Rookie DE Derek Rivers Out for the Season

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The Patriots lose a promising young defensive end to an injury

Earlier yesterday morning ESPN’s Mike Reiss and Field Yates confirmed that Derek Rivers had suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice. Rivers went down clenching his knee during a kickoff coverage drill in a joint practice with the Houston Texans on Wednesday.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported earlier that initial MRI results have shown that Rivers has suffered a torn ACL and a sprained LCL. Derek Rivers reportedly intends to get a second opinion to confirm if surgery is needed.

Derek Rivers is the Patriots’ highest pick from this year’s draft, being selected 83rd overall in the third round from Youngstown State. He finished his collegiate career with 120 tackles and 37.5 sacks in his four year tenure. The Patriots brought him on board to be a young addition to an aging defensive end corp. The group has been given the task of stepping up in the wake of Rob Ninkovich’s retirement.

Next man up

Luckily the Patriots have multiple options to consider in the weeks before the regular season kicks off. With the loss of Rivers, there are multiple ways that Coach Belichick and company can find a replacement.

Kony Ealy is presumed to be the starter at defensive end, parallel to Trey Flowers. However, Kony struggled in his first game as a Patriot last Thursday against the Jaguars. More depth will likely be needed on Kony’s side to ease the pressure for him to perform. The Patriots could easily inquire within the roster for a defensive end role and move Geneo Grissom up to the number two slot in the depth chart. Ex-edge rushers Shea McClellin, Kyle Van Noy, and Harvey Langi could also see some playing time filling in the role where needed.

Beyond Gillette

The Patriots could always look for a direct replacement outside of the team as well. Talented veteran defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Mario Williams are currently both available on the free agent market. Coach Belichick has seen plenty of both of these players in the past and knows how well they can perform. Dwight Freeney, for example, might be one of the league’s elders at age 37, but he can still exhibit his explosiveness and some of his speed on command. For a younger player, the Patriots could look for a trade. However, it would be more useful to have some veteran talent for the season and continue developing Derek Rivers starting in the spring.

Whoever might replace Derek Rivers this season, it’s always next man up in the NFL.

 

Image result for derek rivers

5 players to watch in Patriots preseason game No. 2 vs. Texans.

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We have reached week two of the preseason. In last week’s preseason matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, there were a couple of rookies putting on a clinic. Both Austin Carr and Jacob Hollister made big plays, therefore making their case that they deserve a roster spot.

This week the Patriots are taking on the Houston Texans. Once again players on the bubble have a shot to prove their value. With Bill Belichick’s “Next Man Up” mentality there is always an opportunity on this team. It is also a safe bet that we’ll see more of the starters this week.

That being said, here are five players to watch closely in the Patriots second preseason game:

1.) RB Rex Burkhead

Last week Dion Lewis got a bulk of the carries. According to NESN’s Doug Kyed tomorrow nights workload should belong to Rex Burkhead, who is expected to make his Patriots debut.

Burkhead was brought in during the offseason for his versatility. Belichick loves players that can contribute in multiple ways. He is a key special teams contributor and has even split out wide.  Also with Gillislee still out, he has received a majority of running back reps on handoffs with the first-team offense. Look for him to make some plays against that Texans defense.

2.) DE Kony Ealy

Kony Ealy will look to bounce back after a disappointing preseason debut. Ealy did suffer a shoulder injury this week, but returned to the practice field and appears to be okay. With the recent head injuries to rookie defensive ends Deatrich Wise and a knee injury to Derek Rivers (who is now out for the season,) Ealy will receive more opportunities to see the field.

According to CSNNE’s Mike Giardi, Ealy is coming around.

Ealy is a former second-round pick and has all the talent in the world to succeed at this level. The time is now for Ealy and he’s expected to see plenty of snaps on Saturday night.

3.) CB Cyrus Jones

Cyrus Jones played about as bad as it gets in last weeks preseason opener. After getting burned for a 97-yard touchdown fans are ready to give up.

But allow me to remind you how bad Marcus Cannon once looked. Before he turned his career around he was thought to be a bust. Cannon has since then turned himself into one of the Patriots best offensive lineman. Cyrus Jones looks to take a page from Cannon’s book. He’s still a very young player in only his second season. Jones has to bounce back. This is a very important game for Jones and his tenure with the Patriots with so many people calling for Belichick to cut the young cornerback. It’s becoming must watch because he’s either going to muff a punt, give up a huge play, or finally bust open a big return.

4.) QB Jimmy Garoppolo

So looking at Garoppolo’s stat line, you’d say he played pretty well last week. He finished 22-of-28 for 235 yards, with two touchdowns, and no interceptions. However in the words of Bill Belichick, “stats are for losers.”

Some people, such as WEEI’s Ryan Hannable got a little giddy.

