The Brandin Cooks Effect in New England

Leave a reply

The Archer has found a new home in Foxborough

Back on March 11th, the Patriots agreed to trade their first and third (No. 32 and 103) picks in the 2017 Draft to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for their 23-year-old star wide receiver Brandin Cooks and their fourth round pick (No. 118). As a personal fan of Cooks since he entered the league in 2014 from Oregon State, coach Bill Belichick has since been ecstatic about adding him to the Patriots’ already talented receiving corps. Belichick commented on Cooks’s raw talent when the Patriots and Saints held joint practices and played each other in the preseasons of 2015 and 2016.  “I’m glad we don’t have to play him twice a year and he’s not in our division. He’s a really good player”.

Cooks made a splash in his three seasons in New Orleans, racking up 2,861 receiving yards from 215 receptions and catching 20 touchdown passes. Although the number-one wide receiver on the Saints early in his career, the team deemed him expendable after rookie receiver Michael Thomas had proved his worth. The Saints have not fallen under fourth place in total offense since 2010.   However, on the other side of the ball, their defense struggled, ranking thirty first in points allowed this season.  To improve their ailing defense, the Saints begrudgingly parted ways with their emerging receiver Cooks this off season.

Patriots 2017: all the more scarier on offense

Brandin Cooks’s incredible speed is his primary weapon to make some of the unbelievable catches that he has hauled in during his three-year tenure in the league.  This clearly aids him in evading the opposing cornerback and creating separation as he runs routes with ease.  Cooks possesses extraordinary awareness when running routes with his ability to place his hands in the perfect position to haul in any pass. Cooks has averaged a 69.5% catch percentage in the 315 times he has been targeted in the NFL, which illustrates his reliability as a receiver, even when he runs deep.

Image result for brandin cooks gif

Versatile Cooks Meets Indomitable Brady

Tom Brady finally has a new a new deep-threat star receiver.   One that already has been drawing comparisons reminiscent of Randy Moss’s  time with the Patriots.  No stranger to working alongside an elite quarterback, Cooks holds praise for Tom, saying, “To play with a guy like that is special. The way that he pays attention to the game, he makes you up your level a little more.” Cooks intends to do whatever he can to quickly become a valuable receiver for Brady, and has proven himself thus far on the practice field.

For the first time in his NFL career, Brandin Cooks will be part of a deeply talented and competitive group of wide receivers. He will likely not face the same workload that he did in New Orleans, with split reps, but he will enjoy being part of such a selfless group. Cooks will presumably assume the role of running go-routes and streaks down the sideline as a deep threat, a duty Chris Hogan possessed last season. Cooks will definitely run many diverse routes as well, but his speed makes him a front-runner to be the offense’s new vertical threat.

Brandin Cooks will show quickly that he will fit into the Patriot’s aggressive offensive scheme and has a chance this season to build off of having two consecutive years with 1100+ yards.

Image result for brandin cooks patriots practice

 

 

How Badly Do the Red Sox Want To Win the World Series ?

Leave a reply

Is this the year that the Red Sox win the World Series?  Is it all or nothing this season or are we satisfied with just making the playoffs and taking our chances?  The Red Sox have one move that could possibly make them a scary contender for the post-season (and maybe for years to come). Could possibly mortgaging the future for winning right now pay off?  Let’s explore and see what you think.

Giancarlo Stanton To The Red Sox

Do I have your attention?  This move is a real possibility right now.  The Miami Marlins have placed the South Beach Slammer on waivers, which he has cleared.  The Marlins will transition  to a new ownership group (good thing because Lauria is a clown) that includes Derek Jeter and Michael Jordan.  I guess the reason that Stanton was placed on waivers is to reduce payroll.  At $30M per season, losing that salary would lower anyone’s payroll.  Stanton contract extends for another ten years so no fear of not having him under control, contract wise.

Worth The Cost?

This question really needs an answer.  What do the Red Sox have to give up to get this behemoth in a Sox uniform for some time to come?  There are a couple of options that the Marlins might bite on to make this deal a reality.  The key to the deal?  Not too many teams can handle the salary that they would have to take on.  That limits the teams in the running, which works in the Red Sox favor.

One of the options gives the Marlins Jackie Bradley Jr., Joe Kelly, and Xander Bogaerts.  Before all of you folks throw me under the bus, I don’t want to lose any players.  You have to give up something to get something and this would work.  Yes, you lose a great defensive outfielder but you have Benintendi and Betts along with the acquired Stanton.

The team would suffer some defensively, but remain pretty damn good if you ask me.  This deal would likely require Betts moving to center and slotting Stanton in right.  Playing Fenway’s right field takes some work, so you pick where Stanton should go.  Nunez could replace Bogaerts.  This would allow Pedroia to stay at second and Devers playing third.  This plan doesn’t look so far fetched now, does it folks?

