Tag Archives: boston

Huskies and Terriers Set For A Dogfight

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How many dog puns can I make? With just three days removed from the Super bowl and Opening Day still 50 days away, we turn to college hockey and the Beanpot to help put us in a better mood. The Semi-finals fell on Monday, just as our Super Bowl hangovers were starting to go away. The Northeastern Huskies took on the Boston College Eagles, not Philadelphia. The Boston University Terriers battled the Harvard Crimson. Both were some of the best college hockey games put on television this season. Not to mention, cured some of our Super Bowl depression.

Grzelcyk

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Huskies vs. Eagles

For one of the first times in Beanpot history, Northeastern University came in as one of the favorites to win the whole thing. If they could do that, it would be their first Beanpot title since 1988, and just their fifth in history. Northeastern has not be able to fight off the other Boston-based teams. Boston University has been champions an astounding 30 times. Boston college is right behind them with 20 championships. Harvard scoots in with 11.

The past is in the past and Northeastern is in it for the long haul. They are currently ranked 15th, in the NCAA. The Huskies also play one of the best goalies in college hockey, Cayden Primeau.  In what was a thrilling game, Northeastern defeated the Eagles 3-0. Regardless of BC’s high powered offense, Primeau was able to stop all 37 shots. The big 3 kept doing what they have been doing all season for the Huskies: putting points on the board. Adam Gaudette, Dylan Sikura, and Nolan Stevens each scored.

Watch the highlights here.

 

Crimson vs. Terriers

It took two overtime periods, but Boston University was finally able to wash the Crimson away.Ty Amonte’s double-overtime goal ended the game 3-2. Terrier goalie Jake Oettinger kept Boston University in the entire game despite constant threats from Harvard. Harvard defenseman John Marino’s penalty allowed Logan Cockerill to get the points going putting BU ahead. At the end of the second period, Ty Pelton-Byce tied the game with a beautiful assist from Ryan Donato.

Thirty-two seconds into the third period, BU Captain Brandon Hickey put the Terriers ahead once again. Nonetheless, Harvard immediately answered back less than two minutes later. Jack Badini is a bad man and tied the game up. The rest of the game saw highlight saves from both Jake Oettinger, and Harvard net minder Merrick Madsen. Following a series of chance after the chance, the two teams found themselves with tired legs in the second overtime period. Three minutes in, Ty Amonte took the puck across the country and slammed the door closed for the Terrier victory.

Wednesday Night

Boston University will be looking to mimic 2015 magic when the Terriers barked down Harvard in the semifinals and chased Northeastern out of their yard to win the whole thing. The number 30 carries special meaning for both these teams. It has been 30 years since Northeaster’s last Beanpot championship in 1988. Could the Terriers add another to their already 30 Beanpot Championships? If this game were a history test, BU would pass with flying colors. In their last 20 Beanpot matchups, Boston University has taken a bite out of the Huskies 18 times. However, this is 2018, not 2015. This season Northeastern broke their leash and defeated the Huskies twice. Boston University will not have much time to recover and rest following the slobbering game versus Harvard. This will be a truly excellent game to watch.

 

Follow Matt McGurn on Twitter: @MickGurn  @TA_CawHawkey

Pawtucket Red Sox Relocation: Finances

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McCoy Stadium, current home of the Pawtucket Red Sox, has been home to baseball in Rhode Island for 75 years. Not to mention, it is home to countless memories, including the longest game in baseball history. The possible relocation of the long time Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox is burdening many fans and officials. The aging McCoy Stadium, which just celebrated its 75th season, is need of renovation. While many Rhode Islanders love the field, they believe it is time for a new one. It is important to realize this a widely contested debate and is continuing on for the foreseeable future. These articles will focus on an individual aspect of the relocation process.

Finance

A 2016, a study showed that $68 million is required to make necessary repairs to the structure. This would keep McCoy Stadium intact and on the same ground. Although that may be true, demolishing the storied ground and building a new field right on top would cost the pretty penny of $78 million. New parking lots and garages will add to the price.

