Tag Archives: #BostonSports

Running Backs Will Be a Major Factor For This Offense

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Patriots Running Backs Need to Be More Consistent

Michel is important for NEs SB chances

Sony Michel has had great games when healthy this year.  The rookie has been a stud, making opponent’s respect the run game.  Last week in Miami wasn’t the same ground game as we saw against the Vikings. Sony Michel has the talent and football IQ to have great games.  The rookie just needs to be more consistent, weeks 4-6 he was running like a veteran.

New England lost him for a few  weeks after a scary looking injury.  Michel returned in week 10, although limited as the team wanted to be cautious.  He had 11 attempts for 31 yards, and the Pats lost to Tennessee.

New England came out of the bye with Sony looking great, as he rushed for 133 yards on 21 touches and a touchdown.  The last two weeks the Pats featured running back hasn’t eclipsed 65 yards on the ground or a touchdown.

The Running Game With The Return Of Rex

Sony’s Numbers were expected to go down slightly with Burkhead coming back from IR.  The Patriots brought Rex back in week 12, and Michel had his second best game of the year.  Since then, the numbers show that Michel is still getting the same amount of touches as he did weeks 4-6.  The yards and touchdowns haven’t followed.  Sony should get back on track against the Steelers, in a huge game for both teams.

Is Rex resting or still injured?

Rex Burkhead could be a huge playoff addition

Rex Burkhead came back from a long stint on the IR, looking to help the offense.  The hope was to take some pressure off of Michel and James White, since they’ve been overworked most of the season. Rex didn’t play in week 12, while Sony and White ran all over the Jets.  Burkhead’s return hasn’t been what I expected it to be.  Rex has only 11 rushing attempts for 22 yards in two games, with 3 receptions for 24 yards.  The Patriots could be bringing him back slowly, as they know what they’ve got in him from last year.

James White has been the glue, doing his job catching passes out of the backfield, also as the early down back on occasion.

White did have a good day running the ball alongside Michel in week 12, adding 73 yards on just 9 attempts.  This was his highest total of rushing yards of the season.  The following week, White had a great game against the Vikings.  But last week against Miami he had his lowest output of the year rushing and catching the ball.  New England’s on to Pittsburgh, and this running game should get back on track.

The Patriots Run Game Will Be Fine Moving foward

The Patriots have one of the best RB groups in the NFL, and they will need it against a tough Steelers run defefese.  James White and Sony Michel could be used heavily this week to keep Pittsburgh’s potent offense on the sideline.  James White and Sony Michel have been very impressive this year, but because of injury we’ve yet to see both at a high level consistently.  The offensive line, and injuries to Gronk and Dwayne Allen, have also contributed to some inconsistencies in the run game.

Running mates

Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

New England is as healthy as it’s been all year, and the Patriots RBs are going to use that to their advantage.  James White and Sony Michel will most certainly be used heavily, since history shows this is when New England starts to lean on the run game.

Rex Burkhead could have a breakout game, or he could still be getting some rest for the home stretch.  Bill Belichick is impossible to predict, especially when it comes to RBs.  Anyone who plays fantasy football knows that.  The Steelers are having a rough stretch as of late, and I expect Michel and White to run all over them.  New England’s RBs will set up the play action pass, and the Patriots will need the run game the rest of the way to be SB contenders.

What Mike Napoli Meant To Boston

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His journey through Boston didn’t need to be a long one.  Mike Napoli had left his mark on the city.  The slugger announced his retirement this past weekend, and for many fans of the 2013 championship team, it called for a chance to reminisce. He only spent a little over two seasons with the team, but he was a very impactful, lovable character.  He’ll mainly be remembered for his bushy beard and clutch heroics throughout the 2013 season.   But most importantly, for helping bring a championship to a city that truly needed it, after their darkest time.

How The Era Of Napoli Came To Be

I recall being on vacation down in Florida in December of 2012.  I heard about a multitude of signings the team was in the process of making.  They needed some veteran presence alongside David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia, so they made three moves.  All three of those moves occurred within three days, and all helped shaped the 2013 season.

Shane Victorino and Koji Uehara both signed.  They were probably the two most important players throughout the 2013 ALCS.  The third signing of the week was Mike Napoli. After some issues passing his physical, he eventually made his way to the Red Sox on a one year deal.  All three of these guys had been solid, but the team faced backlash, as all three were seen as ‘past their prime’.