Another more radical theory on how the Red Sox could make this deal work gives the Marlins David Price in exchange for Stanton instead.  This does not shave a ton off of the Marlins payroll, so they may be the roadblock to this type of deal happening.  With all of the drama between Price and Eckersley, this may be a more popular move with Sox fans than you might think.  As Dr. Phil has said many times “save the drama for your Mama,” and I agree wholeheartedly.

What Does Stanton Bring To The Lineup?

Inserting Stanton into this lineup gives you an incredible power bat that the Red Sox have been missing since Papi retired.  Stanton is not your average power hitter, but a perennial bomber for years to come.  He has power to all fields and could possibly make the Green Monster seats look like the flight path at Logan.  A mere 27 years old, just reaching the prime of his career, his best is likely not behind him.  Stanton looks like a fairly solid outfielder but not as solid as the current occupant.  He’ll look like a like a drop off, but honestly he should be fine.  Stanton sports a respectable .268 career batting average, so he is not just an all-or-nothing homer run hitter (looking at you now Aaron Judge).

The Stanton Safety Net

Having made the player shifts to acquire Stanton, the Red Sox order would look a little different then it does now obviously.  With the continued bench presence of Chris Young and Brock Holt, there is always the possibility of giving players the needed days off if required.  You lead off with with Betts, Benintendi, Hanley, Pedroia, Stanton, Moreland, Nunez, and Devers in whatever order you want.  Good luck to the opposing pitchers and managers facing that type of offense.

In the second scenario, if we actually send David Price to the Marlins, the team faces more of a challenge.  This year might be tough to cover but hopefully with the return of Steven Wright, the return-to-form of Porcello, and the crazy condor-like Chris Sale, the future looks not bad on the mound.  All of this and no drama between Price and Eckersley unless it’s a road game isn’t so bad either.

Pay to play

In closing, I think that the Red Sox should shake things up a little bit and take the plunge to challenge for the World Series title.  I believe that this deal makes them a contender for the present and the future with either scenario.  The deal would require Stanton to approve it since he has a movement restrictive clause in his contract.  By the sound of everything we’ve heard, Stanton just wants to win and the Red Sox would certainly fit the requirements.

I would be interested to hear other people’s ideas on this concept.  As you can see, it is not as far fetched as you might think.  Let’s see how ambitious the Red Sox are in pursuit of the scariest hitter in MLB.  Let’s Go Red Sox

Can the Red Sox Make the World Series?

Leave a reply

Five things that need to happen for the Red Sox to win the World Series:

  1. David Price comes back healthy and finally wins a couple games in the postseason:

    Price has notoriously never won a playoff game.   If he could come back and pitch well that would be huge for the Sox. He needs to get the monkey off his back and win a playoff game, and in so doing he would go a long way towards shoring up the pitching staff. Drew Pomeranz has had a complete turnaround, but behind Chris Sale the Red Sox pitcher with ace capability is David Price. Having a healthy Price to follow Sale in rotation is ideally what the Red Sox need.

  2. Red Sox bats follow Rafael Devers’ and Eduardo Nunez’ example:

    Red Sox hitters were ineffective until the month of August. Struggling to find their way following David Ortiz’ retirement, the trade for Eduardo Nunez and the call up of Rafael Devers have helped spark their dormant bats. Halfway through the month of August the Red Sox have 19 home runs, only six less than they hit the entire month of July. They are on pace to hit more home runs this month than any month this season and their team OPS of .810 is the highest of any month. But through Monday night, Mookie Betts was hitting .220 in August, Hanley Ramirez .214, Xander Bogaerts .211 and Jackie Bradley .179. If the Red Sox can get everyone clicking they will be dangerous.

  3. Bullpen continues to perform:

    Despite all the talk of the Red Sox needing bullpen help, their relievers this year are 21-13 with a 3.03 ERA and better than a strike out per inning. But the Sox don’t have a shut-down reliever beyond Craig Kimbrel.  Dominant as ever this year, Kimbrel’s stats speak for themselves:  striking out an insane 16.56 batters per nine innings while allowing just eight earned runs in 50 innings. All other Red Sox relievers are having solid seasons, but just not comparable. Does anyone have faith come playoff time the other relievers can hold down the fort?  That might just be a key to them winning the World Series. The Red Sox need their middle relievers and setup men to continue pitching well.

  4. Catcher Defense:

    The Red Sox have two excellent catchers who can control the running game. Christian Vazquez and Sandy Leon have combined to throw out 29 would-be base stealers this season at a 35.8% rate. Vazquez stands fifth in the league in caught stealing percentage at 37.2%. Keeping opposing baserunners honest and not allowing them to take the extra bases has proved daunting for the Red Sox in recent seasons. In the playoffs, where every run seems to have amplified meaning, holding runners at first could be an underrated key.

  5. NO MORE PABLO SANDOVAL! :

    Does this one even need an explanation?