The addition of a parking garage would be unnecessary and anger many because Pawtucket locals sell spaces on their lawn for the low price of $10. Likewise, if you drive down South Bend Street you will find people selling spots for only $5. Rhode Island taxpayers will be sent a large portion of the bill if either of these deals go through. While many do not want to pay a large amount, many have deep emotional roots tied with McCoy Stadium and Paw Sox baseball.

Pawtucket, R.I.-04/28/2017- Larry Lucchino is trying to find a new home for the Pawtucket Red Sox, as spending millions of dollars to improve the old McCoy Stadium where they currently play. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff (business)

#PawtucketIsHome

As can be seen, Rhode Islanders love for the Pawtucket Red Sox goes beyond the average fans who support the team. Pawtucket Mayor, Don Grebien (D), has repeatedly stated his desires to keep the team in McCoy Stadium. Mayor Grebien often frequents McCoy Stadium. At “Bingo in The Batting Cage”, a charitable event for the purpose of donating money to Pawtucket, where fans including myself had the chance to pay $20 to go play bingo in the Batting Cage and win some awesome prizes. I won a Mookie Betts bobblehead and a VIP tour during the season. Mayor Grebien was the caller. In an interview, he stated, “I am committed to maintaining the affordable family-friendly brand of Paw Sox baseball in Pawtucket”.

“Affordable family-friendly brand”, are the words that sum up baseball in Pawtucket better than anything else. Most tickets cost only $9. Every Friday night there is a firework show. Amazing promotions are an additional bonus. I found that many Rhode Islanders do not want to lose this. The 2016 study also shows that $35 million will keep McCoy Stadium in use for twenty more years. While this would also cost the tax payers and management team, Paw Sox baseball would remain where it belongs, in Pawtucket. McCoy Stadium just celebrated it’s 75th season. It is the oldest minor league baseball field in existence. This is not something to be ashamed of. Many Rhode Islanders are proud of that. And they should be.

 

Follow Matt McGurn on Twitter: @MickGurn

The Worst Red Sox Ever

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https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/12/worst-starting-pitchers-red-sox-history

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/12/worst-relief-pitchers-red-sox-history

 

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/12/worst-catchers-red-sox-history

 

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/12/worst-first-basemen-red-sox-history

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2018/01/worst-second-basemen-red-sox-history

 

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2018/01/worst-third-basemen-red-sox-history

 

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2018/01/worst-shortstops-red-sox-history

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2018/01/worst-left-fielders-red-sox-history

 

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2018/01/worst-center-fielders-red-sox-history

 

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2018/01/worst-right-fielders-red-sox-history

 

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2018/01/worst-designated-hitters-red-sox-history

 

 

The Greatest Red Sox

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https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/10/best-starting-pitchers-red-sox-history-right-handed

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/11/best-starting-pitchers-red-sox-history-left-handed

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/11/best-relief-pitchers-red-sox-history

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/11/best-catchers-red-sox-history

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/11/red-sox-greatest-first-basemen-ever

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/11/red-sox-greatest-second-basemen

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/11/red-sox-greatest-third-basemen-time

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/11/greatest-shortstops-red-sox-history

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/12/greatest-left-fielders-red-sox-history

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/12/greatest-center-fielders-red-sox-history

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/12/greatest-right-fielders-red-sox-history

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/12/greatest-designated-hitters-red-sox-history

Don Sweeney Defined by Moves He Never Made

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It’s hard to criticize a team with a 29-10-8 record, but Don Sweeney has left room for improvement. The Boston Bruins have been a winning machine as of late going 14-0-4 heading into Tuesday’s match-up against the Anaheim Ducks. That is the team’s longest point streak since 1968-1969. Yet even the recent run of success cannot hide what could potentially be an all time mistake by Bruins GM Don Sweeney.

