh Boston media. Tony doesn’t back down.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g64Ae58SvEk]

Bruins Injuries More Concerning Than They Seem

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Backes Injury


The Bruins cannot seem to catch a break this season, this time it’s not even on the ice. It seemed like the Bruins had finally figured it out on the ice, stringing some quality games together. They seem to have gotten their feet under them after the early injuries. Now the team has taken another major hit to the forward group. The Boston Bruins announced that David Backes would be placed on injury reserve. Backes will be out for a minimum of eight weeks.

At the start of the season, Backes missed time due to diverticulitis, a gastrointestinal disease. The power forward came back quicker than most anticipated, but is again sidelined, and will have colon surgery. Backes, who is now 33 years old, will be dearly missed on the ice. While he does not light up the score sheet, he provides a veteran presence. He has a toughness factor, which is crucial for the development of the younger kids.

Backes has shown signs of decline since joining the Bruins, most notably his speed. While Backes has never been fast, he also has not been a liability. Last season, Backes always seemed to be chasing the play. While it has looked a little better this season, going forward that will be a major concern.

Injuries Starting To Pile Up


With his injury, the Bruins roster has major holes. He joins the list along with Noel Acciari (broken finger), Ryan Spooner (groin), Adam McQuaid (broken leg), and David Krejci (back). Riley Nash skated as the Bruins second line centerman in practice. This alone should show that the Bruins are in scramble mode. The long term implications of the injuries should grab the attention of Bruins fans.

David Backes is 33, and the way he plays will only speed up his decline. Krejci is 31, and has had multiple injuries to his back/hip and has not lived up to the contract. On top of that, Bergeron 32, Rask 30, Mcquad 31, all have history of injury, and are only getting older. The Bruins future is supposed to be getting younger, and building a core for the next 5-10 years. In the mean time, the veterans are here to keep the team competitive, and relieve pressure for the young kids.

Instead, the veterans on this team cannot even get on the ice. The the team is rapidly starting to look like an AHL team. Boston is being forced into the youth movement. While Krejci and Backes get payed big money to sit in a press box, Sweeny has a lot of dead money on this roster. If the Bruins are going to advance in the rebuild, he has to make some moves.

Best Starting Pitchers In Red Sox History: Left-Handed Edition

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This is the second article in my Red Sox all-time franchise players series. Following up the Right Handers, comes the greatest left-handed pitchers in Red Sox history. Again, this isn’t the five best lefties to ever put on a Red Sox uniform, these are the five who did the most while in a Sox jersey.

 

Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth threw 29 consecutive shutout innings in the World Series.

Everyone knows about Babe Ruth. People also generally know he was a good pitcher before he switched to a full time hitter. But just how good was he?

Babe Ruth was 20 during his first full season, and won 18 games. The next season, at age 21, he led the league with a 1.75 ERA. The following season, he won 24 games. Ruth won 67 games with a 2.07 ERA, by the time he was 22 years old. Don’t forget the World Series either. By age of 23, Babe Ruth had set a record that would stand for 43 years, when he pitched 29 consecutive scoreless innings during World Series play. In 3 games total, Ruth pitched 31 innings, going 3-0, with a 0.87 ERA. He is both one of the best pitchers and hitters in World Series history. He would have undoubtedly made the Hall of Fame as a pitcher as well.

Lefty Grove

Lefty Grove on the mound in Comiskey Park circa 1934.(Photo Reproduction by Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images)

Lefty Grove is one of the greatest pitchers of all-time. Personally, I have him as the third greatest left-hander to ever take the mound. Much of that came with the Philadelphia Athletics, but Grove was still an excellent pitcher for five seasons in Boston. He picked up his 300th career victory in a Red Sox uniform.

After struggling in his first season while pitching with a sore arm, Lefty Grove returned to stardom for the next five seasons. From 1935-39, he averaged 17 wins per season for the Sox, with a 2.83 ERA. In 4 of those 5 seasons, he led the American League in ERA! Grove also led the league in WHIP twice, and made the All-Star Game in each of those five seasons.