Year Age Tm Lg G PA WAR oWAR dWAR Salary
2015 28 BOS AL 126 505 -0.9 0.3 -0.9 $17,600,000
2016 29 BOS AL 3 7 -0.2 -0.1 -0.1 $17,600,000
2017 30 BOS AL 32 108 -1.1 -0.3 -0.8 $17,600,000
SFG SFG SFG 877 3562 20.7 20.6 0.8 $18,516,750
BOS BOS BOS 161 620 -2.2 -0.1 -1.7 $52,800,000

Five things that could go wrong

  1. Rotational depth isn’t strong enough in postseason:

    If David Price can’t get healthy the Red Sox rotation is solid, but not as strong as they would like for postseason play. What if David Price doesn’t pitch again this year? What if he comes back and can’t stand up, getting lit up a couple times? Without him, Drew Pomeranz and Rick Porcello have to be the numbers two and three for the playoffs, and I’m not sure they match up. Pomeranz has been great this year, but he doesn’t pitch deep into games. Pomeranz also had never thrown 100 innings before last year; will he wear down come playoff time? Rick Porcello just has not been very good this year with an ERA over 4.50. Those two would look a lot better behind Sale and a healthy Price.

  2. Dustin Pedroia doesn’t heal:

    Dustin Pedroia has been bothered by left knee inflammation for a couple weeks now. He came back from a disabled list stint to play in only one game before returning to the DL. By the sounds of things we won’t see him anytime too soon. Pedroia is the only season-long regular on the Red Sox with a batting average over .300 (.303). He also plays Gold Glove defense at second base, something his replacements most certainly do not. Hopefully Pedroia will heal up with a couple weeks off.  But if his knee gives him problems the rest of this season, the Sox will be without a team leader on the field.

  3. The bullpen implodes:

    This is something that seems to be the fear of all Red Sox fans. The bullpen has performed well this year, but without any lock-down guy beyond Craig Kimbrel can the bullpen hold up their end of the bargain down the stretch and come playoff time? I liked the Addison Reed trade, low-risk move for a setup man who has had a couple good years. However, he was another guy I do not trust added to the bullpen. I tweeted at the time of the trade I would not be surprised if he went full blown Eric Gagne circa 2007.

    The Red Sox traded for Gagne that year to solidify the bullpen.  He came over with a 2.16 ERA for Texas. Gagne posted a 6.75 ERA the rest of that season for the Sox. Unfortunately so far Reed hasn’t alleviated my concerns, allowing five runs in 4.1 innings pitched since the trade. Joe Kelly also hasn’t looked the same since coming back from the disabled list. The Red Sox could use him pitching like he did in May and June when he did not allow a single run.

  4. Rafael Devers and Eduardo Nunez slow down:

    Nunez and Devers have given the Red Sox offense a shot in the arm since they have arrived. Through Monday they had a combined 10 home runs between the two of them in just 130 at bats. Realistically though, Nunez isn’t going to bat near .400, and we can’t count on a 20 year old hitting with the best in all of baseball for the rest of the year. If and when they slow down, are other Red Sox stars going to step up their games and take the reins? Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts and Hanley Ramirez are all having down seasons. If they don’t make a move once others slow down the Red Sox might go back to hitting like they did in July.

  5. John Farrell:

    Many fans, myself included, are not the biggest John Farrell supporters. He routinely makes questionable decisions in games, leaving in certain pitchers too long, bringing in relievers in questionable situations, not pinch-hitting in obvious situations, etc. Will his game management help cost the Red Sox the World Series? He did his best in 2013, game three to be exact, but that’s another story.  Then again, maybe Farrell gets them to play better late in the year. Last year the Red Sox were one of the hottest teams down the stretch, and they seem to be trending that way again this year having won 11 of their last 12. Ninety percent of managing seems to be handling the personalities and keeping everyone in line and happy. You watch any manager enough and you will question plenty of moves they make.

Dombrowski Traded The Right Prospect

Leave a reply

Last year when Dave Dombrowski called up Andrew Benintendi and Yoan Moncada right before the trade deadline, it was pretty much a trial period for those two players. Benintendi came  up to the Majors and he shined, with a .295 batting average, 44 RBI, and eight home runs. He continues to produce this year:  .278 average, 17 home runs, and 67 RBI.

Moncada whiffs

Yoan Moncada, however, did not produce well last year when he got his chance. He produced a .211 average, zero home runs, and 1 RBI. So during the off-season President of Baseball Operations, Dave Dombrowski, traded Yoan Moncada to the Chicago White Sox for ace Chris Sale. Boy did that work out in the Red Sox favor.  This season, Moncada has a .205 average, with two home runs, and nine RBI. Compare this to Chris Sale, dominant this season for the Red Sox and proven to be the ace they needed. He has a 2.51 ERA, a 14-4 record, and 241 strikeouts.