2015 NHL Draft

Hours before the 2015 NHL Draft the Boston Bruins held the 13th, 14th, and 15th overall picks. These picks were acquired by trading away Milan Lucic and Martin Jones to the Kings and Sharks respectively. Everyone covering the team was adamant that Sweeney had plans to move multiple, if not all, of those picks. It turned out Sweeney planned to move up in the draft to take defenseman Noah Hannifin out of Boston College. However, due to lack of execution and a last-minute change of mind Sweeney’s plan fell through.

As a result Sweeney decided to use all three of those draft picks due to the dismay of Bruins fans. Don Sweeney selected defenseman Jacob Zboril, left wing Jake Debrusk, and right wing Zachary Senyshyn. Only Jake Debrusk has made an impact at the NHL level. In a solid rookie campaign so far he has posted 11 goals and 25 points. Meanwhile Zboril and Senyshyn have not been able to get a sniff at the NHL level. Senyshyn has had struggles even cracking the Providence lineup. The Bruins’ entire rebuild has and will continue to be centered around that draft. If only one of those picks turns into a real player then Sweeney is going to feel the heat for it.

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Matthew Barzal

The bigger story from that draft is what could have been. At 16th overall the New York Islanders selected center Matthew Barzal out of the WHL. If you do not know who that is, Barzal is currently leading all rookies in scoring and is in contention for the Calder Trophy. Barzal has been opening eyes around the league scoring 51 points in 52 games and is on pace to finish with 84 points. Barzal also currently has more points than anyone on the Bruins team to add some salt to an already sensitive wound. With Bergeon, and Krejci both on the wrong side of thirty it would have been nice to have an elite offensive center in the Bruins organization. Instead Sweeney decided to reach for Zboril and Senyshyn, who have provided nothing for the Bruins.

Brock Boeser

Another member of the 2015 Draft who is tearing up the league is Brock Boeser. He went 23rd overall to the Vancouver Canucks out of the USHL. Boeser just made a name for himself nationally at the NHL All Star game by winning the MVP over some of the league’s best players. True hockey fans have known who Boeser is for months. The rookie right wing has been lighting the lamp all over the ice with 28 goals and 48 points. The shot this kid has is absolutely insane. He can pick a corner from any spot on the ice. While the Bruins have some good offensive players none of them have the potential that Boeser has. He may have the highest offensive potential of any rookie in the NHL. The scary part is the rookie can only get better going forward which should have Bruins fans furious.

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What Could Have Been

Think about it like this: if Sweeney was a better evaluator the Bruins could have had a line of Debrusk/Barzal/Boeser. Anyone who would not want to see that is insane. Maybe Zboril and Senyshyn will turn into legit players, or maybe they will not. But Barzal and Boeser have already proven they are going to be superstars. While the Bruins are a good team they could have been a great team. The two picks that never happened could define Sweeney’s legacy when it’s all said and done.

 

Cover image courtesy of CBS Boston.

Despite Point Streak Bruins Still Have Plenty to Prove

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Yes the Boston Bruins have earned a point in eighteen straight games. But with thirty-five games left on the schedule the Bruins still chasing the Tampa Bay Lightning. There are still a quite few hurdles for the B’s to clear. Up to this point the B’s have proved that they need to be taken seriously. However, let’s look at some concerns the team has even with this point streak.

Composure

This may seem like nitpicking, and it probably is. But could cockiness become a problem for such a young Bruins team? Maybe, while the Bruins have plenty of proven veteran leadership up and down the roster there is a cocky feel around this team. That is what a huge streak can do to a team. While having some swagger on your team is a good thing it can become flat-out arrogance if you let it. Especially when the puck starts bouncing the wrong way for you and all of a sudden you have lost three out of four. That is where Bruce Cassidy, Patrice Bergeron, and Zdeno Chara are going to have to make their presence felt. It has not been a problem up to this point, but lets see what happens with the confidence of the young kids if the team starts to struggle, if that ever happens.