Jon Lester

Lester had a heck of a run in Boston, one most of us wish was still going. There was his return from Lymphoma in 2007, to pitch 5.2 shutout innings in the final game of that year’s World Series. The following season, he threw his no-hitter in May against the Royals at Fenway Park. His first 200 strikeout season in 2009, followed by his first of three All-Star appearances as a member of the Red Sox in 2010. Then his stellar postseason pitching again in 2013, as he won his second World Series.

In total, Lester won 110 games, while posting a 3.64 ERA in a Red Sox jersey. He finished in the top five in two separate Cy Young votes. He’s also 4th in Red Sox history in strikeouts, 1st among lefties. Most importantly however, Lester was 3-0 in World Series contests, allowing just a single run in 21 innings pitched. We could always count on Lester to pitch well in the clutch.

Year Tm Series Opp W L W-L% ERA GS IP ER SO WHIP
2007 BOS ALCS CLE 0 0 4.91 0 3.2 2 5 1.091
2007 BOS WS COL 1 0 1.000 0.00 1 5.2 0 3 1.059
2008 BOS ALDS LAA 1 0 1.000 0.00 2 14.0 0 11 0.929
2008 BOS ALCS TBR 0 2 .000 4.97 2 12.2 7 15 1.263
2009 BOS ALDS LAA 0 1 .000 4.50 1 6.0 3 5 1.333
2013 BOS ALDS TBR 1 0 1.000 2.35 1 7.2 2 7 0.783
2013 BOS ALCS DET 1 1 .500 2.31 2 11.2 3 7 1.457
2013 BOS WS STL 2 0 1.000 0.59 2 15.1 1 15 0.652

Mel Parnell

Mel Parnell testing his arm which was broken in 1954, during Spring training. (Photo by George Silk/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images)

Mel Parnell is the all-time winningest left-hander in Red Sox history, with his 123 career wins. His heyday was from 1948-53, when he averaged 18 wins per season with a 3.22 ERA. In 1949, he led the league with 25 wins, and a 2.77 ERA while placing 4th in the MVP vote. If there were a Cy Young Award back then, he’d have been a shoo-in.

Unfortunately, Parnell had a short career. Following his 21 win season in 1953, he broke his arm and never fully recovered. He only won 12 games over the next 3 seasons, before calling it quits following an operation on his elbow. However, in his final season, Parnell had a little magic left in his left arm. That season, he threw a no-hitter at Fenway Park against the Chicago White Sox.

Dutch Leonard

Baseball player Dutch Leonard winds up a pitch in the uniform of the Boston Red Sox, 1914. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)

Dutch Leonard had a short peak with the Red Sox, but he made it count. In 1914, Dutch Leonard posted the lowest ERA, still to this day, in modern baseball history. That season he was 19-5 with a league leading 0.96 ERA and 0.88 WHIP! Regardless of the era, that is an all-time great season.

In six seasons with the Red Sox, Leonard won 90 games while pitching to a 2.13 ERA. He pitched once in both the 1915 and 1916 World Series. In each contest, Leonard allowed 1 earned run in a complete game victory.

 

Kyrie is Becoming a True Celtic

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TRUE CELTICS

True Celtics are hard-nosed, team-oriented, all-around gritty players who are willing to do things other players won’t. Diving for loose balls, taking charges, and doing whatever it takes to win. True Celtics don’t care about their individual accomplishments as much as the team goal. They are able to put their ego aside for the greater good of the team. Kyrie Irving has always been known to be somewhat of a ball hog, who just wants to get buckets. He has been critiqued for having a big ego in the past. Whether these criticisms are justified or not, he is making it clear that he can be much, much more than how he is framed by the media.

WHERE WILL KYRIE TAKE HIS GAME NOW?

