Juiced Baseballs, Who Really Cares?

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Quick Flashback

If you’re a late 80’s to 90’s baby, there is a good chance you grew up watching the steroid era. We both remember watching titans like Jose Canseco walk up and turn balls into dust. Barry Bonds sending 600-foot nuclear attacks into the cove, then come back to the dugout like it was a routine flip to second. These guys were animals. Until we started scratching our heads and doing some digging, it was the best entertainment for sports television. Who is juiced now?

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDJB_7hVpRs]

(Youtube: Evan William)

 

Whole new ballgame?

Fans who watch closely know this season had the most home runs launched out of any year since Abner Doubleday picked up the stick. Alex Gordon hit number 5,694 for the entire league in September, and it certainly didn’t stop there. Is there something behind the curtain that we aren’t seeing? What is causing these monster seasons? A hot theory that took a new life this season– the balls are juiced. Tightly woven, stuffed with atomic bombs and whatever it takes to help Stanton hit 59.

 

Average Joe

Speaking of average Joe, Joey Gallo hit 41 home runs this year. In the two seasons Gallo played prior to this year, he hit a combined seven home runs. It’s possible to point a finger at the at-bats he’s getting, but the man is not a bonafide all-star. Forty-one home runs is not an easy milestone in a single season. The strikeouts he accumulated make it seem like there might be more helping Gallo’s power swing when he does make contact.

Gallo ended the season with a slight 196 in the K-department. Home run or strike out hitter is not a foreign concept to the game, but the gap Gallo saw this year is incredible. I’m no stats guy, but that means 53% of the time this guy was running the bases or striking out. Sounds to me like a guy who knows his baseball, swinging the big fly or bust, most times he steps into the box. This is just one example from hundreds of players in the MLB. When power hitters emerge, or there is a surge in power, the strikeout totals do add up. It’s been evident as the seasons have progressed past the steroid era.

“The average number of strikeouts per team per game has climbed every season since 2005, from 6.3 to the current 8.25. There are no indications the trend will reverse.” (USA Today, Jorge Ortiz)

The balls are juiced, or Joey Gallo is the new Matt Stairs of our generation. It seems like the rest of the league is starting to follow suit.

 

World Series 2017 Game 2

The playoffs came under the same theme of balls finding the stands pretty quick. Studs who get past the 7th inning without problems in the regular season get knocked out in three in the postseason. This, in part, has led to the concept of “bullpening.” No manager wants their starter wasting time watching balls leave the yard all day. After Game 2, there were fans who took to Twitter and other social media saying how sad it was to see the MLB juicing balls to gain viewers. This had me scratching a hole in my head.

The game, highlighted by eight incredible home runs, turned the tide of the battle. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the screen because I might have missed the next game-changing swing.

To me, this breaks down the entire concept of “Make Baseball Fun Again.” This game got people watching late into the night, just for the entertainment value of those guys swinging.

 

Pitchers Perspective

Dallas Keuchel felt the brunt of a Justin Turner colossal drive in Game 1. Then had front row seats to Game 2’s fiasco. This is what he had to say:

“Obviously, the balls are juiced,” said Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel, via USA Today. “I think they’re juiced 100%. But it is what it is. I’m just glad we came out on top.”

Keuchel, who lost Game 1 of the Series, says average guys are now hitting the ball out for the park.

“There are really powerful guys in this league,” Keuchel said, “and they’re going to get theirs. But where you can tell a difference is the mid-range guy who’s hitting 20-plus home runs now.

That doesn’t happen. That’s not supposed to happen.”- (Sports Illustrated)

To be honest, though, I’m okay with that happening Dallas. It’s exciting baseball. Not once have I complained about seeing a home run leave the yard, except when it was coming out of Chris Sale’s hand in Game 1 of the ALDS.

There are opposite ends of this spectrum! This isn’t a one way (Houston) street. I love watching those balls leave the yard, but seeing Clayton Kershaw send 11 guys packing in 7 innings is just as therapeutic for my baseball crave. It felt like I was watching Pedro wrap up those steroid users 313 times back in 1999. The cream of the crop will always rise, and if Keuchel’s right, I guess Clayton Kershaw is the best pitcher of all time. Pitchers, like in the steroid era, should want the feeling of being known as Hercules for slaying the monsters at the plate, rather than falling victim to them.

As we sit back and wait for game 5, I personally don’t think I’ll see a better game than the firework show of Game 2. Wake me up when it happens, and hopefully the Red Sox won’t be on the bleak side of it.

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSMeh1ZtT68]

(Youtube:Highlight Heaven)

Bruins Seek to Build Momentum

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by: @inlow005

Following a solid 2-1 win over the San Jose Sharks Thursday night, the Bruins look to further build some momentum as they host the “Best in the West” Los Angels Kings Saturday night.  With Anton Khudobin getting the nod over Tuukka Rask against San Jose, the Bruins edged out the Sharks in a defensive battle.  Rask, who has missed some time with a concussion, will most likely return to the net to face the Kings.

