Tag Archives: #BostonSports

It’s Opening Day and We Have Ourselves a Lineup

Opening Day Is Here

It’s been a long last few months. A lot has happened from losing to Houston in the ALDS last year to now. Alex Cora was hired to be the new manager, J.D. Martinez signed with Boston, and the Red Sox had the best record in all of Spring Training.

The day has finally come. Today is Christmas for baseball fans. Opening Day. A day that should be a national holiday. A day where baseball finally makes its return after a long winter and a long spring of exhibition games. Everybody is in it, no team is eliminated just yet. It’s definitely one of if not the most exciting days of the year.

Alex Cora, who will be in his first year of managing, made a decision right away after he was signed that Mookie and Benintendi were going to lead off the lineup. Mookie hitting first, and Benintendi in the two hole.

The day has finally come, it is Opening Day. We already have a lineup. It will look like this:

1. Betts
2. Benintendi
3. Ramirez
4. Martinez
5. Bogaerts
6. Nunez/Devers
7. Nunez/Devers
8. Bradley
9. Vazquez

Cora said Devers is good to go, but he’s just not definite where Nunez and Devers are hitting.

I love this lineup. Obviously I will miss Pedey, but he’ll be back soon. Will this be the best lineup in baseball? Probably not. But they will know how to get on base and have some extra pop with a guy like J.D. Martinez getting thrown into the middle of the order.

Let the games begin.

Cover image courtesy of Boston Sports Desk.

Can the Celtics Catch the Raptors for the One Seed?

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The Raptors seemed to have the one seed in the Eastern Conference locked up, but a recent run by the Celtics has cut the lead to three games. With eight games left in the season, the Celtics need to make a run to lock up the top seed. Here’s how they can do it and how it would benefit them:

How Can They Get It?

The Raptors have a challenging schedule for the remainder of the season. They play the Nuggets, Cavaliers, Pistons, Heat, and most importantly, the Celtics twice. Five of the seven teams the Raptors play are playoff teams, so they could go below .500 the rest of the season. The Celtics have an easier schedule, as they play the Jazz, Wizards, and Raptors twice. It would be very unlikely if the Celtics got the one seed without going 2-0 against Toronto due to the three-game deficit. The Celtics could go on a twelve game winning streak to end the season, as long as they don’t slip up against inferior opponents.

How Helpful Would It Be?

The Celtics are banged up and they need the worst possible team they can face to get by. As of now, the Heat are the eighth seed, which is actually a bad thing because the Heat give the Celtics trouble. The Bucks would be the better match-up for the Celtics, because Al Horford does a fairly good job guarding Giannis Antetokounmpo. Assuming they get there, the one seed in the second round would be the most beneficial for the Celtics. As of now, they would play LeBron James and the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers have struggled this season, but LeBron James is basically impossible to beat in the playoffs. The one seed would allow the Celtics to match up with the 76ers or Pacers, which is easier. The one seed would help in the Conference Finals because a potential match-up with the Raptors would be at home.

Cover image courtesy of USA Today.

David Pastrňák- Playing with Flash and Grit

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Young, talented, and fast, the 21-year-old right winger is making some important plays as the Bruins look to make a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The story has been writing itself for this year’s Boston Bruins. From a rocky start to becoming a dangerous team to play against, there’s no question that this team is special. From the explosion of youth to the “never give up” attitude this team has developed, there’s one particular line that’s leading the team. Prior to losing Patrice Bergeron, the first line consisted of Bergeron, Brad Marchand and a young Czech player named David Pastrňák. As Bergeron sits out while healing from a fractured foot, Marchand and Pastrňák have pushed more aggressively towards the net and are scoring goals. And even though he’s not new to the league, Pastrňák is right behind Marchand in goals, assists, and points. Did I mention he’s only 21 years old?

A QUICK CZECH

Credit: Adam Richins

From the 2014 draft class, David Pastrňák has proven to be one of the best NHL caliber players the Bruins have drafted. A quick look at his stats this season puts him at 70 points through 71 games, (42 in assists and 28 goals), making him almost a point-a-game player. The young winger also leads the 2014 draft with 87 goals ahead of the Oiler’s Leon Draisatl, who signed an expensive contract at eight years for $68 million. But just because you sign a hot rookie to an insane contract doesn’t guarantee a spot in the playoffs. The Oilers are struggling this season; the same can’t be said of the Boston Bruins.