The start of this season has been crazy for the Celtics. Losing Gordon Hayward on opening night was a tough pill to swallow. It seemed like Kyrie was trying to take it all on himself. The next night against the Bucks, he went 7-25, and took some downright awful shots with wide open shooters to kick to. He seemed on a solo mission at times, not yet willing to fully trust his teammates. As we know, this is not how the Celtics operate.

Thankfully, they got to settle in after opening up on a back-to-back, all while dealing with the Hayward injury. He was obviously in the game plan in the opener, and probably still was the next night against the Bucks. Understandably, the game plan on the fly was to just get our best player the ball. More importantly, he has shown progress in building trust and chemistry on the court with his new teammates.

LEARNING AS HE GOES

Since those first few games, with possessions here and there, Kyrie has been great. He has looked much more comfortable within the offense, getting guys open shots with ease, making crisp passes, taking his shots off screens rather than in isolation, and moving well without the ball. Oh, and if you didn’t know, his ability to finish at the rim is as good as anyone in the league. He hasn’t been averaging 30 points like Isaiah did last year, but I think he will start to score more as he continues to build chemistry with his new teammates.

Right now he is more concerned with making the right basketball play, and just playing the right way. We hear Brad Stevens say this all the time. It seems crazy for him to simplify such a complex game this way, but it really is that simple for him. The play of the Celtics echoes their coaches comments, and it hasn’t taken Irving long to catch on. He is doing a good job of finding everyone else, and making sure they are staying involved. When the games start to matter more, he should start to have some big games scoring the ball. Kyrie is made for the big moment, and he will step up when the time comes.

PARADIGM SHIFT

This is a big step for Kyrie. It shows he is serious about taking on this new challenge full steam ahead, and changing his game to fit what Brad Stevens, and the Celtics, want. He is already cutting out a lot of mistakes he made early. The chemistry he and Al Horford have shown has been a real treat. They are already running the pick-and-roll (or pop) close to perfection. Horford has had plenty of lobs and open threes because of this.

Perhaps even more important is the leadership he is showing for the young players. Most of the Celtics, at some point this season, have commented that Kyrie is constantly in their ear, always sharing words of encouragement and making sure everybody knows what they need to do to improve. Even better, he is putting in the work, and leading by example.

Feeling like the guy next to you has your back goes a long way for teams in any sport. This has always been the DNA of the Celtics, and Kyrie is showing that he has his teammates’ backs. When it comes to helping them improve their games on a day-to-day basis, playing unselfishly and getting everyone involved on the court, or even going after it defensively, Kyrie has been bringing it. Even on the defensive end. He is currently leading the NBA in steals with 20. He is showing his ability to sacrifice for the better of the group. Kyrie Irving is becoming a true Celtic.

Bruins Fall 4-3 in Shootout After 3 Goal Comeback

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The Bruins fell to one of the Eastern Conferences top teams Monday night, The Columbus Blue Jackets.

Bruins Down Early

The Bruins fell behind early in the game, giving up the first goal only two minutes into the game. They gave up another goal in the final few minutes of the first period, and another in the second period. Bruins Captain, Zdeno Chara, gave the team a much needed boost by stepping up and dropping the mitts with Blue Jackets forward Josh Anderson. As soon as Chara dropped the gloves, the Bruins completely changed their play. They played excellent in the second half of the second period, and excellent in the third. With this play, they stormed back with goals from Patrice Bergeron, Torey Krug, and Brad Marchand.  David Pastrnak added helpers on each of the goals.

TUUKKA?

Bruins Veteran goaltender Tuukka Rask has struggled so far this season–posting a .896 SV% and a 2.93 GAA through six games. Rask has only one win thus far, and it was nearly a month ago against the Nashville Predators. Rask had a rough start to the game in Columbus by giving up a goal on the first shot of the game, that he should’ve stopped. He gave up another that was tucked in beside him on the post, which he should have been covering. After the third goal Rask allowed, which was a breakaway, Tuukka played excellent in the second, third, and in overtime. In my opinion, Rask has never been the greatest in shootouts, so I’m not surprised with his performance.