HEINEN’S HEROICS

More impressive than the defensive efforts of Boston Thursday night was the offensive performance from youngster Danton Heinen.  After being called up to the big stage earlier that morning, Heinen was the hero, notching both goals for the B’s.  With some lackluster penalties at the hands of Sean Kuraly, Heinen’s big-time play was essential for a struggling Bruins squad.  If the young gun can build off his impressive outing, Boston can certainly give Los Angeles some trouble at the Garden Saturday night.

Although relatively absent on Thursday, Brad Marchand provides another aspect of optimism for Boston fans moving forward.  In just eight games the long-time Bruin has tallied eleven points, leading the team in both goals and assists.  Aside from last night’s battle and a shutout loss to Colorado in early October, Marchand has assisted or scored in every game.  I expect to see further progression from Marchy throughout the next few weeks as he has established himself as a strong leader for the B’s.  With some production from the younger guys, Boston has the weapons to emerge as an offensive powerhouse.

FUELING THE FLAME

After big wins, the next big step is adding more fuel to the fire.  Boston has failed to win back-to-back games this year, deflating hope for both the fans and players.  Although facing Los Angeles is rarely fun, the reward of beating them would be immense.  If Boston can squeak past L.A. they will have finally broken their back-to-back win draught, and have done so against the best in the west.  In order to accomplish this feat, a few things need to happen… or would certainly help.

Rask needs to rebound- After missing a few games, Rask needs to come back with a powerful showing.  He faces an extremely tough offense, but has the opportunity to display his talent in front of home fans.

No silly goals- When playing a first-place team, almost everything has to go right.  The Bruins cannot afford to give up weak goals to the Kings.  They have had trouble with silly goals, but Saturday night this is especially inexcusable.

Find twine early- Nothing would be worse than starting off slow and digging a hole against the Kings at home.  If the Bruins can get on the board quick, they will draw the momentum necessary to take down a really strong squad.

Avoid the box- For Bruins viewers, this seems like a no-brainer.  But time and time again Boston ends up in the box when they shouldn’t.  Los Angeles will capitalize on PowerPlays, so best avoid them.

 

 

Dion Lewis’ Search for Good Health and an Opportunity

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College Stardom

 

Dion Lewis’ freshman season of 2009 at Pitt put him on the map. A 5’8″-195-lb running back ran all over the Big East. He broke multiple Big East and Pitt rushing records previously held by both Tony Dorsett and LeSean McCoy. Big East MVP, Big East Offensive Player of the Year, Second Team AP All-American, Doak Walker semifinalist and Maxwell Award semifinalist. Dion Lewis’ talent has never been questioned.

To put Lewis’ freshman season into perspective,  compare his statistics to those of Kareem Hunt’s best college season.

Dion Lewis:

2009 Pitt (FR) – 1988 total yards / 5.7 yards per touch / 18 total touchdowns 

Kareem Hunt:

2016 Toledo (SR) – 1878 total yards / 6.2 yards per touch / 11 total touchdowns 

Dion Lewis’ talent was undeniable. To put up better numbers as a freshman than NFL star Kareem Hunt did as a senior, presents pure evidence that from the beginning the talent has been there.

Drafted and Blocked

Due to concerns about Lewis’ lack of ‘NFL Size’, he fell to the fifth round where he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles.

In Philadelphia, Dion Lewis was never given the opportunity to get on the field. He was being blocked, rightfully so, by LeSean McCoy: One of the best running backs in the NFL. Dion Lewis was still in search of the team where he could show the skills that helped him shatter numerous records back at Pitt.

Traded to Cleveland

In April of 2013, the Eagles traded Lewis to the Browns. At the time of the trade, Cleveland possessed a budding star at the running back position: Trent Richardson. Cleveland used a first round pick on Richardson, and in the 2012 season, they worked their 22-year-old running back to death. Many saw the addition of Lewis as a way to lighten Richardson’s load in the passing game. In 2012, Richardson caught more than 50 balls and was targeted 71 times. If Lewis was indeed going to help in the passing game, he certainly had a large opportunity to do so.

Any potential plan for Dion Lewis in the Cleveland offense never got to play itself out. In the preseason of 2013, Dion Lewis broke his fibula and suffered ligament damage.

 

Cleveland Browns running back Dion Lewis is taken to the locker room after an injury in the third quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

 

There was potential for Dion to make a name in Cleveland. All hope came crashing down with the break of his fibula. The next season, Trent Richardson was traded away from Cleveland, leaving a larger-than-life hole that could have easily fit a 5’8″ 195 lb frame in it. The seriousness of Dion’s fibula break, however, ensured that he would never play a down of his contract for the Cleveland Browns. An enormous opportunity for Dion Lewis to showcase himself, stolen by injury.