But was he really that impressive? Garoppolo started out slow and struggled against the Jaguars starters on defense. It wasn’t until after the first quarter and well into the game that Garoppolo finally got into a groove. Garoppolo missed multiple routine throws. It also shouldn’t go unnoticed that he didn’t play well until he was throwing against Jacksonville’s second and third-string secondary.

Here’s a prime example:

We’ll see if Belichick decides to give Tom Brady the start. If I was a betting man, my money would be on Brady sitting out this game because of the injury risk against that tough Texans defense. However, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, the plan all week has been for all of the starters to play.

As for Garoppolo, look for him to build off last weeks performance. He has certainly shown flashes, but he needs to show some consistency.

 

5.) LB David Harris

Harris may very well be the Brandin Cooks acquisition of the defense. With all of these injuries piling up, Harris is a compelling piece to the Patriots defense. He gives them a solid linebacker behind Hightower with experience and toughness.  The only question now is whether or not Harris can still move. He was a tackling machine his entire career, but is he savvy enough not to get burned in coverage? I’m looking for the Patriots to give him plenty of snaps in these next couple of games to see if he’s picking up their system.

Chris Long: a True Patriot

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Two men.

Two men standing.

Two men standing for our National Anthem.

Two men standing for our National Anthem, One with a raised fist.  Another with his arm around his teammate.

Standing Tall

An image, and a powerful one at that. Wherever you land on the political spectrum you can see that Chris Long stands in a rare light. Many veterans on their third team in three years might be laying low, getting a feel for their new team and fellow players. Not Chris Long. Always an outspoken leader, even when playing in the relative obscurity of the St. Louis, Missouri.

When the Patriots were scouring the free agent market for veteran defensive ends following the unceremonious shipping out of Chandler Jones to Arizona, he was on my short list. Sure, he might be a little injury prone and looong in the tooth (pun delightfully intended). The next in the lengthy and distinguished group of veteran ring chasers to pass through Foxboro. So what if he’s played only as a 4-3 pass rusher in his entire career. I was sure that he was going to help propel the team to its next Super Bowl win.

It didn’t quite work out that way. We got the ring and the team got the glory. From day one Chris seemed to have memorized Bill Belichick’s guide to media relations. Learning the playbook and executing on the field was another matter. Rarely did he rush the passer and even more rarely did he do it with his hand in the dirt. He Practiced the Patriot Way and dutifully dropped back in coverage. He produced few exciting and standout plays. His presence was felt more than just on the field.

WBZ4 Capture of Chris Long wearing a Julian Edelman Mask

Long on talent…and humor

In a moment of levity during the bye week, in the aftermath of the incredible Jaime Collins trade there was a strange Edelman-mask wearing player in the locker room giving interviews. Five inches taller, 50 pounds heavier and the distinctive sleeves of tattoos should have been an immediate tell. But there was something disconcerting in the accurately creepy mask, the off kilter red hat and the constant brahs with the multiple headphones. Still when the Patriots Nation was abuzz with tension and concern, Chris managed to turn the mood into lightheartedness and laughter.

When the season ended after the victory over 28-3 Falcons you got to see what kind of a man Chris Long truly is. Repeatedly told by fans and foes alike that he should go on the White House visit he delivered thoughtful and polite answers each time. They culminated with this:

“(When) my son grows up — and I believe the legacy of our president is going to be what it is — I don’t want him to say, ‘Hey Dad, why’d you go when you knew the right thing was to not go?'” Long said.

Moving on

He also delivered on explanations even when they were not necessary. In an Instagram post  early in free agency, he made it very clear he would not be returning to the Patriots. Manufactured sincerity is very easy to find today, and yet you truly believed him when he said that it had zero to do with money. Instead he laid out various reasons and thanked all his fans. He didn’t need to do this, he came on a one year deal, played okay and won a championship ring. If not expected, it was at least not a shock that this is the way it went. Still, it was sad to see him go.

Not Backing Down

The recent events in Charlottesville, VA have thrust issues of race relations and protesting into worldwide news, and forced us all to ask tough questions of ourselves. None more so than Chris, an alumni of UVA – the site of much of the upheaval and protests over a statue of Robert E. Lee. The statue was merely a lightning rod that became a focal point when people began rioting, beating and eventually killing each other over slogans and ideals that should not have a place in this country.

“You know that subculture exists in our country, and it has in our country for a long time, but when they all get together in one place — especially your hometown — it really bothers you,” he said.

And when asked a question he responded with his usual conviction and respect. “People are asking me, ‘Why Charlottesville?’ ” Long said. “Look, Charlottesville is taking the right steps to accommodate the sensitivities of people who might feel offended by statues and parks named after Confederate generals. I think that is very reasonable. I don’t know what it’s like to walk past a statue like that, as a minority. We’re doing the right thing.”