Comments

“I don’t think we’re a team that’s going to win too many games if we don’t have all 20 guys going, and I don’t think that was the case pretty early on.”  -Head Coach Bruce Cassidy

”We didn’t show up, they were taking it to us, they were hitting us. We weren’t responding, Every second of that first period bothered me.”  -Assistant Captain Patrice Bergeron

”Z did an awesome job stepping up out there and our game started turning around there. Mills sticking up for Krug was awesome. We need that we need to show that we’re a team and a family in here. And we are, and that carries onto the ice and the guys did a great job standing up for one another.”  -Brad Marchand

“You never wanna see another guy get hit like that. Guys taking liberty out there so I kinda just reacted to be honest.”  -Kevin Miller

Next

The Bruins will be in action again on Thursday night, back in Beantown, taking on the Vegas Golden Knights. Forward Kenny Agostino, and Goaltender Zane McIntyre, were sent back down to Providence on Thursday. It looks like some guys may be getting healthy, and looking to make a return soon.

 

MLB Best World Series: Top 10 Teams That Haven’t Won Since 1992

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When the champagne is popped at the end of the MLB season, there is one team that stays dry. It only seems fitting on the day when the Dodgers or Astros will end their season with a loss in Game 7, that I put this piece together.

There are so many incredible teams that have made it to the World Series, then not been rewarded for their work. It is quite specific, but 1992 is a nice benchmark of teams we all loved to watch. So let’s see what teams made the cut.

*DISCLAIMER*

This is my opinion. The opinion of a guy who was born in 1996, and didn’t have the pleasure of seeing some of the best teams of all-time in action. Based on what I know, I believe this list is fair.

I’d also like to say, if the Dodgers or Astros lose tonight, I’d easily sneak either of them into the top five spot on this list.

 

10. 1998 San Diego Padres (98-64): Lost to NYY (114-48)

And they were never the same again folks. To me, it seems obvious this was the best Padres team in recent memory. Not much competition, but some of these guys knew how to swing the stick. This Padres team was one of my bubble teams on this huge list, until I realized Trevor Hoffman was a bad, bad man. The man threw up 53 saves, easily in 74 innings, pitched at the age of 30. Didn’t hurt either to have Tony Gwynn lurking in the shadows with a .321 AVG. Then to be complemented by the machine himself, Greg Vaughn. This beast was relaxed in his prime with a 6.3 WAR and 50 long balls in 1998. Have you ever heard of Kevin Brown? He pitched without thinking, with a 257 strikeout season and a 9.1 WAR. You’re welcome, now you have heard of him.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1XE0kGfJqY]

 

9. 2011 Texas Rangers (96-66): Lost to STL (90-72)

There’s a good reason I put this video under this little blurb. These boys hit 210 home runs as a unit, with big boys like Beltre, Napoli, Cruz, Hamilton all hitting 20+. I don’t have to say their first names, you know them all. I bet you didn’t know Chris Davis (BAL) was on this team, wonder where he learned that swing from? Ian Kindler, with a slight 32 homers and a 7.1 WAR, had him slated as the best second baseman in the league at the time. Niftily Feliz wasn’t too shabby out of the pen either! Not to mention, C.J. Wilson was the pretty boy every pitcher wanted in their rotation. He was pretty because he made the batter look ugly with 206 strikeouts and a 2.94 ERA.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUEbP227mdI]

8. 2012 Detroit Tigers (88-74): Lost to SF (94-68)

It blows my mind to think that this team only won 88 games. The Tiger’s uncaged animal, Miguel Cabrera, claimed the first triple crown in the MLB since 1967 (Carl Yastrzemski) with a .330 AVG.606 SLG, 139 RBI’s, 205 hits and 44 of those being the long ball. Just a year after Verlander won the MVP, who leads off a rotation with Max Scherzer (231 strikeouts), Rick Porcello (107) and Doug Fister (107). I wish they could have done that in Boston this year! I don’t want to harp on Miggy, but an OPS of .999. These stats don’t make sense with their record, but their postseason run ended them. Onto the West side!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y4TAH7hWA4]