New Team… No Opportunity

In September of 2014, the Indianapolis Colts took more than a flyer on the still-young running back.  They signed him to a two-year contract. Dion’s time with the Colts lasted no longer than a week. The Colts decided to add defensive depth. When doing so, Dion was the counter-cut.

Future Contract

During the 2014 season, three months after being cut by the Colts, Bill Belichick came calling. Dion Lewis signed with the New England Patriots on a future deal for the 2015 season. Dion Lewis sat out the entire 2014 season, waiting for his opportunity in the 2015 camp.

Looking back, it seems Bill Belichick had a plan all along. Two running backs on the Patriots in 2014 were set to become free-agents after the season. The Patriots saw signing Dion Lewis to a future contract as an opportunity to add depth before they inevitably lost both of those backs, Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen to free-agency.

2015 New England Patriots Camp

A battle brewed in camp. Matter of fact, it was the talk of the camp.   Who would play the passing back role for the New England Patriots? Long-time Patriot, Brandon Bolden? James White, who the Patriots spent a draft pick on? Other signee, Travaris Cadet? Journeyman Dion Lewis?

By the end of the preseason, it was clear to everyone that covered that team.   Dion Lewis had won the ‘scat back’ role in New England. In case you aren’t familiar with how things work in New England, Bill Belichick isn’t one to announce who wins battles. Nothing was different in this instance.  It was noticeable how much better and more prepared Dion Lewis was than the others in line. Come opening night, it proved true.  Dion Lewis won the job.

The Opportunity

Dion Lewis started as the primary running back on opening night vs the Steelers. He has LeGarrette Blount’s mishaps to thank for that. Blount was supposed to start Week 1 as the lead back.  Sadly for him, he was suspended one game for an incident that happened the year before. Dion Lewis winning the ‘scat back’ role, and Blount’s suspension combined for the only true opportunity Dion had in the NFL up to this point.

Dion Lewis burst onto the map on September 10th, 2015 vs the Steelers. He finished with 19 total touches for 120 yards from scrimmage. Dion Lewis finally got the opportunity to show what made him a human video-game at Pitt, and boy did he ever. The lateral quickness was still there, and he could make cuts just the same as before snapping his fibula. “Lewis” jerseys instantly went into production, fantasy football players were hyperventilating as they scrambled their way through waivers to see if he was available. ‘Pitt Dion Lewis’ had landed in New England.

Dion’s Dream Season

Through just over six regular season games, Dion Lewis had piled up 622 yards from scrimmage, four total touchdowns and 36 catches.

He became a household name in New England. Dion Lewis tore up the NFL in his first ever opportunity to shine. Big play after big play, jump cut after jump cut, juke after juke, and spin after spin. Dion Lewis arguably became the ‘X-Factor’ of the Patriots offense through six games.

Defenses had no answer for him. A player his size usually excels outside of the numbers. Dion did exactly that. What made Dion so special and different was his ability to create space as a runner inside of the tackles.  Dion continued to surprise everyone around him, especially opposing defensive coordinators.

Nightmare Ending

As the Patriots approached the halfway point in the season, Dion Lewis entered the seventh game of his ‘rebirth’. The Washington Redskins were next up. Throughout the game, like every other team, Washington had no answer for Dion Lewis.

In the third quarter, Dion Lewis snagged a screen pass and shifted his way up the field. In an instant, a non-contact injury to his knee sent him leaping to the turf in order to avoid putting weight back on his leg.

Dion knew, Patriot fans knew, and as the broadcast showed, Matt Patricia knew. Dion Lewis’ dream season was over. The image of tears streaming down Dion’s face while getting an emotional pep-talk from coach Patricia… That will never leave the minds of Patriots fans. Dion had worked so hard for his opportunity. Multiple teams, fought through a gruesome injury, all to lose it again. Dion had gone through so much, and was forced to go through it all once more.

Dion Lewis watched the rest of the season from the sidelines with a torn ACL.

The Comeback?

Dion Lewis spent the entire rest of the season and offseason in rehab, trying to get back on the field. Many at first believed that Lewis would make it back for Week 1 of the 2016 season. Sadly for Dion, he was forced to start the season on the PUP list, preventing him from seeing the field for the first six weeks.

While Week 7 was the likely scenario anyways, it was a setback during rehab that truly pushed the timetable back.  Dion, eligible to play in the seventh game, didn’t see the field until Week 10, more than halfway through the NFL season.

The Comeback.