Rookies with big bats

This season 20-year-old Rafael Devers was coming through the ranks in the majors and killing the ball. Dave Dombrowski called him up just before the deadline and he stepped up to the league like he owned it. He’s batting with a .339 average, 18 home runs, and 56 RBI.  It’s clear the young talent on this team arrives at big moments. Benintendi and Devers both turned in outstanding performances this past weekend at Yankee Stadium in a crucial series for the division.

Dave Dombrowski has been questioned in the past for trading prospects for mediocre talent. For example, trading Travis Shaw to the Brewers for Tyler Thornburg. Thornburg hasn’t thrown a pitch yet in a Red Sox uniform, While Travis Shaw is crushing the ball in Milwaukee. He’s batting a .292  average, with 25 home runs, and 78 RBI.  So Dombrowski was wrong on that one but made up for it with the Sale deal, not trading Devers, and adding Nunez at the deadline.

Comparing Devers to Moncada is like night and day. Devers was ready to come into the Majors like Benintendi. Yoan Moncada was not ready and still isn’t. Will Moncada ever work out on a Major League team? That answer still remains to be seen, but for Rafael Devers it’s clear that he’s the best shot for this team moving forward.

Dombrowski got it right trading the right prospect in Moncada, and keeping Rafael Devers, who even started a triple play for the first time since 2011 last night against the Saint Louis Cardinals.

OPEN LETTER TO THE G.O.A.T – TB12

Leave a reply

 

Dear Tommy (or should I call you GOAT),

In the year 2000 at the NFL Draft a certain name would be called out loud that would become embedded into the brains of Patriot fans and NFL fans around the world. “With the 199th pick in the NFL draft, the New England Patriots select, Tom Brady, Quarterback from the University of Michigan.”  No one knew that this announcement would change the NFL and is storied history forever.

Bledsoe down, Brady up

I will never forget the year 2001.   In the seventh grade, I watched the Patriots play the New York Jets with Drew Bledsoe at quarterback. A young unknown was sitting on the bench that day wearing #12,  just waiting for the opportunity to play and prove more doubters wrong. Little did #12 know that his time to shine would come sooner rather than later thanks to a late hit delivered to Drew Bledsoe from the Jets Mo’ Lewis.

Many Patriot fans watched the game that day and figured it was just going to be another bad season for this team since its starting quarterback had gone down with a serious injury.   Then trotting on to the field came a guy no one knew existed, number 12, Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr.  I remember watching this young guy head to the sidelines in his first ever NFL game and I thought to myself, “Who is this guy? He must be terrified.” Little did I know nor did anyone else know that he would evolve into our cold-blooded, fearless, GOAT.

Claiming the Throne

Tommy, once you hit the field in 2001 and led us to a Super Bowl run you knew you would never look back.  The starting quarterback job for our beloved Patriots now belonged to you and you ALONE. I have watched you lead us to five Super Bowl wins, countless AFC Title games, and a number of other historic personal and team moments.  I STILL get chills every time I have the opportunity to watch you play. You have been through the wringer at the hands of the NFL and its red-nosed Commissioner.   You’ve had haters from every fan base and media outlet in the world saying you aren’t the best.  You’re a system quarterback, you’re only good because of your coach, the list goes on and on.  But even as you continue to get older, you strive for greater heights and continue to prove them wrong.

40 is the new 20?

You’re now at the ripe age of 40 and doing things most quarterbacks and athletes wish they could do when they were younger — to compete at a high level and more importantly, WIN at a high level. You show no signs of slowing down and you continuously leave it all on the field every week.  You truly are an inspiration and a hero to every kid or adult who dreams to achieve greatness and live life with a purpose every day.

You are LITERALLY a god and a savior in every sense of the word in New England.  On behalf of a fan base and a nation, I want to be greedy when I tell you to never stop and to never leave us. But I know someday this eventuality will turn into reality. I know you’re not a kid anymore and the days of watching you play will begin to wind down.  I will appreciate watching every snap you have left to take, knowing I am witnessing greatness and watching the best signal caller to ever play the great game of football.

A once-in-a-lifetime player

I want to say thank you for the memories I have of you as a kid and now to a man.  It has been a pleasure watching you play and compete at such a high level for as long as you have.  For playing the game the right way and being a great role model on and off the field. I’ve watched you hoist the Lombardi Trophy vs the Rams, Panthers, Eagles, and Seahawks and watched your historic/monumental comeback against the Falcons.  One thing is certain.   You, sir, are the GOAT and there will NEVER be another Tom Brady.

In closing I would like to wish you the best of luck this season and however many more seasons you end up playing in the NFL. Winning five trophies is epic, since there are great players who never got a single one.   But I’m fully aware that your career does not stop at five.  You have more hunger and drive in you.  Winning number six is NEVER out of the question. On behalf of ALL #PatsNation, thank you for all you have done and all you will  continue to do.

OH AND TOM, ONE MORE THING…..