There has been much blowback regarding activism by popular sports figures. Shouting a battle cry of “stick to sports”, mainly by people not wanting to face these questions and thoughts. I for one, am happy that Chris Long is not sticking to sports over this.

Chris Long supporting teammate Malcolm Jenkins

Charlie McAvoy Ranked #4 Overall Prospect in NHL

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ESPN released their top 100 NHL prospect rankings for the upcoming season. Boston has three prospects in the top 100, including the #4 overall rated prospect Charlie McAvoy. The 19-year-old Boston University prospect is the top-rated defenseman in the rankings. However the top rated BU prospect is forward Clayton Keller.

The cornerstone of the Bruins remains that reliable star defenseman. Watching the Bruins over the past couple of seasons,  Zdeno Chara just isn’t the same superstar he was. Boston has needed a young defenseman to come in and take the place of Chara when  he calls it quits.

Enter 19-year-old McAvoy. Boston called McAvoy up late last year who showed impact immediately. His offensive skill set coupled with his natural defensive skills gave the Bruins a needed boost heading into the playoffs. McAvoy’s natural ability allows him to step in and help the Bruins to start the 2017-2018 season. McAvoy spent last season showcasing his unique skill set at the World Juniors, BU and in the NHL.

The ESPN list includes three young Bruins prospects. In addition to McAvoy,  Urho Vaakanainen ranks 75th, their first round pick this year. Jake DeBrusk ranks 88th overall as the Bruins third prospect in ESPN’s 100.

Boston didn’t make an impact in free agency or at the trade deadline this offseason. McAvoy will be their big addition from offseason activity. Boston should use McAvoy as a main defensemen to start the year. Rask needs help in front of him, and McAvoy should provide Rask some protection and improve a weaker defense.

 

 

Here is a quick glimpse of what Charlie McAvoy can provide. This 19-year-old has star potential and will be fun to watch for a long time.

The Resurgence of the Boston Red Sox

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Since the trade deadline (July 31, 2017), the Boston Red Sox seem unstoppable.  Since then, they stand 12-2 and have outscored their opponents 85-52 (+33 run differential). They have the highest runs scored per game in the league at 6.15.

Three of those 12 wins have resulted from a walk off.  Christian Vazquez hit a three run homer on August 1st against the Cleveland Indians, possibly the greatest game this season.  Mitch Moreland hit a solo shot against the Chicago White Sox on August 4th, and Mookie Betts blasted a two RBI double against the Green Monster on August 16th against interleague rival, the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Sox have definitely undergone a facelift.  With the addition of Eduardo Nunez from the San Francisco Giants and the calling up of Rafael Devers, the lineup has been impressive.

Big Bats

In just 17 games with the Red Sox, Nunez is batting .372 with four big home runs, 13 RBI’s, six doubles and only striking out 12 times in 78 at bats.  Since joining the Red Sox on July 28th, they have a 14-4 record.  In the previous 18 games, the Red Sox were 7-11.

Rafael Devers, A.K.A. The Prophecy, has been my favorite player this year and he’s only played in 18 games. At the age of 20, he’s posting ridiculous numbers, currently batting .348 with six home runs, 13 RBI’s, four doubles, and an OPS of 1.082.  Also, he’s currently on a six game hitting streak, going 9 for 24 (.409) with three home runs and six RBI’s.

Andrew Benintendi has been on fire this month. In 12 games, he’s batting .413 with five home runs, 13 RBI’s, three doubles, and has scored 13 times. He also has the best flow in the game. *Cough. Rookie of the year! Cough *

Starting Five

The starting rotation has also been a huge factor in the recent success.  Since July 31st, Red Sox starting pitchers have pitched a combined 69.0 innings and have struck out 78 batters (Chris Sale, Drew Pomeranz, Rick Porcello, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Doug Fister).

Chris Sale is 3-0 during that span posting a 3.60 ERA (high because he let up seven earned runs against the Indians), struck out 30 and has only allowed 14 hits in 20 innings.  Opponents’ batting average — just .187 in three games.

Drew Pomeranz has really proved to Red Sox Nation what he can do. Since July 31st, he’s 2-0 with a 2.77 ERA and has struck out 13 in 13.0 innings.  Opponents’ batting average is a little high at .264 but he’s only allowed four earned runs.

The Pen

Other than the big bats and the resurgence of our starting pitchers, the bullpen has been WOWZA. Lights out. Amazing. Couldn’t ask for anything more.  This season the Red Sox bullpen is 22-13 with a 3.01 ERA (3rd best in the MLB). Craig Kimbrel and Matt Barnes have really caught my attention.