7. 2002 San Fransisco Giants (95-66): Lost to LAA (99-63)

If I go a week without watching a Barry Bonds clip on YouTube, check my pulse. There’s too much to even talk about with this man, but an 11.8 WAR, 46 HR, 110 RBI, .799 SLG, and 1.381 OPS season doesn’t sound like a human beings numbers. I do know what steroids do, and how legal or illegal they may be now, but this man was just plain fun to watch. The Robin to his Batman came in the form of Jeff Kent, who grabbed 195 hits, 108 RBIs, and a .313 AVG. That average would be slightly less cute if it weren’t for Bonds hitting an easy .370. Jason Schmidt was 4 strikeout’s shy of being placed in the 200 club, and each pitcher hit double digits in the win column. Needless to say, this was more than enough. Trust me, the video is comical.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MCThZ4bluI]

 

 6. 2015 New York Mets (90-72): Lost to KC (95-67)

Heartbreak. DeGrom (205), Harvey (188), Syndergaard (166), Colon (136) and even Niese (113), all with 100+ punchouts this season. Familia looked like the wipeout closer that every World Series team should have. All this combined with Daniel Murphy hitting absolute soul-crushing bombs every game, should have had them dancing in the end. Unhinging the Cubbies a year before they won it all. It’s all a real shame. If this team had an even better cast hitting, would they even be on this list?

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQQvMmiUooY]

 

5. 1999 Atlanta Braves (103-59): Lost to NYY (98-64)

With 103 wins, this Braves team seemed unbeatable all season long. Bobby Cox’s masterpiece consisted of Andruw (7.1 WAR) and Chipper Jones both putting fright in opposing pitchers. Chip hit an OPS of 1.074 by going bridge 45 times, claiming 181 hits and hitting for an average of .319. It’s amazing the man didn’t grab the triple crown this year. The pitchers are a story of their own. With slingers like Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz, it’s shocking to see the pitcher in the rotation with the highest WAR was Kevin Millwood (6.0). Millwood led the rotation with 205 punchouts, a 2.68 ERA and a .966 WHIP. This bad man could do it all. The chance for the other three kings would come far earlier than 1999…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HA_J5s1HZo]

 

4. 1995 Cleveland Indians (100-44): Lost to ATL (90-54)

By far the best Indians team of all time right here. Charles Nagy and Orel Hershiser commanded the bump for this team, each with 16 wins and 100+ strikeouts. They had all the speed they needed on the paths with Kenny Lofton grabbing an easy 54. Albert Belle hit Bond’s numbers with 50 home runs, a 317 AVG and a 6.9 WAR. Manny Ramirez started to prove his value with 31 home runs, learning from one of the games great power hitters Jim Thome (.558 SLG and .314 AVG). There was danger all through this lineup. Eddie Murray hit a clean AVG of .323, and topping everyone in the lineup. Together this team hit for .291, which somehow wasn’t enough to slay the Yanks. If you’d argue that this team could have been in the top three, I would almost agree with you.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtPAZcCAefs]

3. 2004 St.Louis Cardinals (105-57): Lost to BOS (98-64)

We all played MVP Baseball 2005.  In that game, getting this team or the Red Sox was a cheat code. This team didn’t win 105 games on accident. The triple-headed dragon of Scott Rolen (9.2 WAR), Albert Pujols (8.5) and Jim Edmonds (7.2) was as lethal as it gets. The Cardinals watched the Red Sox and Yankees 7 game battle, and seemingly got cold when it mattered most. The rotation stayed consistent all season long with their four top pitchers all having 15 or more wins. Overall, this team was a force to face.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmRSxk1Mf08]

2. 2003 New York Yankees (101-61): Lost to FLA (91-71)