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Workload

This may be the biggest concern surrounding a complete team like the Bruins. Young and old players have different ways of handling a full 82 game schedule. The All-Star break is the last real lull for a hockey team during the grind that is the NHL regular season. With this being the first full season for players like Charlie McAvoy, Jake Debrusk, Anders Bjork, Matt Grezyleck, it will be interesting to see how their legs hold up down the stretch. Also the Bruins’ best defenseman from start to finish this year has been Zdeno Chara, who is forty years old. Chara is leading the Bruins in TOI with 23:26 minutes per game. That is a lot of pressure to keep on the veteran.

With the playoff run really starting to heat up teams are going to give their best every night. That means harder hitting, tougher puck battles, and more emphasis put on every single point. With the Bruins in a tight division race it will be interesting to see if the team can hold up under the pressure. Going on a point streak is one thing, but building off of it is something completely different.

Red Sox Best Free Agent Signings

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Free agency this winter has been colder than the temperatures outside. Those baseball fans among us are starving for action and something to talk about. Hopefully the team is drawing near, as Spring Training is just around the corner. But, with free agency currently lulling us all to sleep, I decided to take a look at some of the best free agent signings the Red Sox have ever made.

David Ortiz

Big Papi is in a class all by himself. The Red Sox picked up Ortiz cheap after the Twins mistakenly dumped him. I remember thinking it was odd the Twins let him go and was happy to see the Sox bring him aboard, but obviously no one knew what would come of it. Ortiz had homered twenty times the year before in a part-time role and eighteen times the year before that. The Red Sox signed Ortiz for just 1.25 million dollars. The rest, as they say, is history.

Ortiz blossomed in Fenway and turned into maybe the most popular and beloved Red Sox of all-time. There are too many instances to cite; all the game-winning hits, the postseason heroics, David Ortiz is a living legend. He hit 483 home runs with the Red Sox. In several decades, people will tell of his heroic feats and some will wonder if half of them really happened. All he did was that unbelievable, that legendary. In several years Cooperstown should be opening its doors to him. When they do, the entire city of Boston and a large portion of the states in New England will try to get tickets and descend upon the tiny town, trying to watch the lovable Papi become enshrined.

In 2013, Ortiz came to the forefront, not for his baseball heroics, but for a motivational speech he gave following the Boston Marathon bombing. This speech can still give chills nearly five years later. David Ortiz was, is, and will forever remain, a Boston hero.

Ortiz rallied the entire city behind him after the tragic marathon bombing in 2013.

The Big Money Signings

Manny Ramirez

Manny Ramirez could be a headache, and was put on the trade block multiple times, but all in all the signing paid off. He was given an eight year contract worth 160 million dollars by the Red Sox before the 2001 season. Despite the problems he could cause, and “Manny being Manny”, Ramirez helped the Red Sox win two World Series and was the MVP of the curse breaker in 2004. That series he batted .412 to win the award. In four postseasons with the Red Sox he batted .321 with eleven home runs. In regular season play, Manny hit .312 with 274 home runs and a .999 OPS.

Manny Ramirez of the Red Sox celebrates after connecting for a three-run home run to defeat the Angels, 6-3 in Game 2 of the ALDS. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Johnny Damon

The Red Sox signed Johnny Damon to a four year deal worth 31 million dollars before the 2002 season. Damon batted .295 in his four seasons with Boston, making two All-Star Games. He stole 30 bases in each of his first two seasons, then hit 20 homers in his third season. Damon helped the Red Sox break the curse in 2004, helping the band of “idiots” overcome the “evil empire.” Damon hit two huge home runs in game seven of the ALCS that season to defeat the Yankees en route to the World Series. He may have cut off all his hair and gone to the Yankees, transforming from Jesus into the Antichrist, but during his deal he was certainly worth the money.

Keith Foulke

After the bullpen struggled in 2003, the Red Sox went out and signed closer Keith Foulke to a three year deal worth 18.75 million. He earned every penny of the entire deal in 2004 and embedded himself into Red Sox lore. After pitching to a 2.17 ERA and saving 32 games that season, Foulke became a postseason hero. With the team down 0-3 to the Yankees in the ALCS, needing a win to avoid the sweep, Foulke pitched 2.2 shutout innings to keep the game alive. He then pitched each of the next two days to help the Red Sox force a game seven. After winning the series, Foulke pitched in all four World Series games and recorded the unforgettable final out.