While Dion Lewis was healthy enough, and did play in Week 10 for New England, being “healthy enough” falls short of the player that Dion was before injury. Regaining the quickness in and out of cuts that Dion possessed before his injury didn’t come back when he did.  Not until Week 14 vs the 49ers did Lewis start showing signs of his old self. In that game he totaled 104 yards.

The first time that season that Dion Lewis truly was ‘Pitt Dion Lewis’ occurred in the Patriots first playoff match up vs the Texans. Dion Lewis scored  three touchdowns.  One receiving, one rushing, and one on a kick return. Dion Lewis looked electric again.

The Opportunity of Every Kids Dreams 

Along came the Super Bowl: Patriots vs Falcons.  The comeback of the century that taught everyone how to bet on sports from Boston.

While Dion got to play all of regulation, he injured his hamstring on the final play of the fourth quarter. The injury wasn’t serious, but enough to sideline him for the entire first overtime quarter in Super Bowl history.

At the end of the day, the Patriots and Dion Lewis became Super Bowl champions. Not until long after the Super Bowl, during an NFL Network documentary where Bill Belichick revealed that the ‘Super Bowl clinching play’, a power toss, was designed specifically for Dion Lewis. Belichick said that only Dion had ever run that play before. With that said, the injury sidelined Lewis  for the entirety of overtime.  James White had to run that play, scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime of the Super Bowl. That play was supposed to be Dion’s.

The end result was still just as glorious for Dion, with or without him being the one diving across the goal-line. Still, any player would be lying to say that they wouldn’t want that opportunity, another opportunity that was stripped away from Dion by injury. 

On to 2017

Dion Lewis is healthy now, and it is very easy to tell. He makes jump cuts reminiscent of 2015. He’s running with the electricity of his Pitt days. Breaking long run after long run, Dion Lewis has worked his way back into the hearts of the Patriot faithful. The opportunities remain.  If he stays in the injury-free zone, the sky’s the limit for Dion Lewis.

 

The Bruins Should Have a Goaltender Controversy

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Anton Khudobin

Anton Khudobin put on a stellar performance last night at TD Garden versus the San Jose Sharks. Khudobin turned in a 36-save performance on 37 shots, with 15 of those in the third period. He is now 3-0-1 on the season, with a 2.52 GAA and a .926 save percentage. For a “back-up” goaltende, those are very good numbers in only five starts. He’s more than held down the fort during Tuukka’s absence, putting the team over .500 again. He even pulled a veteran goalie (more about this later) move last night by “inadvertently” bumping the goal off the pegs.  A move long used by many goalies to stop play so their team can regroup.

Tuukka 2017
On the flip side Tuukka Rask is 1-3 with a 3.30 GAA and a .882 save percentage. Those numbers would get a back-up goaltender a bus ticket to Medicine Hat. Tuukka has become a polarizing figure in Boston sports. You either love him or hate him, there is no in between. I’m not declaring where I fall in the polls, but I do know this: he needs competition, he needs to feel discomfort, and he needs to know his job holds no guarantees. Tuukka is your typical goaltender — competitive,  fiery,  but more importantly, he’s human.  Not immune to getting comfortable, he occasionally loses concentration and lets in a soft goal and sometimes doesn’t bring his best when it matters most.

Tim Thomas?
Anton Khudobin is 31 years old, he’s been around the block and obviously has not won a starting job in this league. Maybe he’s a late bloomer, like Tim Thomas. Thomas didn’t grab hold of a starting job until 2008 when he was 34 years old, and we all know what happened after that.

I’m not saying that Anton Khudobin is Tim Thomas, or even deserves the starting job with the Bruins. I AM saying that he deserves a chance to play more, if he and the team behind him are playing well.

In the end it should make Tuukka Rask uncomfortable.  And I think that’s a good thing.

Has Aguayo Found A Home In Carolina?

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With Graham Gano possibly suffering a leg injury, the Carolina Panthers signed Kicker Roberto Aguayo to the practice squad. The initial reaction: “This could be great, he was outstanding in college!” However, upon returning to reality, let’s remember he has been cut by both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears. Is the time now or never for Aguayo in Carolina?

Aguayo Could Return to College Form

During a three year stint with Florida State University, Aguayo put up impressive numbers. He had a total of 405 points on 198 extra points and 69 field goals for the Seminoles. When Aguayo decided to enter the 2016 NFL Draft, most expected a late round selection.

The Buccaneers made the decision to use their second round pick on Aguayo. Although he had impressive college stats, most saw this pick as questionable at best. After eventually being cut by the Buccaneers and Bears during the 2017 season, he now belongs to Carolina. If he could return to his godly college ways, the Panthers just might have found a steal.

 

Evaluating Aguayo in the NFL Thus Far

In 2016, Roberto Aguayo’s kicking stats were rather ugly. Although he went a solid 32 for 34 on extra points, his field goal numbers were quite the opposite. From a distance longer than 39 yards, he made four out of 11 field goals. In other words, when looking for a clutch kicker for the team, this is clearly not the guy.