LETS GOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

 

SINCERELY,

ALL OF PATS NATION

#KissTheRings

Eck vs. Price: Feuding at 30,000 feet

Leave a reply
Cleveland Indians v Boston Red Sox

BOSTON, MA – AUGUST 1: David Price #24 of the Boston Red Sox looks on from the dugout during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians \at Fenway Park on August 1, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Just when Red Sox nation thought we could never have a clubhouse fiasco worse than chicken and beer, we now have Eck vs. Price. As silly as it sounds, this little feud between the beloved commentator and often irritated pitcher turned into a side show at the worst time of the season……  A PLAYOFF RACE!

For the fans around baseball not familiar with this ridiculous incident that could easily disrupted a club house during a playoff race and derail them from contention, here’s a little rundown of the circus that was Eck v. Price.

It all started when…

All of this stems from an incident where Price took issue with the fact that Eck criticized him for not hustling to cover the first base bag on a ground ball. According to multiple reports, the other incident that sent Price over the edge was hearing Eck say, “yuck” as Eduardo Rodriguez’ stats flashed across the screen during a game on the NESN broadcast. These incidents apparently rubbed Price the wrong way.  Price took it upon himself to call out Eck on a team flight with other members of the Sox cheering on the pitcher.

Here is a detailed look at the Price – Eckersley situation via The Boston Globe’s Dan Shaughnessy:

On the day of the episode, Price was standing near the middle of the team aircraft, surrounded by fellow players, waiting for Eckersley. When Eckersley approached, on his way to the back of the plane (Sox broadcasters traditionally sit in the rear of the aircraft), a grandstanding Price stood in front of Eckersley and shouted, “Here he is — the greatest pitcher who ever lived! This game is easy for him!”

When a stunned Eckersley tried to speak, Price shot back with, “Get the [expletive] out of here!”

Many players applauded.

Eckersley made his way to the back of the plane as players in the middle of the plane started their card games. In the middle of the short flight, Eckersley got up and walked toward the front where Sox boss Dave Dombrowski was seated. When Eckersley passed through the card-playing section in the middle, Price went at him again, shouting, “Get the [expletive] out of here!”

Now, if this entire story is true,  which I believe it is because Shaughnessy doesn’t have a reason to make this up, then I am not only embarrassed for Eck but I am also embarrassed for guys like David Price, Dustin Pedroia, and John Farrell as well.

Man up and stand up

First, let me start off with Pedroia.  He is one of my favorite Sox players of all time and has been here long enough to realize that what Price did was no joke. Price landed a verbal slap on the face to a HALL OF FAME player who is beloved in Boston. Pedroia needs to step up in this situation and just tell Price to sit his a** down on the flight and stop causing a distraction for a team fighting for a playoff berth again (same can be said for “manager” John Farrell).

Secondly, in my opinion that Price is 100% wrong in this situation and had no right to belittle and embarrass a HOF player just because he did his job by voicing his opinion.  Eck’s job as a commentator for this team is to watch and call the games.   Sometimes that means criticizing the team if something is done incorrectly or just plain poorly. Eck, as the professional that he is did exactly that, but it just so happens his criticism was directed towards one of the SOFTER players in baseball who doesn’t think a broadcaster matters even if he is in Cooperstown.

Farrell under fire

Finally, John Farrell deserves criticism.  As a sports writer who covers our home teams (teams I have loved since a kid) the lack of respect and maturity on Farrell’s end baffles me. This guy is suppose to be an adult, the manager of men.   But on the team plane he seems to tolerate one of his guys acting like a child who had an outburst because he didn’t get his way. Farrell should have demonstrated some leadership by telling Price to sit down and shut his mouth. Farrell seems to be completely lost. It feels like this team wins in spite of him from his terrible in-game management skills and his questionable decisions off the field as well.

Eck brings mad skills to the booth

In closing I just want to take the time to show my support for Eck, who always makes the games enjoyable to watch with his funny quotes and one liners about, “hair,” “lettuce,” and “cheese,” with the list going on and on. Not only does Eck bring much needed humor to the broadcast booth but he also brings knowledge having pitched in big games as a pitcher for the Red Sox in his storied HOF career. This man has more accomplishments on his resume right now than David Price could dream of.   So if a little criticism hurts this guys feelings rather than pushing him to be a better ball player then he can take his money, and his ball and go right on home….wherever that may be!

Is Isaiah Thomas Worth a Max Deal?

Leave a reply

Isaiah Thomas is a divisive figure among Celtics fans despite being such a productive player the last couple years. While many fans admire the Celtics’ star for his fourth-quarter heroics, many fans fear the idea of tying up a third max contract in a 5’9″ PG. Thomas doesn’t make this easier on fans with his “Brinks Trunk” comments or sandals.  But Isaiah Thomas is worth a max deal, regardless of what you might think. Despite his defense, his age, or his height, Thomas’ production is worth it.