Bargain Contracts

Bill Mueller

Bill Mueller was a cheap signing heading into the 2003 season to handle the hot corner. Signed to a three year deal worth only 6.7 million dollars in total, Mueller was worth more than that in just the first season. He led the American League in hitting that year, batting .326 with 19 home runs, 45 doubles and a .938 OPS. That was a career year for Mueller, but he still batted .290 over the next two seasons. Mueller of course also had the base hit to score Dave Roberts, sending game four of the ALCS in 2004 to extra innings. Mueller batted .321 that postseason as the Red Sox won their first World Series in 86 years.

Adrian Beltre

Beltre was a big name, but came to Boston on a relatively cheap deal. After a down season in 2009, Beltre bet on himself to rebound and cash in with a larger contract the following season. The Red Sox were able to procure his services for 9 million dollars in 2010. Beltre proceeded to have the second best season of his career; he hasn’t stopped hitting since. Beltre to that point had been a decent third baseman, but somewhat disappointing. His season with the Red Sox started him on an epic second half of his career journey which is leading him to the baseball Hall of Fame. In his one season in Boston, Beltre batted .321 with 28 homers and led the league with 49 doubles.

Koji Uehara

Koji had always put up good numbers prior to coming to Boston, but had troubles staying healthy. The Red Sox initially gave him a two year deal worth 9.25 million dollars. Uehara stayed healthy and had an insanely dominant first season in Boston. In 2013, Uehara was 4-1 with a microscopic 1.09 ERA, 0.56 WHIP and saved 21 games. He then allowed one run in 13.2 innings pitched during the postseason as the Red Sox won the World Series. Koji was the MVP of the ALCS that year. Uehara ended up spending four seasons in Boston, posting a 2.19 ERA and 79 saves.

Off the Scrap Heap

Tim Wakefield

Wakefield burst onto the scene in 1992 with the Pirates, going 8-1 with a 2.15 ERA. The fall was quick though and Wakefield was back in the minor leagues for part of the next season and the entire 1994 season. The Pirates released him before the 1995 season started. Just under a week later, the Red Sox decided to nab Wakefield off the scrap heap and give his knuckleball a try. One thing Dan Duquette was good at was picking up players no one else wanted and getting success out of them.

Wakefield stayed in Boston for 17 years, pitching in every role imaginable. He won 186 games, good for third on the franchise’s all-time list. He was a fan favorite and still works with the team today, showing up on NESN often throughout the year to do studio work. Not a bad pickup.

Tim Wakefield of the Boston Red Sox starts against the New York Yankees March 13, 2009 at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Luis Tiant

Tiant had been a successful pitcher in Cleveland in the sixties, even leading the league with a 1.60 ERA while winning 21 games in 1968. His career had fallen on hard times before coming to Boston however. Tiant missed half the season in 1970 and had yet to pitch when the Braves released him in May 1971. With Tiant a free agent, the Red Sox decided to take a chance on him and his injured arm. The move didn’t pay off immediately, as he was 1-7 the rest of that season. However, the dividends down the road were immense.

Tiant went on to have an excellent career with the Red Sox and become a borderline Hall of Fame candidate. I listed Tiant as one of the Red Sox five greatest right-handed pitchers ever a few months ago. By 1972, Tiant led the American League with a 1.91 ERA. He’d win 20 games as a member of the Red Sox three times, winning 122 total in parts of eight seasons. He also went 3-0 in the 1975 postseason with a 2.65 ERA.

Rich Garces

The lovable “El Guapo” is the third “scrap heap” free agent signing. Listed at a generous 250 pounds, (it was probably closer to 300), Garces looked like he belonged anywhere but playing professional sports. Garces pitched seven seasons for the Red Sox and developed into one of their more reliable relief pitchers. Between 1990 and 1995, Garces had only appeared in 26 Major League outings, a number he eclipsed in 1996 alone with the Sox. Garces’ best season came in 1999 when he put up a 1.55 ERA. Starting with that season, Garces won 19 games against just 3 losses over a three year stretch.