On the other hand, the majority of Gano’s kicks in 2017 have come from 39 yards or less. Out of 17 field goals attempted this season, only five have come from 40 yards or farther. This shows that Carolina has the ability to drive down the field, but is unable to finish drives with touchdowns.

 

Overall Grade for Carolina Signing Aguayo

After considering what he did in college, the NFL, and the contract which he signed with Carolina, I give this move a B. Before you wonder, “How could he rate this so high after trashing his NFL career!?,” hear me out.

The Panthers signed Aguayo to the practice squad. His contract is not very expensive, and he is not currently the primary kicker. Carolina’s current kicker, Gano, is thought to be suffering a leg injury, and may need to take some time off. This window of time could provide a test run for Aguayo with the Panthers, and prove if he has any NFL value.

 

McHale’s Musings Vol. 3

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Hello again, readers! It’s Ryan McHale with another edition of “McHale’s Musings.” I’m going to mix it up a bit and expand my horizon beyond the world of Boston sports.

That’s right…

It’s time to go national, baby!

NFL

Flacco Hit

I understand that football is not for the faint of heart. It’s a gruesome sport with bone-shattering collisions. However, there was nothing clean about the unnecessary hit Dolphins LB Kiko Alonso laid upon Joe Flacco last night. While Flacco may have gone into his slide a bit late, Alonso had more than enough reaction time to avoid slamming into the quarterback. The hit was as dirty as they come, and how he avoided ejection is beyond me. Hopefully he’s nailed with a significant suspension and hefty fine.

 

Suh’s Throat Punch

Speaking of dirty hits…

Surprise, surprise. Ndamukong Suh’s anger management issue has reared its ugly head again. This time it manifested itself by way of a failed attempt to land the Undertaker’s patented choke slam on Ryan Mallett – the Ravens backup quarterback forced into action after Alonso’s spear. I’m not sure how many infractions Suh has to amass before he’s out of the league. Instead of owners colluding to keep Colin Kaepernick out of action, why don’t they band together to give the boot to a player actively trying to injure his opponents?  

 

Steelers Pose Biggest Threat to Patriots

While the Kansas City Chiefs remain the darlings of many NFL talking heads, I believe it’s the Pittsburgh Steelers who remain the biggest obstacle from keeping the Patriots from reaching yet another Super Bowl. Despite Martavis Bryant’s erratic, diva-like behavior, the team has started performing at the level most expect from the Steel City heroes. With Le’Veon Bell running at will, Antonio Brown catching everything that comes his way, and a defense suddenly creating turnovers, this team will be one to watch as we inch closer toward the playoffs.

The Buffalo Bills Are for Real

Ok, #BillsMafia. It’s time. As much as it pains me to compose this paragraph, I must swallow my pride and say what needs to be said. This Bills team is a legitimate Wild-Card team. Yes, wild-card. Even with the devastating, season-ending injury to defensive stalwart, Dont’a Hightower, they will not surpass the Patriots in the AFC East. With that said, don’t be surprised to see Buffalo playing football the first weekend of January.

On a non-football related note, my sincerest condolences go out to Buffalo’s tight end, Logan Thomas, and his family. If you’re unaware, Thomas’s daughter, Brooklynn was born prematurely and passed away on Tuesday. As a father, I can’t imagine what he’s going through right now, and I wish the entire Thomas family all the best as they attempt to heal.

 

MLB

Epic Game 2

How about that second game of the World Series? Without question, Wednesday night’s back and forth, extra-innings affair between the Dodgers and Astros was one of the more dramatic ballgames I can remember. If Game 2 of the series was just the start of things to come, we’ll be forever talking about this championship matchup.

 

Puig Discusses Correa’s Bat Flip

Yasiel Puig’s response to Carlos Correa’s 10th inning bat flip on Wednesday night was a thing of beauty. Here’s a guy who understands that baseball needs an injection of fun. After the phenomenal game, Puig had this to say about Correa’s so-called “antics”:

“I loved it,” Puig said. “It was a little bit higher than the bat flips I normally do. He was happy and that’s the way you should play in the World Series. Not everybody gets in a place like this. It’s good that he plays like that and it’s good that Latino players are able to contribute that way. He wasn’t batting too well, he was only getting a few hits and when he hit the home run, it was a moment for him to be happy. I’m glad he was able to celebrate that way.”

I personally love a well-timed bat flip. Sure, it’s showing up your opponent while relishing in your own accomplishment, but don’t we allow players to celebrate in every other sport? What about the Steelers offense playing hide-and-seek in the endzone after a touchdown last weekend against the Bengals? I’m pretty sure the sideshow was half-self congratulatory/half-showing up Cincinnati. What about an NBA player screaming and flexing after finishing off a huge dunk? Part of the intent is to make it known to their opponent that they’re unstoppable. I get that the majority of baseball viewers these days are on the older side, but in order for the game to not only survive, and thrive once again, we need to inject a bit of fun into the game.