Grady Little you terrible, terrible, terrible man. This had to be the video for this team, it was arguably the craziest moment of the entire 2003 post-season. This team felt like the golden Yankees, from the catcher to the closer. The cast included some real household names New York will never forget like. Jeter (.324 AVG), Posada (30 HR), Matsui (106 RBI), Giambi (41 HR), Pettite (21-8), Mussina (195 K), Clemens (190), and I could still go on. The “X-Factor” for this team is better than the 2004 Cardinals: The Sandman (Mariano Rivera) himself. Having the best closer of all time on your team does help quite a bit, with 40 saves as an off year. Would it scare you if I told you this was Mo’s 9th worst year of all time in saves? This team was incredible, but to me doesn’t beat out the next group of guys.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVlHEkh4Jeg]

 1. 1996 Atlanta Braves (96-66): Lost to NYY (92-70)

If you thought 1996 was a nice time to be in Atlanta, you must be forgetting the start of it all. This 76 pitch game that Maddux threw has always fascinated me, as it takes some pitchers half of this just to get through the 3rd inning (Drew Pomeranz 2016, looking at you). Maddux (7.1 WAR) along with John Smoltz (7.7) and Tom Glavine (6.9) were three pitchers that could, by themselves, go through an entire season. Chipper Jones (.309 AVG), Ryan Kelsko (31 HR), Marquise Grissom (207 H) and Fred McGriff (107 RBI), all did something different to make this lineup consistent enough to support their aces. Geez, they might hate those pinstripes more than I do.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTSZ9xbD4JM]

 

Possible Jets 2018 Offseason Signings

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JETS OFFSEASON SIGNINGS

Michael Salfino, writer for the Meadowlands Media Group, weighed in on the possibility of Kirk Cousins going to the Jets. The original tweet and cap space argument:

This is fun to think about as a Jets fan, given the possibility of having a decent quarterback like Cousins, coming to the Jets. Does it really make sense? Let’s look at whether the Jets should try to sign Kirk Cousins in March. We can look at which positions the Jets should address in free agency with the amount of cap space they possess.

Pros

Kirk Cousins brings a skill set and talent to a team that lacks overall talent, and a consistently good quarterback. In 2016, he was third in passing yards and yards per game. Cousins was in the top-ten completion percentage, passer rating, and QBR. He also led the Redskins to four 4th quarter comebacks, which was tied fourth in the league. This season, he has continued putting up similar numbers. Cousins is fourth in completion percentage, yards per attempt, as well as third in total QBR. He is in the top ten of nearly every quarterback statistic in the NFL. All of the rankings and stats previously mentioned are brought to you via Pro Football Reference.

The Redskins have had a disappointing record of 3-4 so far this season. The disappointment cannot be blamed on Cousins. He has played well this season, and the offense has put up good numbers. They are 12th in terms of offensive points per game, and are 17th in rushing yards per game this season. Combining these statistics draws the conclusion that the Redskins are in the top half of the league in offense. The defense, however, is 28th points per game, despite ranking 12th in yards surrendered per game. The defense, or lack of defense, has been the Achilles heel of this Redskins team, not a lack of offense.

Cons

Cousins turned 29 this past August, which would make him 30 years old to start next season. That is not a haunting age, but the Jets may not be contending for another two or three years. This would put Cousins at 32 or 33 when Gang Green hits their stride. That is the same age as Aaron Rodgers, Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan and Alex Smith this season. Can Cousins turn into an undisputed elite quarterback by then? Sure, but the upcoming quarterback class is strong. The Jets should have a good pick in this upcoming draft, as I pointed out in my previous article.

Cousins would also cost a pretty penny, probably demanding upwards of $18 million per year, and a five-to-six year contract. This demand could block signings to fill in other positions, such as improvement of the offensive line, defensive tackle and cornerback. These positions can be filled in this offseason via free agency. With drafting a quarterback in the first round, it would only take up about $7-$9 million a year of cap space, half of what Cousins would cost. These are based on projections that the Jets finish between the fifth and tenth pick.