In his past seven games, Kimbrel has gone 3-0 with 14 strikeouts in 7.1 innings, and allowed two earned runs against the Indians on August 1st (nothing since then).  It’s pretty much a guaranteed win/save every time he pitches.  He’s 5-0 on the season with a 1.41 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 51.0 innings.

In the month of August, Matt Barnes has pitched 8.1 innings, striking out eight and only allowing one run on just two hits.  Opponents’ batting average this month is just 0.080.  During that span, he has faced 30 batters and 22% of outs have been line drives, 11% pop ups, and 27% have been strikeouts.  He’s allowed two inherited scores this season (both on April 3rd) and hasn’t allowed any in August and has only allowed three inherited runners on base.  Barnes has also lowered his ERA from 3.60 to 3.24 in eight games.

Hopefully this resurgence continues all throughout August and into the Fall Classic.  With the heavy bats now in our lineup and the solidity of our starting pitchers and bullpen, I believe this team can go very far, if not all the way.

 

Rapping with Rapaport

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I had the pleasure of interviewing actor, author, activist, coffee spokesmodel, podcaster, fantasy football analyst and hard core New Yorker Michael Rapaport earlier this week. Michael has had a very versatile and interesting career in the past 20+ years. The fiery red head brings a ton of energy to everything he does. In addition to being in some cult classic movies like True Romance and Beautiful Girls, Rapaport has delved into the world of the sports and rap music throughout his career.

Nice work if you can get it.

And despite his deep and proud Big Apple swagger, Rapaport has recently become somewhat of an adopted son of Boston and New England at large. Recently he has teamed up with several local brands including…

Cumberland Farms: Rapaport serves at their ‘advertising barista’ touting their low-cost, high- quality coffee in their pursuit to steal some market share beans from other local java giants like Dunkin Donuts and Honeydew.

Barstool Sports: the lifestyle and sports enterprise that has taken the country by storm with the audacious content, no-holds-barred credo and up-to-the-minute-of-everything across social media.

DraftKings: The powerful on-line Fantasy Sports engine that is the latest and greatest thing to all happen to sports and gambling junkies.

Rapaport will host an event this Sunday, August 20th, at Gillette Stadium titled DraftKings Fantasy Sportsfest; the premier annual festival for football fans, offering pre-season insight from football insiders, behind-the-scenes access and a day of premium entertainment just weeks from the kickoff of the fantasy football season.

Rapaport discussed the event, his Boston-New York relationship, his upcoming book and even played a spirited game of ‘Speed Round’ where he displayed brutal honesty with Boston Sports Extra.

(Disclaimer: Michael is a world-class talker so I paraphrased his answers for words’ sake!  Guy is a hurricane of enthusiasm.)

@BosSportsExtra: You’re a hard core New Yorker. Your New York accent has a New York accent, yet you seemed to be drawn to the Boston scene given some of the brands and companies you have aligned with.  What’s the deal?

Rapaport: Look, Boston is an awesome city.  I love it.  I think New York and Boston will always have a love/hate relationship; but at the same time, we respect one another.  We both live and die by our sports teams.  We have broken each other’s hearts over the years, but there is just something special about the cities’ rivalry.  But I do love Boston and New England as a whole.

@BosSportsExtra: Talk to me a little about Barstool Sports?  Dave Portnoy and his company are deeply rooted in Boston but have obviously exploded to a national sensation.

Rapaport:  Barstool is absolutely amazing.  What they have done is nothing short of remarkable and a I am lucky to be a part of their team.  Dave is an awesome guy and we got to talking.  He offered me an opportunity and I jumped at it.  I cannot wait to see where this company goes.  They are unique.  They push the envelope.  It is incredible what they have done so far.  So much respect.

@BosSportsExtra: OK, so the big news of the week is this event happening at Gillette on Sunday, August 20th with DraftKings.  Tell us all about it.

Rapaport: Yeah, man.  Its gonna be awesome.  I’m teaming up with Gronkowski – who I have never met – Pat McAfee, Matthew Berry, Jim Breuer and we are just gonna have an great day with all the fans.  People will get an up close and personal feel for Gillette Stadium.  We are doing some on the field drills with Gronk and some other players.  Some folks will even get to host there fantasy draft right there.  Its gonna be incredible.  And I really cant wait to meet Gronk.  Tickets are still available.

@BosSportsExtra: You two seem like you might get along?

Rapaport:  I don’t know…but I love what he brings to the game and to the field.  Just seems like the ultimate team player and teammate.  Lot of enthusiasm and love of the game.  I am really pumped up to hang out.

@BosSportsExtra:  You have a new book coming out titled….This Book Has…?