Defense

Many critics of Thomas claim he is a one dimensional player. That he is just a scorer, or is too much of a black hole defensively to really become a superstar talent. This isn’t true for two-reasons:

  1. While defense is definitely not a strength of IT’s, he isn’t nearly as terrible as some would have you believe. More mediocre, or average.
  2. His overall impact is superstar level regardless.

 

Dashboard 1

The table (above) from NBAMath.com shows Thomas’ defensive “value added” compared to Kyrie Irving. As you can see, Thomas adds some value defensively on some play types, performs poorly defending other play types, really neither a plus or a minus on most play types. Defensively, he outplays fellow Eastern Conference Point Guard Kyrie Irving in value added.

Also, the season before last, the Celtics fielded a top-five defense despite playing Isaiah Thomas big minutes at the start and end of games. So what changed last year? It wasn’t that Isaiah was a serviceable defender two years ago, and a terrible defender last year. The Celtics simply played many more three-guard lineups last season. These small-ball lineups were awesome offensively, but terrible defensively. So many plus-minus related, or advanced stats, for any of the three guards BOS played in these lineups skew unfairly. Thomas was almost always one of the three guards on the floor with those groupings.

Age

Supposedly Thomas is too old to get a max deal. At 28 years of age, will he remain a max-level player for three to five years into the future?

Yes, he probably will.

Not many shorter players have made the NBA, never mind played at or near the level of Isaiah Thomas. Many of the few who have played well into their 30’s. Think of guys like Terrell Brandon, Calvin Murphy, and Avery Johnson. Calvin Murphy is a great example, as his lone all-star season was at age 30. His age 31-32 seasons were actually just as productive from an advanced stat, or per 100 possessions standpoint, however he saw a decline in minutes. Thus his counting stats declined.

Sure, you might be able to think of a few names of short guys who flamed out of the league before their 30’s. But was that due to age? Or the fact that they never really had the talent to stick in the league while overcoming their height in the first place?

Thomas has not only proven he has the talent to overcome his height and stick in the league, he might be the greatest “little guy” to grace NBA hardwood — ever. Thomas posted an advanced stat-line last season that had never been achieved, by a player big or little. Thomas achieved a >60.0% True Shooting Percentage, >30% Assist Percentage, >30% Usage Percentage, <11% Turnover Percentage season last year. Literally, that has never been done before. And he did so while producing more than 12 win shares, and while scoring 29 PPG as the only elite scoring threat on his team. (Thus attracting double-teams and extra defensive attention).

So we already know Thomas is great enough to overcome his height. The question shouldn’t be” how well will such a short guy age?” It should be “How well do star/superstar level guards typically age?”

Comparable Players On Max Deals

Isaiah Thomas was a very productive player for the Boston Celtics. Players who produce at similar levels get paid. The way most NBA contract negotiations work, this matters. Rarely does the NBA function like a true open-market economy, where the price is set by competition, or where supply and demand have true and definite impacts on cost. Especially with superstar level players.

Typically with star players agents will sit down with General Managers, and show them similar players and the contracts they received. The General Manager and the agent may go back on forth on how the player is or isn’t similar, or on specific aspects of the deal (number of years), but usually the negotiations are relatively straightforward.

When Ainge sits down with Thomas’ agent, he will see the maximum annual value contracts recently signed by players like Mike Conley and Kyle Lowry. Lowry in particular is a very revealing comp. Lowry, two years older than Thomas, wasn’t as productive offensively as Thomas, will be entering free agency, and still received the max annual value for three seasons. Thomas’ agent can tell Ainge, if Lowry was worth a three-year max at age 31, Thomas is worth a five-year max at age 29.

IT was not drafted by the Celtics, or acquired during his rookie deal.  Despite making the All-NBA team last season, Thomas is not eligible for one of the new “super-max” deals. His agent might try to show Ainge how Thomas’ numbers the last two years compare to players like James Harden, Steph Curry, and Russell Westbrook, and convince Ainge that they’re really getting Thomas for a bargain price.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – DECEMBER 03: Isaiah Thomas (L) of Boston Celtics struggles for the ball with Rudy Gay (R) of Sacramento Kings during the NBA Regular Season basketball game between Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics at the Mexico City Arena on December 03, 2015 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

 

Superstar Level Production

The King of the Fourth had himself a breakout season last year. Despite the fact that he scored at least 20 PPG in his third year in the league in SAC, and again the season before last in Boston, the league didn’t consider him a superstar level player.

To anyone paying attention last year, that should now have changed. IT4 scored 28.9 PPG, and produced 5.9 assists per game. He shot more than 46% from the floor and about 37% from three. He led the NBA in drives-to-the-rim per game and produced 12 win shares, good for 9th in the league in that category. His win shares/48 minutes jumped from .177 to .234, good for 6th in the league. He finished 9th in the league in true shooting percentage, and 2nd in the league in free-throw percentage. Thomas made his second consecutive All Star team and was selected to his first ever All-NBA 2nd Team.