Rich Garces of the Red Sox pitches during a Spring Training game against the Rangers in Fort Myers, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport

Brad Marchand Needs to Stop Making Illegal Hits

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I loved every minute of watching Brad Marchand wreak havoc in the 2011 Stanley Cup final, but there’s a difference between now and then. In 2011 Marchand was a twenty-two year old rookie still trying to prove his worth in the NHL. But now, he’s a superstar that the Bruins need on the ice. As the team’s leader he can’t keep making dumb decisions like this.

Marchand shattered his career high in points during the 2016-17 season and is on pace to do just the same this year. Even with his missed time earlier in the season factored in with the recent suspension, he is still on pace to finish with ninety points. The 1.32 points per game that he’s produced this year leads the league and emphasizes his value in each and every game. He’s on the best line in the NHL. Their production is something that Bruins fans haven’t seen since the days of Marc Savard. The trio of Marchand, Bergeron, and Pastrnak have been white-hot since early December and have led the way during the B’s current eighteen game point streak. But thanks to his own stupidity, Marchand may have just tampered with the momentum of the entire team.

The Suspension

What it comes down to is that the hit was both stupid and selfish. I know it’s a split-second decision, but the well-being of the team should instinctively come first. Even in just that half-second he should’ve known what he was about to do would only hurt the team. Marchand was lucky enough to avoid a penalty on the ice, but the suspension is well deserved. He needs to realize that his style of play has put a target on his back. Because of his track record he is rarely going to be given the benefit of the doubt. He’s now been suspended six times for a total of seventeen in his career. Every offense that he makes from here on out will consequently be magnified.

Ryan Whitney said it perfectly on Friday’s episode of Spittin’ Chiclets. He explained that he doesn’t “think this will ever stop because he can’t just not play with this anger”, and that it’s “in his DNA”. Everybody in the hockey world would love to see Marchand smarten up. His antics benefit absolutely nobody. There’s no benefit for himself, the guy he’s hurting, the team, or the other guy’s team. But Ryan Whitney is spot on. It’s just part of the package with Brad Marchand and the Bruins are lucky to have him in the end.

 

Cover image courtesy of www.masslive.com.

Red Sox Who Could Crack Baseball America’s Top 100 in 2019

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When Baseball America released its top 100 list on Monday, the Red Sox only had two farmhands make the list. In recent years, the farm system has produced more than just two players on the list, and usually several much higher on the list. Jason Groome was the highest ranked Red Sox prospect at number 83. This was the lowest a Red Sox top prospect has shown up on this list since Dernell Stenson in 2001. This isn’t to say all hope is lost down on the farm. The other day I wrote about the two players who made the list, and the Red Sox have plenty of other intriguing names for the future. They may not be Yoan Moncada or Michael Kopech, but they have a few guys who could threaten to crack the top 100 list in 2019.

The Most Likely

Bryan Mata

Mata is an 18 year old who was signed out of Venezuela in 2016. He is very refined for such a young kid, being rated as having the best control in the Red Sox farm system by Baseball America. Oftentimes control is something that gets better with age, so for someone so young to be graded so highly is rare.

Mata is more than just a control pitcher, throwing in the low to mid-90’s as a teenager. One would assume he will add some velocity as he reaches his 20’s and fills out more. Currently he is very skinny and will need to bulk up to withstand a full season, but there is plenty of time to do that. Once he does fill out more it would not be surprising to see him sit in the mid-90’s with his fastball. Mata also throws a curveball and a changeup. These offerings show potential but both have some work to do. He more than held his own last year at Greenville, a level not usually reached by someone his age. At just 18, Mata is far advanced for his age and could make the top 100 next year with continued improvement.