Rapaport: Balls.  This Book Has Balls.  I put a lot sweat into writing this book.  I describe it as a Sh”t Talking Extravaganza”.  Ah, I shouldn’t say that…I’ll call it a “trash talking extravaganza”…keep it PG.  I pretty much cover everything in this thing.  Q & A with Bill Belichick, how Lebron will never be Mike, Tiger Woods needs to get back with the ladies to get his game back, why LT – Lawrence Taylor – is the greatest of all time and my love for Mary Lou Retton.

@BosSportsExtra: You are covering a lot of subjects there?

Rapaport: Yeah, it’s all over the place.  It’s a lot of fun.  You can get it on early release but it drops officially this fall.  October 31.

@BosSportsExtra: And that’s really you on the cover, dunking the ball?

Rapaport: Damn straight.  I threw that sh”t down for the picture.

@BosSportsExtra : OK, you seem like a straight shooter.  I prepared a little game of Speed Round.  Just answer the following 10 questions right off the top of your head.  You up for it?

Rapaport: Let’s do it!

@BosSportsExtra: Here we go…..

1. You had a recurring role on Friends as Phoebe’s boyfriend, what was it like kissing Lisa Kudrow?

Uh, refreshing.  Lot of gum.  Had to keep the breath fresh for those scenes.

2. You were brutally beaten to death by Nicolas Cage in Kiss of Death, on a scale of 1-10, how crazy is he in real life?

I wouldn’t say he is crazy.  He is very existential.  Very committed to his craft.

(@BosSportsExtra: Yeah sure, moving on. Number 3)

3. You had a starring role Massachusetts cult classic, Beautiful Girls, …who is better looking in person? Uma Thurman or Matt Dillon?

That’s a tough question.  Haha.  You know, at that time…Uma was right at her peak.  Her prime.  Absolutely gorgeous.  Matt’s not too bad either though.

4. If you could have the choice, would you be an actor, a rapper, or an NBA player?

NBA player, for sure.

5. In recent days you have shown your contempt for racists; what was it like playing budding Neo-Nazi, Remy, in Higher Learning?

That question keeps coming up in light of this week’s events.  Movie was a long time ago.  I have to say I enjoyed the challenge of the role.  It really was challenge and I liked that.  I thought we made a great movie and I was happy to be a part of it.

6. You worked alongside some Hollywood heavyweights in True Romance including, Dennis Hopper, Gary Oldman, Samuel L Jackson, Brad Pitt…list goes on and on…but in one word describe Christopher Walken?

Professional.  The guy really gets in to his characters.  But besides that, absolutely hilarious.  One of the best senses of humor I have ever been around.  We had so many laughs on that set.  Can’t even begin to tell you what a funny guy he is in person.

7. You played an FBI agent, Don Self, in the Fox Series, Prison Break. Have you ever served a night in prison? 

Oh boy.  Yes and no.  I spent about 12 hours in a jail cell one time.  Not a full night.

@BosSportsExtra: Can I assume no “white bread and olive oil” went down while you were in there?

Oh Jesus, no.

8. You are the Cumberland Farms coffee guy and a NY Knicks fan…Would you rather be caught on camera drinking a Dunkin Donuts coffee or wearing a Larry Bird jersey?

Very good question. But, I would proudly rock a Larry Bird jersey. Guy is one of the all-time greats and I have always appreciated that about him.  Just cause I am a Knicks fan, I can still appreaciate that greatness.  Not to mention I would look way more handsome that he did!

9. OK…gonna push the limit a bit here.  Understanding you are a staunch heterosexual, lets play the game of F, M, K – Brady, Gronkowski, Edelman? GO!

Hahaha.  Alright man. (pause)  I kill Brady.  Sorry, Tom.  Love ya, but.  I think I would “take Gronk for a few laps” and marry Edelman.  But let me say this, I am the husband.  He would be Mr. Julian Rapaport.  He would need to take my name.  Just for the record.

10. Last one, Patriots record on 2017?

14-2.  Don’t you even think I am predicting a 16-0 perfect season.  Ain’t happening.  14-2 and I believe they will return to the Superbowl.

Amen to that prediction, brother.

You can enjoy all of Mr. Rapaport’s musings on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

What did Tony C lose on August 18, 1967?

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Fifty years ago today, Tony Conigliaro’s life changed forever. A Jack Hamilton fastball clocked him right in the eye, causing permanent retina damage. On this fiftieth anniversary of the beaning I want to take a look at his career so abruptly and brutally ended.

A brilliant rookie year

(Photo By The Denver Post via Getty Images)

In Conigliaro’s 1964 rookie season, at the age of 19, he hit 24 home runs in just 404 at-bats, the most home runs ever hit by a teenager. The next season he led the league with 32 home runs, at just 20 years old. Conigliaro reached star status before he could legally have a beer. He was the youngest American Leaguer ever to reach 100 career home runs. At the time of the beaning in August, 1967 Conigliaro had 104 career home runs.