I lauded the move at the time, how can you not want these likable, locker room presence-type guys? Of course, it paid off.  Napoli transitioned to first base smoothly for Boston, and ended up having some huge hits down the stretch, and into October.

Why He Was So Important

In April of 2013, the country was sent into a state of shock.  Terrorists had carried out an attack this close to home, right at the Boston Marathon.  For as many people this sent into a frenzy and a state of panic, it ended up bringing together a city.  Nobody will ever forget Big Papi’s speech before the first home game following the attacks:

It became a theme of the season.  The Boston Strong jersey hung in the dugout during every game.  The players were often discussing with the media and with each other how much they wanted this for the city and for the fans.  It all just felt like it was meant to be, and Mike Napoli was central to all of this.

When I think of this team, I remember how great the entire ‘beard’ thing was.  I remember Jonny Gomes showing up with a huge beard at Spring Training, and Napoli just loved it.  Eventually the whole team had beards.  The team had named them and marketed it.  That ended up being another huge theme of the season.

The Fun

Napoli and his bearded brothers brought a sense of passion everyday, to get it done for this city. However, they always did it while having fun.  Even when the team struggled, or fell behind against Detroit in the playoffs, this crew was there to pick each other up.  Just like they picked this city up, when the people needed it most.

Putting Nap’s Red Sox Career in Perspective

The clear cut, go-to Napoli Red Sox moment, is his seventh inning home run against Justin Verlander in game 3 of the ALCS.  It broke the tie and ended up being the only run in a 1-0 final. It ended up being a key factor in Boston’s grasp of the momentum in the series.

The stats aren’t flashy over the two and half seasons in Boston, and the way it ended in 2015 is unfortunate. The Sox were going nowhere, and unfortunately Napoli had begun to really fall off.  So they shipped him back to Texas.

He’ll never be forgotten for helping bring this city a title when they needed it.  Nobody will ever forget seeing his big beard laughing it up at first base.  Nobody had more fun than Nap, and nobody partied harder when the Sox won.  Most of all, nobody will ever forget this.  Possibly the greatest photo in the history of Boston Sports, shirtless Napoli patrolling Boston days after winning the World Series:

Thank you for everything Nap, it was a fun ride.

 

Patriots-Dolphins Preview

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The Dolphins’ Home Field Advantage

The way this Patriots team is built and the fact that the Dolphins’ best player, Xavien Howard, is out for the game will help Josh Gordon the most. The one issue is the game is in Miami, a place that always gives New England trouble.

Playing in Miami has always been tough

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Just in the past 5 years, the team is 1-4 in Miami. Historically the Patriots have not played well at Miami Gardens. The temperature is also expected to be relatively high too which may affect the game as well. The loss in Jacksonville is an example of the heat playing a factor against New England.

Bill Belichick won’t use the weather as an excuse, but we all know since 200, the Patriots have struggled in the heat. Former Patriot Tedy Bruschi said as much on ESPN when asked about why this team struggles in Miami.

Built for Success

The Patriots right now are just built for success. They are extremely healthy, have top 10 players in many categories including one of the best cornerback duos right now. Stephon Gilmore is questionable although Is likely to play, as he flew with the team for this matchup. The Patriots should be able to come out of this with a win. Look for Sony Michel and the running backs to have a big day.

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

New England should look to set up the run game early, using all three backs. Rotating the running backs will keep them from cramping up and running out of steam from the heat. Tom Brady will be able to take advantage of the injury riddled Dolphins. The running game will set up  play action passes, and more defenders in the box.

Patriots-Dolphins Prediction

The Patriots come in as heavy favorites despite recent history, and I don’t think it will be a blowout. Miami has played well at home this year, at 6-6 they will be looking for revenge from week 4. The rash of injuries to this Dolphins team, along with New England coming in almost at 100% will be the difference today. Not the heat.

The Patriots are really starting to look better on offense, defense and are only missing one player. The Patriots will win the AFC East again today, for the 10th year in a row. The players will get up for this “hat and T-shirt game” as they continue to try and get that number one seed.

(Patriots 28 Miami 17)

Brady and Gronk-Both Back at Full Strength

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Good News In New England on Thursday

The Patriots had a good practice yesterday, as Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski were both removed from the injury report.  Tom Brady has been dealing with a knee injury, and has been limited at practice.