 

NBA

LaVar Ball Not Helping Lonzo

I’m sure you, like many Americans, have stopped to ponder why today’s youth is overconfident with a massive superiority complex. Well, wonder no more. Thanks to LaVar Ball, we have our answer!

That’s right. You can place the blame on helicopter parents like LaVar Ball for producing children who grow up believing they’re untouchable. Unfortunately, these children eventually grow up to be adults unable to accept criticism or failure. I worry what will happen to Lonzo Ball when he inevitably hits a rough patch during his rookie season.

While Lonzo may have the talent to become a true superstar in the NBA, it’s his father who could potentially derail his fate. LaVar Ball, a former collegiate basketball player who dominated opponents with an blazing average of 2.2 PPG, continues living out his days by inserting himself into his kid’s career – opting to live vicariously through his more-talented son rather than carve out a path of his own.

For the sake of your son’s career, Mr. Ball, please sit down and shut up.

 

MLS

Atlanta United FC Attendance

Yesterday’s Knockout Round battle between the Columbus Crew and Atlanta United FC was played in front of a raucous crowd of 67,221 – a new MLS playoff attendance record. Who says Americans don’t appreciate soccer? It was an electric atmosphere at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Here’s hoping the soccer bug spreads from Atlanta to the rest of the country, much like airborne virus from Outbreak (highly underrated motion picture) did in 1995.

A Star is Born

Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

If you did happen to watch the Crew’s victory over Atlanta, you were more than likely witness to birth of a new US soccer star. Zack Steffen, the 22 year old netminder of the Columbus Crew, stole the show with 8 unbelievable saves that enabled the Crew (#SavetheCrew – story for another day) to shock Atlanta and their fans. The new coach of the USMNT will certainly have to look in Steffen’s direction when piecing together the next roster. The young goalie’s athleticism and personality would be the perfect addition to the lifeless squad that failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Until next time,

McHale

Bruins Upcoming Schedule Could Bury Them

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Slow Start

In the NHL there is a common belief that if your team is above the playoff line by Black Friday, then your practically a lock for the playoffs. This shows that the good teams have strong starts and never look back. For the Bruins that should be quite concerning. The Bruins had a cakewalk of a schedule to start the new season.  Boston should come out of the gates hot and rack up some easy points. However, it’s been anything but easy for the Bruins so far. Currently, they sit at 3-3-1 with a total of seven points. The Bruins are on pace for 82 points, about 12 points off of what it will take to make the playoffs.

Tough Road Ahead

And now, the real teams start popping up on the schedule. So far, the Bruins have played the lowly Sabres, the Avalanche twice, the Golden Knights ( who started Malcolm Subban) and Arizona. What do all these teams have in common? Oh yeah, they suck. Yet the Bruins looked lost most nights, dominated up and down the ice.

Now the Bruins have a gauntlet ahead. Over the next month they play San Jose twice, the Kings twice, Anaheim, Washington, the Rangers, Toronto twice, and the Penguins. Looking at that schedule, no games offer relief  as one that the Bruins could chalk up as a win. If the Bruins don’t watch out, in three weeks they could very easily occupy at the basement of the Eastern Conference.


These are the stretches where your veteran players step up and guide the young kids through the grind that is the NHL schedule. But every time the Bruins turn around, another injury pops up.   And a new young kid gets significant ice time. Which brings us to the core problem surrounding the Bruins.  The management of the roster.

Sweeney decided to keep Adam Mcquid and Kevin Miller this offseason for some ungodly reason. Now both are injured when the Bruins need veteran presences.  Why? Because both can’t stay on the ice. The Bruins are trying to keep open foot in both worlds and it’s gonna cost them. The Bruins can’t expect to be a contender when the top of their defense and forwards are composed of rookies. Hardly a recipe for success in the NHL. On top of that McCavoy, Debrusk, and Bjork have never played the grueling 82 game schedule. So the production is bound to dip.

Youth Movement

The Bruins need to realize that this season is a lost year. It’s time to focus completely on the young kids. Chelarik played a bit last year and showed a solid comprehension of the NHL game. In the short time, Chelarik flashed his NHL-ready vision and passing ability. Call him up along with any other kid with some potential. Get them more ice time. Focus on the next three to four years. Not just making the playoffs this season and getting knocked out in six games.

It’s gonna be a tough pill for Bruins fans. But the future lies with the young kids.  Chara, Rask, even Bergeron aren’t gonna be the reason the Bruins win a cup. This is a bridge team to the future. So speed up the process any way possible. The more ice time now will benefit the development for years to come.