Just imagine if…

I have no problem projecting that Tony Conigliaro would have hit 500 career home runs and been a Hall of Famer had this savage injury never occurred. The question for me — how many more than 500 did he have in him? At 22, he had ample room for growth and improvement in his game. Tony proved this in his 1970 season when he hit a career-high 36 home runs. Unfortunately, his eyesight continued to deteriorate.   By the next season, his baseball career came to an end.

Year Age Tm G PA AB H HR RBI BA OBP SLG OPS
1964 19 BOS 111 444 404 117 24 52 .290 .354 .530 .883
1965 20 BOS 138 585 521 140 32 82 .269 .338 .512 .850
1966 21 BOS 150 628 558 148 28 93 .265 .330 .487 .817
1967 22 BOS 95 389 349 100 20 67 .287 .341 .519 .860
1968 Did Did Did Did Did Did Did Did Did Did Did
1969 24 BOS 141 566 506 129 20 82 .255 .321 .427 .748
1970 25 BOS 146 617 560 149 36 116 .266 .324 .498 .822
1971 26 CAL 74 292 266 59 4 15 .222 .285 .335 .620
1975 30 BOS 21 69 57 7 2 9 .123 .221 .246 .466
8 Yr 8 Yr 8 Yr 876 3590 3221 849 166 516 .264 .327 .476 .803
162 162 162 162 664 596 157 31 95 .264 .327 .476 .803

This is all creative conjecture, of course, but Conigliaro could have added roughly eight more home runs the rest of the 1967 season. By that point,  he averaged 35 home runs per 162 games played, per baseballreference.com. Take away some games played for injuries and rest days,  why couldn’t he hit 30 home runs a year? Adding in 30 home runs for his missed 1968 season, that bumps his career total to 142 at age 23.

I’m assuming his down 1969 season, when he hit .255 with 20 home runs, was caused by a combination of rust and poor eyesight. Take away these as if they never happened, and tack on 10 more home runs, he’d have 172 homers. I’ll leave his 1970 season of 36 alone since that was ultimately his career high. Through his age-25 season that would total 208 career home runs.

 

Compare with today’s lineup

By the way, Mookie Betts turns 25 this October.  He has 72 home runs. Jackie Bradley Jr. just broke out last year at age 27. At this same age, Tony Conigliaro had already hit 164 home runs, beaned, missed an entire season, made an amazing comeback and ultimately retired. Think about that for a second. Jackie Bradley is a young player just entering his prime.

Tony C’s career at the age of 25 was practically finished due to circumstances out of anyone’s control. There is no reason to think he couldn’t have continued as a perennial candidate to lead the league in home runs for the next eight to 10 years. His 162-game average at that stage of his career included 34 home runs, and he hadn’t necessarily hit his prime. A conservative estimate of 30 home runs per year for the next 8 seasons would give him 448 home runs. Factor in his young age and improving skills, I suspect he could have hit even more. He’d probably have some seasons in the upper 20’s, and he probably could have seasons where he reached and eclipsed 40 home runs. I’m slotting him at 35 home runs per year over the next eight seasons. That would give him a career total of 488 home runs through his age 33 season.

From there where do we go? It’s reasonable to expect a little decline maybe as he entered his mid-thirties. However, at 34 he would have some good baseball left.  The designated hitter came into effect in 1973. Conigliaro could have moved to DH somewhere along the line to keep him from getting injured in the field. I’m predicting that Tony C would have eclipsed the 500 home run mark in 1979 at the age of 34.

Sad end to a brilliant career cut short

Projecting for a little decline I estimate Tony at 30, 25 and 20 home runs in his age 34, 35 and 36 seasons. This would place him at 563 career home runs after 1981. At 36 years old he could still play and add to that total. By giving him just 30 home runs over the next two years he’d be at 593. If he was left just shy of 600 would he stick around another year to reach it? I’d say yes and ultimately project Tony C for just over 600 career home runs. At that time in history, the total would have placed him fourth on the all-time list.

Instead of chasing 600 home runs, Tony Conigliaro suffered a massive heart attack in 1982 at the age of 37. This heart attack was followed by a stroke that left him totally incapacitated until his death in 1990 at the age of 45. The story of Tony C is one of the most tragic stories that can be told. Hall of Fame career aside, a quality life for Tony all but evaporated by the age of 37. In all likelihood these health problems stemmed back to his being beaned by a baseball.

Why Celtics Nation Should Trade for Kyrie

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With reports running wild out of Cleveland about the possibility of a Kyrie trade,  Celtics fans need to ask themselves just one question. “Do we have a chance?”