Rob Gronkowski has been fighting through ankle(s), and a a very concerning back injury. The future HOF Tight End has had back issues dating back to his college days, involving multiple surgeries.

Patriots Superstars Not Held Back In Thursdays Practice

Full participants

Via USA Today

The two Biggest Game-changers on the Patriots have been practicing, but both have been limited and listed on injury reports.  Thursday was a nice change of pace for the team and the fans, as both superstars were Full Participants.

Tom Brady’s participation has always been important, although Patriot fans have always known nothing would stop him from playing that week.

The Patriots can always count on Brady, but today’s news that he is completely off the injury report as a Full Participant is great to see.

Getting Healthy at The Perfect Time

Rob Gronkowski has been fighting through injuries his entire football career, this season in particular has been frustrating for him.

Unlike his quarterback, whenever Gronks name shows up on the injury report, the Patriots need to prepare as if he may not play that week.

Gronkowski’s back-Not holding him back this week

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The news that both players were full participants today is noteworthy, as New England is looking to clinch the division Sunday.

New England’s track record against Miami away from home has not been great during the Tom Brady era.  The Dolphins always play them tough, the Patriots can’t afford to drop a game in Miami as they often have.  New England is currently the number 2 seed behind KC, with the tiebreaker on their side.  So a win Sunday is very important if the Pats want home field throughout the playoffs.

Paul Goldschmidt – Future Red Sox player?

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The winter is in full swing in the baseball world. We’ve seen blockbusters already happening. From James Paxton, to Jean Segura to Robinson Cano, big names have already been on the move everywhere. The Red Sox more than likely won’t make an acquisition of that proportion, but let’s dream for a bit shall we? Paul Goldschmidt is going to be huge splash, wherever he lands. He’s an MVP caliber player, who’s on a benchwarmers salary next season. Seeing as it would only be a one year rental for Goldschmidt, the Sox may shy away from wanting to move multiple young pieces. However, as far as need and fit are concerned, this would be a great move for Boston to make while the championship window is still open.

With Arizona likely on its way towards a rebuild, many of their big names may be finding other homes. Patrick Corbin will leave via free agency, as the Diamondbacks just don’t have the payroll to keep him. Another aspect hurting the payroll, is Zack Grienke’s contract. They will also look to move him this winter. Which brings us to Goldschmidt. Possibly the most intriguing trade chip in all of baseball. Even Giancarlo Stanton on the market last season, reigning MVP, didn’t offer the pure hitting approach which Goldschmidt does. A career .300 hitter, with an OPS of .930, Goldschmidt is a guy who brings instant pop the lineup, and leadership the locker room.

So if Goldschmidt is on his way out of the desert, could the Red Sox make a viable run at his services for the next year? It’s definitely possible. Even with first base platooned by Steve Pearce and Mitch Moreland, this team clearly has a need for first baseman. Both Pearce and Moreland are solid players, who both played a big role in this year’s World Series. It’s hard not to get caught up in the lore of those two, and want to keep them in the lineup. The wise decision, would be to try and upgrade one position where they are subpar.

A Potential Package for Goldschmidt

Obviously, Goldschmidt would require a hefty haul to acquire. The Sox farm system is fairly depleted. However, with Goldschmidt essentially only coming over for one year, the return is worth parting with for Boston. It would have to start with Boston’s top hitting prospect Michael Chavis, and go from there. He is the most valuable asset the Red Sox have outside the major league club. He is also seen as a guy who could come up and hit .300 next season in the show. It would likely take Chavis and a couple other mid-level prospects to make the deal happen. A 14 million dollar tag on the incoming Goldschmidt still makes it possible for the Sox to function under the luxury tax.

Obviously, with a player of Paul’s caliber, there are many bidders. The Phillies, Astros, and Cardinals are just a handful of the teams that are in on Goldschmidt. All these teams are in positions to compete, and have deeper farm systems than Boston. This doesn’t make the deal impossible, it just means Dombrowski would have to act quick.

Do I see this deal happening? Probably not. Is it something that I would like to have happen? Yes, because frankly it should happen. It’s a low risk move that immediately improves the team, while still leaving money for other free agents like Joe Kelly or Nathan Eovaldi. He’s a power hitting first baseman, who is still athletic as ever and has pretty good wheels as far as people his size go. This would be a huge move that let’s the whole league know the Red Sox are still at the top.