McHale’s Musings Vol. 2

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Hello again, everyone! Welcome to another edition of “McHale’s Musings.”

There’s been a lot happening in the world of Boston sports, so let’s get right to it!

Patriots

Embed from Getty Images

  • Big-time win over the Falcons last weekend at Gillette. The effort from Matt Patricia’s defense was a stellar reminder of this group’s talent. If they can string together a few solid games, their confidence will grow.
  • Tom Brady is 40. 40!
  • Josh McDaniels needs to continue letting Dion Lewis be more of a factor on offense. He’s a dynamic running back who can stretch out a defense. He’s the ultimate weapon for Brady and Co. if used consistently. #fantasyfootballpickup
  • It sounded like Gillette was rocking on Sunday night. It’s about time! For myriad of reasons, Gillette Stadium is no longer a place opponents fear to visit. However, fans can help make a change. This team needs support from the 65,878 members of Patriots Nation in attendance each and every home game. Perhaps those early losses at the start of the season were a wake up call to fans. Things aren’t going to come easy on this “Blitz for Six.” Fans, you’ll have to do your part to make it happen. Get lubed up!

Celtics

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  • Hello, Kyrie. I’ll like to see your, “Suck my d**k,” and raise you a “Shut up and play.” You are a 25 year old professional athlete. You will be taunted by opposing teams’ fans. You’re the one with all the leverage here. By walking away, you’re making sure you don’t make headline news for all the wrong reasons. Sure, that Philly bro may hop on Instagram Live to boast, “Damn, you won’t believe what I said to Kyrie. He just took it like a chump.” However, I don’t think his 27 followers are going to band together and ruin your reputation. It’s like the world of teaching. Sure, I could rattle off some solid insults mixed with biting sarcasm at the student who refused to work, but what good would that do? At the end of the day, we can only control our own reaction.  Kyrie, I urge you to ignore the taunts and move on with your day.
  • I see you, Jaylen Brown.
  • It’s too early to say that the Celtics made the better move in drafting Tatum over Fultz. With it becoming increasingly clear that Fultz has been hurt to start the season. Let’s give it some time before we declare that Danny Ainge bamboozled the 76ers.
  • Through four games, the C’s are 9th in the league with an average of 46.3 rebounds per game. I’m hopeful that this team will be able to rebound with more efficiency than last year’s squad that finished 27th in the NBA.

Bruins

  • Last weekend’s loss to Buffalo was a colossal failure. Thus far in his tenure as head coach, it appears as though Bruce Cassidy has been unable to strengthen the mental toughness of this hockey club. The 3rd period and subsequent overtime was simply a train wreck. It will be inexcusable defeats such as Saturday’s debacle that prevents this team from making a deep postseason run.
  • What is up with the NHL schedule to start the season? I’m not liking this staggering of games, and I’m willing to bet the players aren’t fans of it either.
  • How good was it to see Bergeron back on the ice? The guy is a warrior through and through. He is Bruins hockey personified. With that said, he’s getting older and deserves to be surrounded by talent that has the potential of winning another Cup. Is he surrounded by that kind of talent now? Time will tell. One thing’s for sure…that kind of crippling loss to Buffalo can’t happen again.

Red Sox

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  • Dustin Pedroia is out seven months after undergoing knee surgery. I get the sneaking suspicion that we’ll soon be reading headlines along the lines of, “Pedroia Hopeful of Returning after All-Star Break.”
  • I love the Alex Cora hiring.
  • While I agree that we shouldn’t give up the farm for Giancarlo Stanton, it would be foolish not to put together a reasonable package for the All-Star slugger. This Red Sox lineup needs power in the worst way. He also has a personality that is sorely missing from the clubhouse after David Ortiz’s retirement. Go for it, Sox!

Revolution

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  • The Revs won a road game! I repeat…The New England Revolution won a road game!
  • In a match that proved to be well worth the watch, the Revolution closed out their disappointing season by finally winning a road match. The win over Montreal helps the team avoid going winless away from Gillette for the first time in franchise history.
  • I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again…Diego Fagundez deserves to be the face of the Revolution. This young man is going to be a difference maker for the Revs for years to come.

That’s it for me! Until next time…

Ryan

Johnson Bademosi — The Next Man Up

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Flashback to September.  The New England Patriots brought in corner back Johnson Bademosi from the Detroit Lions for just a 2019 sixth-round draft pick. Originally Bademosi was acquired as a solution to the depth problem at corner. However, his niche on the team might have changed after the past few weeks. Injuries to Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe sent Bademosi to the starting lineup in Weeks 6 and 7, which will influence his role later on.