Thomas was not only top five in many offensive categories, and top 10 in many others, he scored very well in some all-inclusive metrics. Like NBAMath’s TPA for example. Thomas was 15th in the NBA in Combined TPA. His Offensive TPA was top three in the league. And despite the negative circumstances skewing many of his defensive metrics, even when DTPA and OTPA are combined, Thomas was in the top 15.

Thomas is also elite in the pick and roll, a bread and butter offensive play type for the Boston Celtics. Per NBA.Com’s Synergy Stats, Thomas was in the 94th percentile for PnR efficiency. NBAMath’s Offensive Value Added Charts show Thomas’ tremendous offensive value.

The X Factor

The only X Factor when it comes to the issue of whether to max Isaiah is his hip. This really shouldn’t enter into the thought process of any arm-chair GM. Thomas is not up for free agency right now. So the uncertainty of the hip doesn’t matter. By the time Thomas IS up for free agency, we will have had a full season to witness how well Thomas was able to rebound.

Thomas has been remarkably durable throughout his career. He played in 65 games in the lockout-shortened 66 game season. And he’s played in at least 72 games in four out of the last five seasons. After rarely missing even more then a small handful of games throughout his career, one injury should be far from a concern. Especially an injury like a partially torn labrum. This isn’t a Bo Jackson style, your career is dead,  hip injury. This is one he should be able to come back from.

Thomas has been examined by many medical professionals and the conclusion has been that surgery is not needed. This should also be a relief.

Therefore the correct approach is simply “wait and see” when it comes to the hip. From a contract negotiation standpoint, you don’t have to put pen to paper until more knowledge is available anyway. So unless the hip becomes a reason not to max Thomas, why assume it will?

 

 

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS XANDER BOGAERTS ?!

Leave a reply
Kansas City Royals v Boston Red Sox

By: Bill Murphy

Twitter: @B_Murph1021

Where is the X-Man?

As our Red Sox start to gain momentum and head into the last leg of the season with a full head of steam we have one important thing missing.   And that thing isn’t A THING at all — our starting short stop, Xander Bogaerts.

To say that Xander is struggling recently would be a complete understatement, as one of our most talented players has COMPLETELY fallen off the face of the earth. Let’s take a look at what Xander hasn’t done recently and why he needs to take a turn for the better in these coming weeks.

Take a look at the photo above (which I took from my fantasy baseball site) and you will see Xander has not exactly had great success since the All-Star break. Not only has he gone missing but it’s almost as if he is going to the plate with an imaginary bat in his hands! We are not talking about just some guy plugging a hole in our lineup and in the field.  We are talking about an All-Star short stop projected to hit 20 to 30 HRs and about 80-90 RBI per season.

New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox

 

Why it matters

At this point in the season, ALL the games truly do matter for this Red Sox team.   Momentum can be key when it comes to heading into the post season and more importantly, making a run in the post season. As previously stated, this Red Sox lineup has had its struggles this year and currently ranks LAST in Home Runs out of ALL TEAMS in the Major Leagues.

Xander remains one of my favorite guys to watch on this ball club offensively and defensively.  The guy is a dirt-dog and leaves it on the field every night, no matter how poorly he may be playing.  With that said, this offense will need him to step it up in a BIG WAY. Xander is one of the most important players for this team.  So his continued struggles truly do hurt this lineup. If X-Man can figure it out and turn it around in these next few weeks, then this team could be deadly in the post season.

 

Inside the Numbers (or Lack Thereof)

To break down this past month for X, lets go a bit deeper inside the numbers and see what he has done (or hasn’t done) at the dish since around the break. In the last month X-MAN has hit .174 (which is below his weight).  He has two RBI, ZERO HOME RUNS, two stolen bases, eight runs scored and a putrid .240 on base percentage.

Want another example of how bad it’s been? In his first 60 at-bats of his career, Rafael Devers has six HRs, the same HR total that Xander currently has, but in 417 at-bats! That stat alone is staggering and should leave most of Red Sox Nation scratching their heads and asking themselves, “Whats wrong with X?”

 

Time for Everyone to Pick Up X

Whether Xander is nursing an injury, or his hand is still bothering him from the HPB he took earlier in the season, we need Xander back and we need him back now! Luckily for the Red Sox we have had some unexpected heroes as of late in the form of Benny Biceps, Devers, and Eduardo Nunez.   Nunez stands out as one of the best pickups made at the deadline due to his knack for making contact and his versatility in playing multiple positions in the field. Either way we look at it one thing is certain, the bigger names need to pick up X and get this offense rolling. Yes, I am calling out guys like Mookie, JBJ, Hanley, and Peddy to step it up and lead this offense into the post-season

Finally…

All I have left is one question and one question only and if anyone knows the answer please feel free to hit my twitter and let me know the answer…

WHERE HAS XANDER BOGAERTS GONE?