PUTTING SOME SAUCE ON IT

Last year, fans got to see the young Czech enjoy his breakout career and under new coach Bruce Cassidy, things only started to flourish. As the Bruins were gearing up for the 2017-2018 season, Sweeney and Co. had yet to sign the young winger. Let’s just say, it was a bit tough to read reports that “Pasta” was still in Europe. And the rumors of playing in the KHL? Personally, that was a terrible threat with no credible backing. With training coming up, getting the news that Pastrňák was finally on his way to Boston made fans collectively breathe a sigh of relief.

Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

THE RIGHT CHANGE

By mid November, Cassidy had made a few changes and moved Pastrňák to play on the first line (a move that’s proving to be working for the Bruins). And while Pastrňák doesn’t score goals every night, (not many players can) he’s there assisting his linemates, Brad Marchand and Riley Nash. After a brief benching earlier this season, Pastrňák didn’t sulk; he came out ready to get back into the game. And with any young player, there’s always a period where you either get stuck in a sophomore slump or you take the advice from some tough love only to come out with a bang. The motivation hasn’t stopped there for Pastrňák.

A STAR THAT WON’T BURN OUT

As the Bruins continue to play with half their roster, it’s time for the entire roster to step up. And for Pastrňák, nothing could be sweeter than netting your first career hat trick. In a recent game against the Hurricanes, the Bruins were down a 4-1 deficit when the Black and Gold scored five unanswered goals in the 3rd. The young Czech player found the puck in the back of the net three times, lifting the B’s over Carolina for a stunning comeback win.

“We looked kind of tired and no energy, and then we get a couple of goals and all of a sudden everybody is flying. Everything clicks for us. I guess we all wished we knew how to turn it to click. I said I think a big part is we are a good team and we have a lot of good players.”

GROWING UP

At just 21 years old, Pastrňák now has the most game-winning goals in franchise history for a player prior to reaching their 22nd birthday. Not quite a veteran and no rookie by any means, Pastrňák has matured quickly and proven to be an incredibly valuable player for the Boston Bruins. And it shows he cares not only for the team but for the game. Earlier in the game against Carolina, a turn over by Pastrňák led to the ‘Canes to score their fourth goal. But as the story goes, you can’t count this team out and it was Pastrňák’s time for some late redemption. Cassidy had this to say:

“That’s a sign of maturity that he cares… He figures he let the team down. He has to go now do something to pick them up again and he certainly did that. Good for him. We need it. Let’s face it, your top guys have to be your top guys.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

Dynamic is one of many words used to describe one of the Bruins most likable player. With seven of the team’s top hitting players out with injuries, it’s players like David Pastrňák that you count on while playing clutch. With his skilled shot on net and speed, the young Czech will continue to grind out goals, set up important plays and most importantly, continue to smile. And for fans, it seems the right winger is right at home in Boston.

“…This is where I started playing my NHL hockey and I want to spend as much time here as I could. I wish for my whole NHL career.”

Keep smiling David, ’cause we are.

Follow Liz Rizzo on Twitter @pastagrll88

This 2018 Red Sox Bullpen Has Potential

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The Red Sox bullpen may not be as attractive as some of the others in baseball. However, it certainly can be a good one. As of right now the bullpen looks like Kimbrel, Thornburg, Smith, Kelly, Barnes, and maybe Maddox. The first four names on that list are definite. Everyone else is a question mark.

The Lefty Situation

Cora has already stated that if a lefty pitcher does not make the team out of spring training, then they won’t need one. At least for right now. Robby Scott was the favorite to make the team before Spring Training started, but he hasn’t shown he deserves a spot so far. Cora’s talked highly of Bobby Poyner, a lefty who has pretty good numbers so far this spring, but it isn’t the biggest sample size. So, if there is no lefty that Cora can trust in the pen to start the year, it wouldn’t be detrimental. I totally agree with Alex Cora. It doesn’t matter if you’re a righty pitcher. If you can get lefties out you deserve a spot over an undeserving lefty in the bullpen.