Conflicting reports continue.  The C’s and Cavs have stayed in touch about the possibility of a deal between the two clubs involving Kyrie and multiple Celtics assets. If these reports pan out and a trade does happen, then this would be HUGE for the Celtics now, and going forward in the future. Consider some of the reasons why I feel like the trade would make the Celtics a better team in the long run, and my possible trade scenario:

-Via @AdamHimmelsbach / Celtics writer for the Boston Globe

– Via @ByJayKing / Boston Celtics reports for MassLive.com

 

The Age/Injury Factor:

Although IT4 is not an old man, he has three years on Kyrie who is currently only 25. There is also the lingering concern when it comes to injury, with IT4 who just avoided major hip surgery. Although he doesn’t need surgery (yet), a hip problem is a big red flag for me when it comes to a 5’9 point guard who likes the drive the lane and cause contact against bigger bodies in the paint.

When I hear hip injury for IT, I can only believe this has a high probability to shorten his career.  Kyrie has no major injury concerns, besides soreness in his knee this past year.   The risk of injury factor leans towards IT more than it does Kyrie.

Kyrie – 1

IT- 0

 

The Contract Situations

One thing to always consider when it comes to a trade, especially of this magnitude — the contracts involved and the value  for each team.

First we have Kyrie who signed a five-year, $94M deal.  In 2017-18, Irving will earn a base salary of $18,868,625. This may seem like a high dollar amount, but quite frankly he is UNDERPAID for how good he is and ranks 48th, YES 48TH among player salaries going into next season which is quite low for possibly the second best point guard in the NBA. Kyrie is under control for the next couple of seasons and has already said he would re-sign if traded to the Spurs.  Don’t count the C’s out just yet especially since reports broke that he wants to play for Brad Stevens.

Next we have IT who is currently ranked 168th next year in NBA salary rankings. IT4 will be making a little north of $6M next season, clearly low, and he deserves much, much more.  But I am not sold on a 5’9 PG with a new hip injury receiving a max contract….NOT FROM THE CELTICS ANYWAY! Contract wise, the favorable choice here for the Celtics would be to trade for Kyrie who you would control for another few years, as opposed to taking a risk and paying IT4 a max-dollar amount.

Kyrie- 2

It4- 0

Via Pro Basketball Reference

Via Pro Basketball Reference

 

Kyrie vs IT4

Now lets take a look at both players overall and determine who really ranks highest. As ALL of Celtic Nation knows by now, IT4 “Mr. 4th Quarter” has earned his nickname. Big shots late in games pointing to his wrist at an imaginary watch asking, “what time is it?” But we all knew it was HIS time. What Thomas did for this team last season in late games and in BIG games was nothing short of miraculous and heroic.  But in playoff games, we needed the same IT4 late in games but we did not get same outcome.

In his career,  Isaiah has averaged 19.1 ppg to go along with 5.2 apg , 2.6 trb , and one steal per game. Thomas saw a huge incline last season in ppg where he went from 22 to 28 ppg with NUMEROUS clutch shots to guide the Celtics team to victory. One huge fault of IT4 is his tendency to take some bad shots or too many shots, and he plays ZERO defense….Lets not forget before signing Gordon Hayward, IT4 was the primary scorer on this team.

Kyrie dhas average 21.6 ppg to go along with 5.5 apg , 3.4 trb , and 1.3 steals per game. Kyrie seems to only be getting better every year he plays and this guy is one of, if not the BEST ball handlers. He absolutely COOKS his defenders and makes them looks silly. Although Kyrie is not much of an upgrade over IT4 defensively, he is still the bigger guard and I would take him on defense over IT4 any day of the week.  I cannot stress enough to Celtics fans or any NBA fans that Kyrie is overshadowed on Cleveland’s roster by a guy named Lebron James who is a top-three player of ALL-TIME.

While we are discussing the two players and speaking about IT4 being Mr. 4th Quarter lets not forget that Lebron wouldn’t have two rings without two big shots late in Final’s games. One of those big shots came from Ray Allen in the corner when the Heat beat the Spurs.  The other shot  came from Kyrie himself in game seven vs Golden State to bring a long awaited title to “The Land.”  Kyrie seems to always make a HUGE shot when it matters most or takes the ball to the hole on bigger defenders in big games and finish at the rim effortlessly….. That is the kinda guy I want wearing green in big games. So who makes the team better in my opinion? KYRIE ALL DAY, NO QUESTIONS ASKED!

OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 19: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots a three-point basket late in the fourth quarter against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 19, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Kyrie – 3

IT4 -0

(CLEAN SWEEP)

 

THE TRADE PROPOSAL:

Boston Receives:

Kyrie Irving

 

Cleveland Recevies:

Jae Crowder

Isaiah Thomas

Terry Rozier

Lakers 2018 1st round draft pick

 

Why you make the trade

So this one is actually easy for me. If I am Danny Ainge, I pull the trigger on this deal for a few reasons. Take away IT for a second and look at what else you’re giving up. If the Celtics give up Crowder and somehow keep Tatum (who Cleveland is reportedly interested in) then you have depth at the forward position with Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Morris, Semi Ojeleye, and Gureschon Yabusele. Clearly, there is a log jam at the 3-4 position so losing Jae isn’t that big of a deal. Losing IT4 hurts, but you’re getting a younger and better guard in return.   Losing Rozier really doesn’t do much because of the emergence of Marcus Smart as an all around guard and a more than capable backup/6th man off the bench.

This is an easy one for me fellow Celtic fans.   If this deal materializes, you pull the trigger and you pull it ASAP! Sorry IT, I love ya bud,  but I’m just looking at the best option for the team now and in the future!

 

 

 

Five New England Patriots Games to Look Forward To

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The defending Super Bowl Champions New England Patriots start their quest to repeat in 20 days. Looking ahead at the schedule this year they face some tough competition along the way.

They play their AFC East members six times, and then face the NFC South this year as well. New England has a very tough schedule and it includes some of the better teams in the AFC. that Let’s look at  five New England Patriots games to anticipate in 2017.

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Where are the Red Sox Now?

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There are of course over 20 games to go in the regular season, the Red Sox lead the AL East by 4.5 games.

They have been inconsistent to say the least but are finally showing signs of stringing victories together. The current streak stands at  8-2 and with a lot of home games left for them to make the playoffs.

Offensively, the team’s performance lands them in the top 10 of most categories apart from power. They rank 5th best BA (.263), 10th in RBI (537), 8th in runs (573),  6th  in OPB (.334) and 9th in doubles (216). In these categories they compare favorably with all the pace setters such as the Nationals, the Dodgers and the Astros.

Some listless veteran bats

The Red Sox power rating has dropped horribly from last year. Currently they have just 124 HRs, SLG of .411 and just 13 triples. Mookie Betts and Hanley Ramirez lead the way with 18.

Xander Bogaerts’ production badly disappoints compared to last year. His current six home runs compare badly with the 21 he hit in 2016. Mookie Betts is not having the MVP-style-year he had last year, down across all batting stats. Jackie Bradley Jr. also lags in  performance at the plate, despite being the best center fielder around.

Big bats emerge

New recruit Mitch Moreland may have had a sticky patch but has earned the nickname Mitchy Two Bags for good reason with 26 doubles this year so far.

Eduardo Nunez and Rafael Devers have made the most significant impact on the offense. Both have nearly carried the Red Sox since they appeared.   Nunez is batting .384 and Devers is .348.

They have already contributed 10 HRs between them and injected a certain’ je ne sais quoi’ into the team. Something that was much needed.

Both catchers have been outstanding with Vazquez surprising many with his production at the plate.

Dustin Pedroia’s knee remains a considerable concern  The veteran is currently batting .303 and remains the leader in the clubhouse. With Holt healthy and the emergence of Nunez, the Red Sox have the flexibility to make up for Pedroia’s absence on the field.

The key question focuses on whether someone will fill the leadership gap.

Powerful pitching

In pitching, the team closes in on the top of the tree only behind the Dodgers, the Indians and the Diamondbacks in team ERA (3.65).

The star of the show has been Chris Sale, the leading candidate for the AL Cy Young Award. He leads the ways in strikeouts with 241. Max Scherzer is next with 220. That shows Sale’s dominance.

Although David Price divides opinion among the faithfull, he is an important cog in the rotation, performing as he did last year despite periods on the DL. He will be needed when and if the post season beckons.

Last year’s CY Young winner, Rick Porcello, has been a little disappointing but has suffered more than most from a lack of run support.

E-Rod remains an enigma but Drew Pomeranz has been outstanding. With a 12-4 record and a 3.39 ERA, he will need to keep that form together and stay healthy.

The fifth starter remains a problem for the Red Sox and Doug Fister is not the solution.

The bullpen is pretty solid and is having a good year with Kimbrel doing what it says on the tin with 28 saves, 94 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.41.

Although Joe Kelly has pitched well, there is a concern about the relievers as a group. All are prone to giving up crucial runs at the wrong time. The strategy also seems unclear about their use.

Are you ready for some playoffs?

Play off baseball is different and the pitching staff will need to be on their mettle. Terry Francona showed what could be done. Let’s hope Farrell has the same command of his pitchers.

If the Red Sox don’t make the playoff its will be a disaster. They have the talent and the resources.

Betts, Bogaerts and Ramirez need to get their bats going on a consistent basis and the bullpen needs to get some consistency. They cannot afford to waste the efforts of the starters and lose tight games.