What a Difference a Year Makes – Drew Pomeranz

Leave a reply

The Trade

Last July, the Boston Red Sox acquired Drew Pomeranz from the San Diego Padres for prospect Anderson Espinoza. Some expressed concern about giving away a highly touted prospect in Espinoza, who compared to Pedro Martinez.   The Red Sox sorely wanted one last push to make the playoffs with their elder statesman David Ortiz in his final season.

 

At the time of the trade, he brought an 8-7 record, with a 2.47 ERA, a 1.06 Whip, an impressive .184 Opp BA and averaging 10 strikeouts per nine innings. Last year that made a lot of sense.   Trade a prospect who was only in Lower-A Greenville, for an All-Star southpaw (Pomeranz made his first All-Star game in 2016 as a member of the Padres) who could anchor the back end of our rotation.  And locked up through the following season to boot.

 

Photo courtesy of ESPN

A Rocky Beginning

However, the buzz died quickly.  In his first start against the San Francisco Giants, he gave up five runs over three innings and surrendered two home-runs. He got a shellacking from the visiting team as well as the Fenway faithful as he exited the ballpark.

Pomeranz would rebound as serviceable the month of August.   But then he experienced two dismal back-to-back outings in September, where he managed only two innings and three and two-thirds, respectively. To add salt to the wound, he was taxing the bullpen and struggling with the long ball, giving it up in every game except one since joining the team.

He made one more outing before he was held out for 10 days due to soreness in his left forearm, a nightmare scenario for almost any pitcher.

Medical Concerns

This prompted medical concerns from the Red Sox organization.  They believed that the Padres did not disclose all the necessary medical information during the trade talks. Major League Baseball eventually investigated the claim.  San Diego Padres General Manager A.J. Preller was suspended by MLB for not fully disclosing the medical records of Drew Pomeranz.

Red Sox and Pomeranz Move On

The Red Sox stood behind Pomeranz, and moved him to the bullpen where he pitched in two games in the ALDS versus the Cleveland Indians.   His inconsistency lingered, going two-plus innings without surrendering a run, followed by a second outing where he took the loss in the final game of the series.

It’s a New Year, A New Pomeranz

 

They say, “Hope Springs Eternal” or does it? In a May game in Oakland after throwing 98-pitches through four innings, on the heels of two sub-par appearances, John Farrell yanked him. The two exchanged words in the dugout.

Turning Point

While Drew Pomeranz showed frustration, it may have created a turning point.  He went on to win the next 9 of 11 decisions. He is currently 12-4 with a 3.39 ERA, tying him for 8th in wins in all of MLB.   Arguably in the best season of his career, Pomeranz stepped up in the absence of David Price as the number-two man in the rotation.

In fact, after his performance against the Yankees this past weekend, where he bested Luis Severino, pitching another quality start, it just shows a year can make all the difference for a player.

Just ask Drew Pomeranz.

Sox Rookies Lead the Way in New York

Leave a reply

The Red Sox bounced back after possibly the toughest loss of the year Friday night to take both games over the weekend. The Sox, now 5.5 games ahead of the Yankees in the East, were led by the play of rookies Andrew Benintendi and Rafael Devers.  Benintendi homered three times and drove in nine runners over the weekend series. His two three-run shots during Saturday’s win propelled the team to their 10-5 victory. Not only that, all of his home runs were rockets, making it out of the stadium in the blink of an eye. In Sunday’s game, Benintendi came up with the bases loaded in the 10th and delivered with the game winning hit to right field.

Devers, the 20-year-old- baby faced third baseman, collected the biggest hit of the weekend. With two strikes, facing a fellow lefty and the hardest thrower in the game, Aroldis Chapman, Devers connected for a home run to the opposite field. The pitch was clocked at 102.8 MPH, the fastest recorded pitch hit for a home run.

http://<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Rafael Devers home run was off a 102.8 MPH pitch…. Hardest pitch hit for a HR… Welp ever in the tracked velocity era. (2008)</p>&mdash; Daren Willman (@darenw) <a href=”https://twitter.com/darenw/status/896929237545832449″>August 14, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

Impressive only begins to describe the game-tying home run on the biggest stage. Up again in the 10th with the bases full, Devers hit a missile to left field that turned Brett Gardner around. Gardner was able to hang with it and make the catch, but it was another illustration of Devers’ ability to hit the ball hard to all fields. The day before, Devers connected on a lined shot that hit off the center field wall for a double. In New York, Devers picked up four hits and is now batting .328 after having spent only nine games in Pawtucket.

With these two rookies, at 23 and 20 years old, I am excited to see what the future holds for them in Boston. Benintendi has been getting Fred Lynn comparisons all year long. Lynn was on a Hall of Fame path before leaving the Red Sox in free agency.  If Benintendi can play like Freddy did in Boston, this should be fun. As for Devers, at 20 years old and having hit at every level of the minors despite being young at each stop, the Major Leagues has not slowed him down. I hope he doesn’t get too much pressure put on him at such a young age and can stay within himself. His future in the big leagues looks like a potential perennial all-star at third base.