The Bullpen’s up and Coming

Besides Craig Kimbrel, the reliever I’m most excited to watch is Carson Smith. He showed us tidbits of what he can do last year for the abbreviated time he was available. However, we haven’t really seen much of Smith yet. He has a nasty slider along with a good sinker and a fastball that sits around 92-94. Smith is someone you bring in when you need a double play late in the game. He would be great at giving up soft contact on the ground, or just watching guys freeze on his nasty hook.

Tyler Thornburg, who had thoracic outlet surgery in the offseason, will have to start the year on the DL. The exact time that he will return is up in the air. But it shouldn’t be too long before he makes his long awaited return. He is certainly another key piece and a great weapon to have in this bullpen.

Joe Kelly, aka Jim Buchanan, is a great guy to have not only in this pen, but on this team. I’ve mentioned before his goofy personality is exactly what this team needs. Something a winning team will need. Joe and his personality, along with his 100 mph fastball, nasty slider, and curve will be a big part of this team in 2018.

Last and certainly not least, is Craig Kimbrel, who pitched to a 1.43 ERA, a 1.41 FIP, and struck out about half the hitters he faced last year. So yeah, this dude is not bad. And let me just mention someone else who is awesome. Kimbrel was out of Fort Myers for three weeks because his daughter Lydia, who was born with a heart defect and only a few months old, had to get her second heart procedure done in Boston. Kimbrel returned to Spring Training because his daughter had the surgery and is doing great.

So Kimbrel, who has been working out at Fenway for a while now is back with the team at camp and will be ready for Opening Day, which is great news. But more importantly, his daughter is alright. Let’s just say that’s one tough girl, and she definitely got part of that from Craig, no doubt. Lydia Strong.

All in all, this Red Sox bullpen may not necessarily jump out as the best. But it is certainly not a bullpen anyone should take lightly. With these scary arms to go along with Cora’s managing and the non-closer philosophy, this bullpen can definitely be a strength for this 2018 Red Sox team.

Cover image courtesy of USA Today.

David Price Is Ready for 2018

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David Price was scheduled to make his first start of the spring last Saturday, but got scratched due to the wet weather. He finally pitched his first Grapefruit League game on Thursday against the Blue Jays. The results? Let’s just say he did pretty well. He threw four shutout innings, he gave up one hit, one walk, and punched out five.

Now I know it is only Spring Training, but regardless of how Price did today, I as well as many Red Sox fans are excited. And for the ones that aren’t, you might want to jump off that train as soon as you can.

All Aboard the David Price Hype Train

Price has obviously not been what we paid for the last couple years, pitching to a 3.99 ERA in the first year of his contract in 2016, and only making 11 starts last year due to an elbow injury. What he did out of the bullpen in last year’s postseason was a glimpse of what’s to come. But this time he will be pitching from the start.

In 2016, Price’s ERA was a little higher than expected, and he got a lot of hate. But if you look back on that year, he only had one bad month, and that was April. He had an ERA over six. The rest of the season? He had an ERA around 3.30. You also can’t forget the fact that he threw 230 innings that year, which is huge. Also, over his last 263 and a third innings, Price has a 3.38 ERA. That’s right. And that’s through his struggles over the past couple years as well.

Price was so upset last year when he had that elbow injury. He wanted to prove himself and everyone else that he is worth that contract. Now he is all healthy and ready to show everyone why we signed him.

Will 2015 Price Make a Comeback?

Recently, I looked up Price’s 2015 highlights, the year he got traded from Detroit to Toronto. The whole video was him just mowing everyone down. As I watched that I couldn’t help but think that this man is on our team. Just because maybe the media and some of the fans might tell you otherwise, this dude is a stud. Someone who can be just as good as Chris Sale. David is motivated, and he’s ready to show the world that he’s one of the best pitchers in the game of baseball.

2018 is going to be a huge year for Price, and whether you like it or not. Whether you can admit it or not, your baseball team is better when he is on it.