Uses with the Cap Space: Cornerback

At cornerback, Trumaine Johnson, Vontae Davis and Malcolm Butler are future free agents. All are top 20 cornerbacks, and can fill in needed roles for the rebuilding New York Jets franchise. Morris Claiborne, the Jets current number one cornerback, has played beyond expectations thus far. Another top 20 cornerback can be afforded by the Jets’ cap space this offseason, even after resigning Claiborne, who is a free agent in the spring of 2018. If the struggling Muhammad Wilkerson is cut, this will free up $11 million in cap space for next season, as described in Salfino’s thread of tweets.

Offensive Line

At offensive line, John Greco, Nate Solder, Trai Turner, Luke Joeckel and several more suitable linemen, are on the free agent market this season. I would expect the Jets to sign one or two offensive linemen in the upcoming offseason. Thankfully, Gang Green can afford to shell out a bit of cash for the line, given the enormous cap space they have created.

Defensive Tackle

At defensive tackle, the talented Dontari Poe is up for grabs, but may cost too much. At the age of 27, he is hitting his prime at defensive tackle, which makes Poe an intriging option at defensive tackle, to take over the aging Steve McLendon. Bennie Logan and Jared Crick are all younger, but established, defensive tackles or nose tackles, who will cost less than Poe. Crick has less talent than both Logan and Poe, but Crick can serve as an effective, somewhat young defensive lineman.

Where Cousins May Go

Although Kirk Cousins has undeniable talent, he may not fit this Jets team right now. He could land a role with another team, one who may not have a top ten pick in this year’s draft. I would look out for the Jaguars, Saints or Cardinals to pursue Cousins as well. The Saints and Cardinals have aging quarterbacks, and Drew Brees is a free agent this offseason. Cousins would be an upgrade over the inconsistent Blake Bortles, and would create a bigger threat to defenses than Bortles. The receiving core of Robinson, Hurns and Lee resembles that of the core Cousins had last year with the Redskins.

Kirk Cousins may be the most intriguing free agent this offseason, and will be a story to track. Stay tuned for more free agent rumors in the second week of February.

Cubs Interested in Benintendi

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Don’t answer the phone.

It’s a foregone conclusion that Theo Epstein is the best GM is baseball. If you didn’t believe it by the time he delivered two World Series trophies in Boston, you have to accept it after what he’s done in Chicago. It’s like global warming, or the Tom Brady GOAT argument, it’s settled science.

When the best GM in baseball is interested in Andrew Benintendi, all you can do is check your caller ID and let it go straight to voice mail. Then delete it, throw away the sim card and change your number.

The total package

Of course Epstein wants Benintendi. He is the total package – great bat, great glove, above average speed and exceptional hair. In 151 games in his rookie campaign, Benny Biceps hit .271, 20 home runs, and 90 RBIs. He slugged .424, stole 20 bags and played above average defense in baseball’s most fickle left field.

He’s 23 years old. He is only going to get better, and his upside projection is Mookie Betts-level. He isn’t yet hitting for the same power he did in the minors (.546 ISO-P/K), but that will come. We saw it in Ellsbury, we’ll see it in Benny.

 

What’s important to Theo

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In a word, value. In baseball terms, value is production over cost. The Cubs, despite their recent splurges in payroll, are not the Yankees or the Dodgers. Epstein understands this as well as he understands sabermetrics. Which is to say, better than basically everyone else in the game.

Epstein is a master of data analytics, recognizing potential and projecting talent better than anyone. He drafted Pedroia in the second round of the 2004 amateur draft, when everyone else in baseball projected him as little more than a utility player.

Theo also drafted Betts, Bogaerts, Bradley and Ellsbury. In Benintendi’s case, Epstein sees high performance, unlimited potential, and manageable cost for years to come.

 

Options

The Cubs have more than enough talent to compensate Boston for Benintendi, but most of that talent isn’t going to be leaving the South Side. Kris Bryant or Anthony Rizzo would provide the kind of corner infield power Boston is lacking, and if either are on the table, the Sox should make a deal. However, neither will be on the table.