Brady Passes Peyton For Another All-Time Record

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Tom Brady Breaks Another Record

Tom Brady continues to solidify himself as the GOAT. The 41 year old quarterback is breaking records on a regular basis, last Sunday he added his name to another one.

Brady took over as the All Time leader in passing yards in (regular season and postseason games.) The MVP passed Peyton Manning for the top spot in Sunday’s win over the Jets.

The record breaking pass went to Sony Michel, a running back who is still working on his pass catching. Brady got that out of the way in the second quarter, finishing the game with 283 yards. The Patriots quarterback now sits alone with 79,416 total yards, but Tom just cares about the win. After the game Brady was asked about the newest record.

“Just wins” Brady said, “ I mean that’s what we are here for, to win games. I’m trying to be a part of as many of these as I can.” No surprise Brady deflected questions about his own record, He ended his answer saying, “I’m just here to win.”

Brady Passes Manning as the All Time Passing leader

(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Every Week Another Record is in Trouble

Brady also tied Peyton Manning on Sunday as he reached 3,000 passing yards for the 16th time. He is now second in NFL history, behind Brett Favre who reached 3,000 yards 18 times. Tom will easily break that record too, as long as he can stay on the field for three more years.

Tom can pass Peyton Manning again this Sunday, as another regular/postseason stat is up for grabs. One touchdown pass from Brady on Sunday will make him the All Time leader in combined TD passes.

TB12

Via Nj.com

Tom Brady already has the Super Bowls, the postseason records, and now is finishing off the rest of the regular season records. Of course he won’t play forever, but in the meantime no record is safe. Brady isn’t in it for these records though, right now his focus is all about his favorite ring. “The next one” number six!

 

 

BREAKING: Burkhead is Back

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Rex Burkhead Is Back

New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead has been added to the 53 man roster on Monday. Burkhead has been on injured reserve since September 26th, after playing in just three games. He started two of the three games before his injury, rushing 24 times for 86 yards. Burkhead also caught three passes for 31 yards. New England released offensive lineman Matt Tobin, making room for the dual-threat running back.

Running Back play has been the difference through 11 Games

Photo Courtesy of ESPN

Burkhead is Back on the 53 man Roster

The Patriots announced the good news a day after the team rushed for 215 yards, as White and Michel both had career highs. The running game has been important this season. The Patriots’ eight wins came with an average of 136 rushing yards per game. New England’s three losses have come with an average of just 70 rushing yards. New England seems to be getting healthy at the perfect time, as Shaq Mason returned to the offensive line, as well as Rob Gronkowski. Both players contribute to the ground game in a huge way, and it showed Sunday in a win over the Jets.

Rex Provides Much Needed Depth

The Patriots came into this season wanting to have a stable of running backs, rotating guys in keeping everyone fresh. Unfortunately, that is not what happened, but now with Sony, Rex and White, the Pats have some depth. The addition of Burkhead will take some of the beating off of Michel, while James White can settle back into his dominant role.

It took a while for Burkhead to recover from his injury.  A great way to help recover and build muscle is with clenbuterol for sale.  It helps add additional muscle bulk and improve strength.

Rex Burkhead is on the roster for Sunday’s game against the Vikings, we will have to wait and see if he gets in the game. Bill Belichick has always preached that the season starts after Thanksgiving. New England is now primed to run the table, and get the 1 seed.

Photo courtesy of The Boston Globe

Duel threat out of the backfield

The Patriots now have three versatile hard-nose RBs to play with, along with James Develin at fullback.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, I am thankful for Family, Friends and the Patriots, as I’m sure you feel the same way.

 

What Role Can Dustin Pedroia Still Play?

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He’s two years removed from playing a full season and clearly his knee has been an issue. However, Dustin Pedroia still has a lot of skills and traits that can still be useful to this team. He’s still locked up for a fair amount of time. He’s going to make roughly 40 million dollars over the final three years of his contract. Can he still produce at a level that merits having that contract on the books? That is yet to be determined, but first and foremost, Dustin has to get healthy. The now 35-year-old second baseman is fortunate for many reasons. Mainly, with Kinsler departing, he faces almost no competition on the roster for his position. If he can get strong over the winter and be ready for the spring, he’ll have his chance to make an impact for Boston like he did back in 2016 and preceded by various season earlier.