Jake DeBrusk- Playing Where It Counts

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Bad timing always seems to befall teams, especially during the most important part of the season. For the Bruins, it’s something that they’ve become somewhat experts on. With their roster being filled with many first-year guys, you knew that this team would be going through some growing pains. As the team would experience one injury after another, it seemed Boston couldn’t catch a break.

ENTER DEBRUSK

The Bruins not only had those nagging injuries to deal with. On top of this, they were trying to find their style and voice on the ice. Early on there was a concern about whether or not this team would ever bounce back. But as they say, you gotta keep the faith, because things have a way of turning around. One trip out west would change the course for the Black and Gold. Something special was happening. The Bruins (now healthy) started to win, play gritty and are on pace to being in the playoffs. The biggest thing about this team that has been discussed so many times is the surge of the young players. One, in particular, is starting to make not only important plays but scoring the winning goals- Jake DeBrusk.

(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

A GOOD START

A second-generation NHL player, DeBrusk quickly made noise early on after he was signed to an entry-level contract back in 2015. He was assigned to Providence after two seasons in the WHL and posted 49 points with 19 goals and 30 assists. In the 2017 Calder Cup Playoffs, Debrusk scored six goals and finished with nine points. Some impressive numbers led to DeBrusk earning a spot in the Bruins training camp. As one of the young stars many were talking about prior to this season, DeBrusk would score his first NHL goal against the Nashville Predators. He would be one of many rookies that would score their first goals- a precursor of what was to come out of this Bruins team.

FINDING HIS PLACE

By mid-season, the Bruins have found themselves on an upswing and after a trip out west. Consequently, the team started to develop one of the most important things it needed: chemistry. After a few mediocre seasons that was still playing under an old Julien system of dump and chase, the youth movement was just beginning to bubble. A new coach in Bruce Cassidy, a bunch of young hot studs mixed in some wise veterans and you have the perfect concoction of what it takes to be competitive. Ever tweaking his lines, Cassidy placed DeBrusk alongside David Krejci and Ryan Spooner (prior to the trade). The young 19 year old found himself playing in the regular lineup averaging around 15 minutes on the ice every night.

BY THE NUMBERS

A quick look at Debrusk’s stats shows that the young winger isn’t afraid to get involved and help his teammates. There have been instances where DeBrusk had a tough game and was subsequently benched for a few shifts. Since his debut on October 5, 2017, DeBrusk has averaged seven or more assists each month. He currently ranks fifth behind Torey Krug with 39 points. And as the Krejci line is proving to be a powerhouse with the addition of forward Rick Nash, Jake DeBrusk is there, setting up some nifty plays.

TOUGH LOVE

It can be hard being a young player among the big boys in the league. Sometimes when you hit a rough patch, it’s time for a quick reset. For someone like Jake DeBrusk, he’s learning to take some needed criticism. Recently, Coach Bruce Cassidy wasn’t too happy with how his young winger was playing and sat him the next few shifts.

Some players don’t respond well to taking some time out. Others like DeBrusk take it and become better. And he did. DeBrusk came out off the bench to tie a recent game against Montreal. He also drove to the net and was there when Brad Marchand scored the OT winning goal. Five shots total that game, and the Bruins swept the Montreal Canadiens. As he put it:

“You don’t want to miss shifts with anyone… But at the same time, I understood why and I was eager to get back out there and try to help the team win.”

At the midseason mark where the Bruins started to turn things around, it was DeBrusk again that put some much-needed effort. After being a healthy scratch in a game against Toronto, (again some tough love from Cassidy) the winger would respond with two goals and four assists in his next five games. Sometimes all you need is a little reminding that you need to get the puck more.

MOVING FORWARD

In the NHL business, you got to play your best players and for someone young like Jake DeBrusk, you have to earn your stripes to be in the lineup. There’s no doubt that this kid can play, and it’s hard to remember that he’s only 19 years old. In a recent back to back game against the Chicago Blackhawks, DeBrusk connected with his linemates, David Krejci and Rick Nash. He certainly made his mark, being there when Krejci needed him. In a 7-4 win over Chicago, the Czech forward scored two goals, and forward Brian Gionta scored as well. DeBrusk got the assist on those power-play goals:

“…We’re just trying to read off each other and at the same time try to know where we’re going to go..obviously tonight it clicked and hopefully we can build on that.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

With fifteen games left in the regular season, every play, assist and point is crucial. The Bruins have come a long way, exceeding every expectation. With key players out on injury, Boston closed out a perfect home stand series posting a 6-0 record. When most teams start to fray at the seams, the Bruins continue to push through. Every line pulls their weight. For Jake DeBrusk, whose racking up points in his last eight games, he continues to be there for his linemates.