Tanner Houck

Houck was the Red Sox 1st round pick this past season, so it would be nice to see a strong year from him to elevate him into Baseball America’s top 100. Coming out of Missouri, Houck has a great pitcher’s frame, standing at 6’5″ 220. His fastball velocity has a wide range, but can reach as high as 98 MPH. The pitch has good sink to it and no doubt can play at the Major League level. How far he gets will rely on his secondary pitches and his refinement. He has the body to be a workhorse, but if he fizzles out as a starter he has the stuff to be a late innings reliever.

Houck has the best slider in the Red Sox system according to Baseball America; a third pitch will be key in his development. Throwing from a 3/4 arm slot, Houck reminds me some of Justin Masterson. Masterson was a high pick by the Red Sox who had a heavy sink on his pitches and a good slider. It was up in the air whether he would be a starter or a reliever in the majors; he ultimately did some of both. Masterson never really developed another reliable pitch to maintain his successes, so hopefully Houck can add a reliable third pitch.

Right-handed pitcher Tanner Houck pitches against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Taylor Stadium (Tim Nwachukwu)

Josh Ockimey

Ockimey is a big first baseman with excellent raw power. Ockimey can put on displays of power in batting practice, but the home runs haven’t come in abundance yet in games. Often, that comes later with development. A lot of guys hit for more power once they reach the majors than they ever did in the minors. Take a look at Aaron Judge, who never hit more than 20 home runs in any season despite having a huge projection of power. At present, it’s more important that Ockimey keeps his batting eye and shows the ability to hit well enough to keep advancing.

Ockimey hit 18 home runs two years ago, but after a fast start his bat went ice cold and he finished the season with a .226 batting average. Despite such a low average, he got on base at a very respectable .364 clip thanks to his 88 walks. This is what I believe can help him become a regular at the big league level if he shows he can hit enough. With power and a great batting eye he could be a valuable player even if he batted .240. Last season he was able to bat .274 with a .385 on base percentage between two levels. Starting in AA Portland this year, if Ockimey can keep his average and walks in line with that he could crack the top 100 next season. There is still a wide range of possible scenarios for him, but he seems to have a good head on his shoulders.

Photo credit: Kelly O’Connor

If Things Fall Right

Mike Shawaryn

Shawaryn was a potential first round pick after his sophomore season at Maryland. That season he went 13-2 with a 1.71 ERA. After battling some injuries his junior season, Shawaryn fell to the 5th round. He had still performed well though, posting a 3.18 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. Shawaryn has continued to produce in the Minor Leagues, posting an ERA below 4.00 at all three levels. Last year was his first full season and he struck out 169 batters over 135 innings between two levels. If he can show similar results this year he should have a chance to make the list in 2019.

Bobby Dalbec

Dalbec took a step back this year after looking like one of the Red Sox top hitting prospects the year before. Dalbec both pitched and hit well in college, and could always give pitching a shot if hitting fails him. Before that though, he will see if he can rebound. Dalbec has big power, so if he can hit the ball more consistently he could develop into a Major Leaguer down the road. He batted .386 with 7 home runs in Lowell two years ago after being drafted in the 4th round. Last year he fell off to .246, although he did post a .345 on base percentage.

Right now, there is too much swing and miss to his game, if he can cut back on the strike outs his power might be able to play up more. If that happens, maybe Dalbec has a Michael Chavis type breakout this season. If that happened, along with his strong arm from third base Dalbec would certainly join the top 100 next year. The range of outcomes on him is large.

Photo by Peter Aiken

Dark Horse Candidates

Cole Brannen

Brannen was the Red Sox second round draft pick last season out of high school. He would likely need to have a strong showing this season to gain consideration from Baseball America since he is so young and not yet in full season ball. Brannen doesn’t have much power but projects to hit for good averages and is a speedy outfielder.

Alex Scherff

Another draft pick of the Red Sox last season, Scherff was a 5th round pick out of high school. He could have been a higher pick, but fell due to concerns over whether he would sign or go to college. Scherff already throws in the mid-90’s, occasionally reaching the upper 90’s. He will have to dominate low-A hitters this season to have a shot at the Baseball America top 100 next year.