When the Patriots rolled into East Rutherford to take on the Jets, they did not know how Bademosi would perform. Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe, the number two and three cornerbacks, were both inactive going into Week 6 with injuries. Jonathan Jones took over operations as corner in nickel formation while Bademosi relieved Gilmore’s duties. After a 24-17 victory, Bademosi logged in five tackles, being present in the Patriots’ secondary for 96% of defensive snaps. That following Monday, Coach Belichick praised Bademosi on WEEI’s Dale & Holley with Rich Keefe.

“[He] did a great job for us”, Belichick reflected. “He played [73] plays on defense, 14 in the kicking game, and we really didn’t know that he was going to play until Saturday- defensively. To have a big role like that, it says a lot for for his preparation, and he came through for us.”

Johnson earned another starting nod this past weekend with Super Bowl 51 opponent Atlanta Falcons. He rose to the challenge of covering Pro Bowl receiver Julio Jones, and posted a considerable first half:

At the conclusion of the game Bademosi recorded seven tackles and a pass deflection, letting up only thirty one yards. For the second week in a row he stayed on the field for 96% of defensive snaps, tying Malcolm Butler. Bademosi’s one pass deflection came from a huge third down-and-short stop intended for Julio Jones.

“If you want to win games you have to be able to stop teams on third down, and everybody knows that”, Bademosi reflects. “We have to do that on defense.”

What’s to come for Johnson now that he is on the rise? The Patriots still are not in the clear, still having offensive powerhouses Raiders and Steelers left in their season. In a press conference on Tuesday, Belichick hinted on Bademosi’s future role:

“The guys that play the best play the most. The guys that don’t play as well continue to keep working until their performance either moves ahead of somebody else’s or they get an opportunity because of circumstances.”

As Gilmore and Rowe return from injury hopefully in the near future, the corner could still see an increase in reps after showing success. All the practice and preparation Johnson Bademosi has clocked in will not go unnoticed by Belichick. He will find a way to incorporate him more in the secondary, because he is potentially the next man up.

Jaylen Brown

The Kids Are Alright – Brown and Tatum Lead the Way

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After the Gordon Hayward injury, Brad Stevens knew he would have to rely on a lot of younger players. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum would have to grow up and contribute in a big way. We knew that Tatum and Brown had a chance to be great. Nobody could have predicted how quickly these two would acclimate and exceed in their new roles. The ceiling is the limit, and Stevens expects that much:

Brown started the game on fire, scoring 13 of his game-high 23 points in the first quarter. His aggression and willingness to go to the basket have been on display since day one. Brown is exceptional at getting to the hoop and has shown the ability to break down defenders and finish around the rim. After some shaky shot making last season, Brown is shooting 62.1 percent in the restricted area and 65.1 percent on all of his two-point shots. He’s also been dynamic inside the three-point arc. Adding even a league-average three-point shot will make him very difficult to stop.

Jayson Tatum

Tatum took the increased role with the team and ran with it. Understandably, Tatum was hesitant on the offensive end early in the season. He passed up open shots and deferred to veterans like Kyrie and Horford. Tuesday night against the Knicks was Tatum’s coming out party. It may have been Brown’s 21st birthday, but Tatum shined just as bright. He scored in a variety of ways, including knocking down four out of six shots from beyond the arc. He showcased his midrange game, blew past slower defenders, and threw down a hellacious put-back dunk on Tim Hardaway’s head.

Tatum’s offensive game has been even better than advertised. He is in the top-five for the rookie class in points (4th), rebounds (5th), three-point shooting (2nd), steals (3rd), and blocks (2nd). His numbers have been far more than what was expected at this point in his rookie year, but Tatum is proving to be a potent scorer who can also impact the game in a handful of different ways.

TATUM AND BROWN ARE THRIVING ON DEFENSE

The offensive numbers are great, but Brown and Tatum have held their own on the defensive end. Before the season started, Stevens harped on how important Brown’s defense would be to the Celtics. Brown has all of the tools to be an elite wing defender, and has shown signs of taking that next step.

Brown was thrown into the fire on defense early in the season. Guarding LeBron and Giannas on back-to-back nights is near impossible, but Brown held his own. He has also been able to switch on to both point guards and power forwards seamlessly. He will draw the assignment of every team’s best wing scorer, and his ability to defend will dictate the team’s success.

Tatum’s defense, something that was seen as a work-in-progress before the season, has been a pleasant surprise. While his athleticism doesn’t compare to Brown, Tatum’s length allows him to recover and challenge shots. Tatum still has trouble guarding bulkier post players, i.e. Dario Saric, but his ability to switch and play team defense unlocks lineups that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

There will be bumps along the road. Not every night will result in historic scoring from Brown and Tatum. But these two are stars, and the sky is the limit for their potential. If there is a silver lining around the Hayward injury, it’s that fact that the youngsters will get a chance to expand their game and dominate.