“The whole year I’ve been trying to build… so just trying to keep it going and understand how valuable it is to be out there and who I’m playing with”

Follow Liz Rizzo on Twitter @pastagrl88

Joe Kelly Is What the Red Sox Need

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I’d say Jim Buchanan is one of my favorite reporters out there! Joe Kelly has been doing a great job of trolling everybody at the Red Sox spring training camp. He recently started dressing up as some goofy reporter named Jim Buchanan. He’s been messing around with the media and security guards, which is awesome and hilarious.

https://youtu.be/lhKOPfz1e7A

Joe Kelly, who came over to Boston in the John Lackey trade back in 2014, has had a great past couple years as a reliever. He used to be a starter, but couldn’t usually pitch deep into games. He is just a better overall pitcher when used in the bullpen.

His velocity as a reliever is different too, as his fastball can top out at 101 mph. He also developed a very effective curveball and slider. He will be a huge part of this bullpen in 2018 and hopefully someone we can all rely on and feel comfortable with late in a game.

Joe Kelly in particular being good is a great thing for this Red Sox team. As you can see with the Joe Buchanan thing, he is a very goofy person. He’s a great clubhouse guy and someone who can keep the guys in a good mood and laughing at all times. You can never have enough of those guys on your team.

Joe Kelly has done some awesome things in his career, but nothing has topped his stand-off in the National Anthem against Scott Van Slyke of the Dodgers. It wasn’t before some spring training game. Not during a regular season game either. It was before Game 6 of the flipping NLCS. Joe Kelly forever.

Cover image courtesy of The Boston Herald.

Brad Marchand Is the Key to the Bruins’ Success

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When we talk about the Boston Bruins’ success, the names that usually come to mind are Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, Tuukka Rask. But the real key to this team is none other than Brad Marchand

Production

The NHL just named Brad Marchand the second star of the week, and for good reason. Since Patrice Bergeron went out with a fractured foot, Marchand has stepped up in a big way. In the 10 games Bergeron has been out, Marchand has eight goals, seven assists, and 15 points for a 1.30 point per game pace. Including three straight game winning goals to lead the Bruins to a historic 6-0-0 home stand. If you pace Marchand’s production over a 82 game pace he would finish with over 100 points. That has not been done by a Bruins player since Joe Thornton in 2002-2003. In the past three seasons, Marchand is in the top five in goals scored in the entire NHL. As we have seen lately it’s not because of Bergeron. On top of the fact that number 63 is a ridiculous +32 this season to go along with his 69 points. Marchand is showing why he is the most talented player on the Bruins.

Embed from Getty Images

Defensive Reliability

Not only is Marchand a heck of an offensive talent he is also one of the most dependable defensive players Bruce Cassidy has. Playing on a line with Bergeron most of his career certainly has helped Marchand with his defensive ability. But the hustle and relentless drive of the left winger is the reason he has become such a successful player. His offensive burst allows him to be an offensive factor on the penalty kill remaining responsible in his positioning. Most players that small in the NHL are usually a liability not a weapon in the defensive end. But just like everything else Marchand continues to defy logic and exceed expectations.

Although he has quite a past of misconduct in the NHL, Marchand is the most important player on the Bruins. Now he has to start acting like it because the Bruins need him come playoff time.

Patriots Acquire DT Danny Shelton from Browns

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Danny Shelton to the Pats

Cleveland’s fire sale shows no signs of ending. Earlier today John Dorsey and the Browns agreed to send defensive tackle Danny Shelton to the Patriots, per ESPN.

The Browns made headlines yesterday after their new GM Dorsey made three blockbuster trades. In the past 24 hours, Cleveland has jump-started their roster by bringing in Jarvis Landry, Tyrod Taylor, and Damarious Randall. The Browns’ front office is going all out to make moves in their pursuit to change their status in the NFL from chumps to champs.