Pedroia’s Achilles Heel

Unfortunately for Pedroia, he just can’t shake the pain in his left knee. Father Time isn’t on his side either, by any means, but the two-year-old knee injury has to be frustrating Dustin. In 2016 he hit .318 with an OPS of .825. Both of these numbers are exceptional, even all-star worthy. Then Manny Machado came along.Image result for machado pedroia gif

The collision between the two in April of 2017 appears to be what initially led to the injury for Pedroia. Machado’s late slide, that he claims as unintentional, took out the left leg of Dustin and frankly he has never been the same since. Pedroia has always been one that has struggled with the injury bug here and there. Nothing has ever compared to this, though.

Playing with the speedy, dirt-dog style that he does, his knees have already been taking a beating over the years. This has the potential to possibly sideline him for a good chunk of another season. Which would be similar to his 2018 where he played in only three games. Even worse, this has the potential to be it for Pedroia, at least with Boston.

Having paid him 16 million dollars last year for basically nothing, and 15 million in 17 for a half season isn’t good business. That equates to roughly 23 million in dead money, plus another 40 still on the Red Sox plate in the future. He’s going to have his chance in 2019 but he has to take it, or he could see himself out a similar door to Hanley Ramirez.

Can He Still Be Effective?

Like I said earlier, his last full season in 2016 was very good. Even in 2017, in limited action, he was a decent ballplayer at .293/.369/.760. IF, which is a big if, he can be ready to go for Opening Day AND stay healthy, the numbers seem like an attainable goal. It’s nothing special, and probably not worth the dollar amount he’s making, but it’s more than they got last year.

With Ian Kinsler highly unlikely to return, the door is wide open for Pedroia to take the reigns back. For him, it’ll be a transition to a different role, one as more of only a team leader and less as a contributor. When he could last year, he was always on the bench. He acted like an assistant coach at times for Alex Cora, something that likely had a huge influence on the team that won the championship.

If he can put up the aforementioned triple slash line from 2017, and continue to evolve into a mentor for the young guys like Rafael Devers and eventually Michael Chavis, he’ll be somewhat worth the money they’re paying him. As far as the team goes, they won 108 games and a World Series this year. Adding Pedroia back into the fold can only be a plus for this Red Sox team, and to me, it’s definitely an upgrade from Kinsler.

Max Kellerman – “Tom Brady has a wet noodle for an arm right now”

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Tom Brady’s Camped out On Max Kellerman’s Cliff Watching Game Film

Tom Brady has been the focal point of Max Kellerman’s ridiculous career. Kellerman started out with a bang, saying “Tom Brady would be a bum in short order.” I’m not sure what his issue is with Brady, maybe Tom didn’t shake his hand at an event? Who can forget Max’s prediction that Brady will fall off a cliff. I’d like to remind Max Kellerman that those ignorant claims came on July 25th, 2016. Yes July of 2016. Max made two predictions. One was just ignorant, while the “cliff” comment was just not smart. Tom Brady has made him look foolish and ignorant.

Patriot fans all know that the days of Tom Brady dominating won’t last forever. He hasn’t played great in a couple games, but we’ve seen this movie before. Brady’s been part of a 6 game winning streak in 2018. He’s led this offense by scoring over 30 points per game for four weeks straight, tying an NFL record. I’m not a quarterback guru or a boxing commentator like Max so what do I know? Here is Max getting schooled by everyone on First Take. He actually said, “Brady finally did something,” speaking about the first game of 2018 and quickly got ripped apart.

After the first game of the 2018 season, Kellerman was laughed at by Steven A Smith, Damien Woody, and Molly Querim for not owning up to being wrong about the “cliff.” It’s quite apparent to everyone Brady has performed better at his age than anyone before him. It’s clear Kellerman the “TV personality” was way off, but enough about the cliff. After a couple subpar games and a single loss, let’s see where Max takes it now.

“A Wet Noodle For An Arm”

Kellerman’s latest hot take is now going after Brady’s arm. I don’t remember hearing much about this during the Pats win streak, but I’ll play along. Sure the last three weeks Brady hasn’t played like his usual self. He has 1 TD in 3 games. Two wins and a loss, and the loss is why this annual “Brady’s Done” take circulates through ESPN.