Acquiring Kris Bryant (3B) would force a position change with Devers, which given his yips in the field, might not be a terrible idea to consider. Bryant is arbitration eligible and under team control until 2022. At just 25-yrs old, the 2016 NL MVP is not only already better than Benintendi, he is better than Benny projects. He isn’t going anywhere.

Anthony Rizzo (1B) has four years and $47M remaining on his current seven-year deal. At 28, he is at the precipice of his baseball prime – and he is already an elite talent. Rizzo (.273 BA, 32 HR, 109 RBI this year) has a career ISO-P/K of .304. He won a Platinum Glove in 2016, and finished this year with the highest fielding percentage of all NL first basemen.

If Chicago were strapped for cash or bereft of prospects, they could move Rizzo. They’re neither, so they won’t. The most likely marquee player on the table, is left fielder Kyle Schwarber. At 24, Schwarber (.211 BA, 30 HR, 59 RBI this year) was a key contributor to Chicago’s 2016 Championship run.

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Just Say No

Schwarber alone wouldn’t be enough. Benintendi is to Schwarber, what Bryant and Rizzo are to Benny – better now, and way better three years from now. At 6’0”/235lbs, Schwarber is also not long for the outfield. He has “future designated hitter” written all over him. There is no value in a Benintendi for Schwarber deal, without much more added in by Chicago.

Brad Stevens isn’t Coaching Underdogs Anymore

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Butler Bulldogs

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“We’re building a culture of accountability, trust, and togetherness. Entitlement will not be tolerated.”

Brad Stevens’ wisdom has been on display since he took a volunteer coaching job at Butler University in 2000. He abandoned a comfortable job as a marketing associate, and took a risk doing what he loved. That love would push him to work 14 hour days, while making very little money. Seven years later, this work ethic earned him a job as the head coach of the Butler Bulldogs. Since then, Stevens has become an expert at turning underdogs into contenders. In his third year as head coach, he led Butler to one of the most improbable tournament runs in NCAA History. The eighth seeded Bulldogs were counted out by everybody. They were a team comprised of underdogs, but with Brad Stevens’ coaching they still made an impressive run to the national championship.

Celtics Rebuild

Brad Stevens’ ability to turn underdogs into winners was pivotal to the success of the Celtics’ rebuild. Isaiah Thomas was the backbone of the team. Standing at only 5’9, he was drafted dead last, and bounced around from team to team, until the Celtics gave him a shot. The draft positions of the rest of the team prove their underdog status. Jae Crowder was drafted in the late second round, but his heart and physicality made him a force to be reckoned with on the roster. Amir Johnson and Jonas Jerebko were other players drafted late, but made steady contributions to the team. Brad Stevens was able to turn the Celtics into a team driven by heart and togetherness. However, this year things have changed.

Celtics New Roster

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After all the moves Danny Ainge made this off season, the Celtics gained a lot of talent. However, they lost their underdog status. Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Amir Johnson and Avery Bradley are all gone. With their departure, came the arrival of a multitude of high caliber players. The addition of these new players signals a new era for Brad Stevens. He is no longer coaching underdogs. Kyrie Irving is a former number one pick, an international superstar, a four time all star, and an NBA champion. The former ninth pick, Gordon Hayward, is in the prime of his career, and was just selected to his first all star game. Jayson Tatum was selected by Boston with the third pick. Just like that, the team has gone from a group of underdogs, to a team whose players have always been expected to play at a high level.

Nothing Has Changed for Brad Stevens

The size of the chip on the Celtics’ shoulder got a lot smaller after this off season. This year, the Celtics are a team of established high draft picks, contrary to what Brad Stevens has been used to. They lost many of the players that helped this team rebuild. This has left fans questioning if the Celtics still possess the same heart they did the year prior. However, after Gordon Hayward went down, it became clear that everyone on this team bleeds green. The Celtics flashy new roster means that Brad may have to adjust his coaching style. Even though the Celtics are no longer underdogs, Brad Stevens will still have the ability to mold these players the way he always has: with accountability, trust and togetherness.