Updated via @FieldYates and me: Browns trade Danny Shelton and a 5th round pick in '18 for the Patriots’ 3rd l-round pick in '19. And there it is, the fourth Browns’ trade in less than 24 hours. https://t.co/MQ6Qc8Dmha

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2018

The Patriots are bringing in Danny Shelton in pursuit to fix their pass rush woes. With Alan Branch out of the picture after the team denied his option, Shelton can carve his way into a starting role. In his three seasons in the NFL, Danny Shelton has 128 tackles (71 solo) and 1.5 sacks. He started for the Browns for 44 of the 46 games he was active. According to Pro Football Focus, Danny Shelton has a grade of 81.5, ranking in the upper percentile of defensive tackles. He is a huge value acquisition for the Patriots, considering that he only has a $3.7 million cap hit for the 2018 season. Shelton is the run-stuffing tackle that New England needs to correspond with their pass rush. He can be the support the defensive line needs to be able to get to opposing quarterbacks more often.

Courtesy of 247Sports

Cover image courtesy of waitingfornextyear.com.

The Evolution of the Leadoff Hitter

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Wave goodbye to the small ball stereotypical leadoff hitter you may be used to seeing

Rickey Henderson, Tim Raines, and Ichiro Suzuki represent some of the most iconic leadoff hitters of all time. They are known for mainly getting a hit in any way they can, and then relying on speed to score efficiently. However, that stereotype is evolving by cutting out the factor of speed and replacing it with power. The 2017 season saw a record amount of home runs (6105) hit in the MLB’s 149 years of existence. It seems to have made an impact on stolen base amounts.

Players are relying less on moving into scoring position themselves in order to score a run. Instead, they are banking more on a batter driving them in by way of a double or a home run. Just to use as a reference point, on base percentage has ranged from .324 to .349 since the year 2000. So the amount that leadoff hitters reach base safely hasn’t really fluctuated. More so, it has to do with how they reach base and that is by way of power.

The above graph shows stolen base amounts of leadoff hitters for every year since 2000.

The leadoff spot of the lineup is evolving into a power based slot

I came across an article talking about how Aaron Boone has thought about batting Aaron Judge at the leadoff spot and it makes a good amount of sense. He accumulates a high number of walks and a high number of home runs which helped him reach an OPS (On Base plus Slugging) of 1.049 in 2017, which was second in the majors behind Mike Trout. On the other side of the spectrum, he also struck out a major league leading 208 times. But all of these stats fall in line with our theoretical power based leadoff hitter.

This table shows the amount of strikeouts committed by a leadoff hitter for every year since 2000. As it shows, the number has steadily increased. However, on base percentage is not affected as much because the amount of strikeouts are outweighed by the amount of doubles, triples and home runs that are seen in today’s game. Players like George Springer, Kyle Schwarber, Charlie Blackmon and Mookie Betts have really thrived in the leadoff spot by way of maximizing their slugging percentages, rather than attempting to exclusively make contact for a single such as players like Dee Gordon or Trea Turner. The table below shows the amount of home runs that leadoff hitters had for every year since 2000. It falls right in line with the definition of today’s long ball style.

The last three years (2015, 2016 and 2017) are the years to really consider granted that the amount of home runs that leadoff hitters are obtaining is really sky rocketing at a great rate. But the writing on the wall tells us that this new stigma for leadoff hitters has more to do than just pure home run hitting abilities and factors in the ability to obtain doubles and triples as well.

The above graph shows the slugging percentages of leadoff hitters for every year since 2000.

Granted, slugging percentages dipped in the years 2010-2014. However, in the years following, that same metric rose to a pretty high level. This can be attributed to many things, but the belief is that the ideal MLB lineup that is front loaded with power is the next wave of success. Now am I saying that players like Giancarlo Stanton, Nolan Arenado, J.D. Martinez and Nelson Cruz should be leading off from here on out? Absolutely not. But if the lineup deems it appropriate, such as the surplus of power for the Yankees’, then teams can really thrive off the idea and it will become more mainstream with every passing season.

Featured photo credit: Getty images

Find me on Twitter: @ELJGON