Darwinzon Hernandez

Hernandez’ fastball was rated as the best in the system by Baseball America. Hernandez was 20 years old last season pitching in full season Greenville. He struck out over a batter per inning while showing off good stuff. If he can gain more consistency with his secondary offerings he could make a huge leap this coming season.

Roldani Baldwin

Baldwin is a lesser known Red Sox prospect who comes in all the way down at number 32 on sox prospects. Signed out of the Dominican back in 2014, Baldwin is still only 21 years old. Last season at Greenville he batted .274 with an impressive .489 slugging percentage. He shows good pop, hitting 14 home runs and 35 doubles in 368 at-bats last year. Oh, did I mention he was a catcher? Converted back to the position for last year, Baldwin threw out one-third of potential base stealers while showing the ability to play backstop. He might be a longshot to make the top 100 next year, but he is an intriguing dark horse to watch behind the plate moving forward.

Roldani Baldwin swinging (Bryan Green)

Featured picture from Over the Monster.

What Does McAvoy’s SVT Diagnosis Mean to the Bruins?

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Well life has a funny way of putting things into perspective for us sometimes. Imagine being Charlie McAvoy of the Bruins and recently being diagnosed with a heart condition called SVT. McAvoy is young, in great shape, and playing defense for one of the storied franchises in the NHL. Then pow.

In this article, I will tell fans of Bruin Nation what exactly is SVT. Also, I will tell you all about how it is treated and what is the prognosis for McAvoy and his hockey career.

(Via www.thehockeynews.com)

What Exactly is SVT?

The heart condition SVT, or supraventricular tachycardia, is where a person’s normal heart rate is accelerated and maintained at this level. An average person has a resting heart rate of about eighty beats per minute, whereas a person with SVT would have a resting rate of over one hundred. In many cases this is not a condition that can be easily detected. The signs and symptoms for it are pretty average for just not feeling well. Typically, a person suffering from SVT would experience: light-headedness, dizziness, fatigue, and general malaise. I believe in the case of the Bruins’ McAvoy, he was just a really lucky soul to find this when he did.

In more severe cases, it is possible for a person’s heart to stop beating temporarily and cause something called syncope. With the case of syncope a person would basically pass out and when they awake they would be quite disoriented. This would be a little bit like the case of the Stars’ Rich Peverley years ago, which turned out to be a little more serious.

SVT can be caused by a number of issues that are both in and out of the person’s control. Things such as heart disease, thyroid disorders, blood clots, and hardening of the arteries are some of the more serious causes of SVT. There are other causes such as drug abuse, caffeine intake, and smoking that can be controlled by the person.

How is it Detected?

As with most heart conditions, the person is usually given an ECG (electrocardiogram) to detect what the issue may be. In the case of SVT, the heart rate would be generally normal heart rhythm.  For short periods of time during the testing, the person’s heart rate would spike to the SVT level even without any change in activity. The amount of times that the SVT is detected and the severity of the spike can figure in the treatment.

Other methods of detection of SVT can include: an ultrasound, a stress test, and dye tests as well. It just depends on the doctors and there is no test that is superior but the ECG is definitely the most commonly used.

Treatment of SVT

Once the SVT is actually detected in a person like McAvoy, it is key to figure out if there has been damage suffered. Fortunately in the case of the Bruins’ D man, he has many factors working in his favour. McAvoy is young, in great shape, and had no previous history of any heart related issues. All of these things are nothing but bonuses for the young Bruins’ D man and his long-term future.

The main treatment after verifying the diagnosis of SVT is to make sure that the condition does not flare up. As serious as this condition can be in some people, I expect McAvoy to live a long healthy life. Detection in the early stages and not requiring any cardiac operative procedures will mean that McAvoy will be just fine.

The Bruins’ young defenseman will likely just have to take a couple of medications to control this condition. Most patients would take a medication called a beta-blocker to control heart rate and another to manage heart rhythm. All things considered, things will be just fine for the Bruins’ (and possibly the NHL’s) rookie of the year. Let’s bring that Cup home to where it belongs.

 

Cover image courtesy of ESPN.