Brady’s arm is fine

(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

As I watched the Patriots lose to Tennessee, I didn’t see the MVP, Tom Brady. I did, however, see that Marcus Cannon was out, the offensive line was banged up. I saw Brady trying to work with what he had, or didn’t have. Max Kellerman said, “Tom Brady has a wet noodle for an arm.” Max has been waiting for Brady’s demise since he started on ESPN’s morning show First Take. Max saw a “wet noodle arm” but completely ignored Tom Brady’s surroundings. Brady and the offense against Tennessee was a bad matchup from the start. Brady didn’t have his best game, but his arm strength was no concern.

Look At What TB12 Is Working With MAX

Max has no leg to stand on now that Brady has played well past his “expiration date.” I watched every snap of the Tennessee game, and I’d bet my house that Max did not. Like I said Brady didn’t play great, but instead of claiming he’s washed up, take a look around him.  I remember numerous passes hitting receivers in the hands, his arm wasn’t the problem.

Rob Gronkowski did not play, he is one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL. Brady had no protection as the offensive line was missing its best players. Dwayne Allen was in and out of the game which hurt the line even more. Brady’s weapons were not healthy, Sony Michel was limited coming back from a knee injury. Josh Gordon was targeted 12 times and had 2 receptions and multiple drops. Brady didn’t play well, I’ll admit that, but I’m not blind. With no tight ends, no protection, and a limited running back, who could’ve played well in that game?

New England had a bad day, it happens to everyone. Sorry, Max, it’s not the defense winning these games, that’s obvious. Kellerman’s latest hot take is nothing more than another ridiculous comment from a boxing commentator, who maybe should stick to boxing. Sunday, the Patriots will be back from their bye week. Tom Brady is going to come out on fire for the rest of the season, and Kellerman will be eating his words again.

 

Nathan Eovaldi Should Be Top Priority

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2018 was a fun ride for fans and players, now it’s time to get down to business. For the Red Sox, I think they need to find a way to keep Eovaldi in Boston. Reports on the situation are that Boston does indeed want to re-sign him. If they are unable to make that happen, they want to sign another proven Major League starter to replace him. I think that it is imperative to keep him.

Here’s Why Eovaldi Needs To Stay

With Nathan Eovaldi re-signed Boston’s starting rotation would be unreal with Sale, Price, Porcello, and Rodriguez all staying put. Suring up that rotation with Nathan would be smart. Boston has their key offensive pieces in place. Boston doesn’t have to worry about Mookie Betts or JD Martinez this year, so instead of signing another veteran pitcher, this is why Eovaldi is the answer.

Game 4 of the ALDS against the rival Yankees, Eovaldi dominated, pitching 7 plus innings with 1 run allowed. New York is also one of the teams that could be in on him. As the Red Sox continued into the ALCS, Eovaldi was great again. 6 plus innings with just 2 runs as the Sox won Game 3 using his arm again. As we all know by now the Red Sox beat the Houston Astros, and we were introduced to the rover. Alex Cora used Eovaldi as his rover in game 5 of the ALCS and in Games 1 and 2 of the World Series. In those 3 games, he came into each game and threw fire allowing 0 runs, while making it look easy. Even with short rest, Boston was going to have him start Game 4 of the World Series, but Game 3 changed that plan.

Eovaldi Turns in Heroic Performance Showing His Selflessness

Rover

Eovaldi was perfect for the Red Sox and should stay in Boston

Once again, Eovaldi was called on as Game 3 of the World Series turned into a marathon of a game. Still tied in the 12th inning, Nathan Eovaldi came out of the pen. In one of the greatest performances I’ve ever witnessed, he turned in a heroic 6 inning relief appearance. He knew that he was putting his future in jeopardy, by pitching so often. Anything could have happened and he could’ve lost a lot of money. As a free-agent-to-be, he risked his health along with future contracts, but he just wanted to help his team. Putting all of that aside, he went deep into the 18th inning, hitting triple digits on the radar gun like it was nothing.

Eovaldi pitched a gem and kept the Sox in the game as long as he could. In the bottom of the 18th, he gave up a solo shot to end the longest game in history. His teammates were all amazed at what he just did, some brought to tears as they realized how much Nathan just gave for his team. I believe it galvanized an already very close clubhouse. Eovaldi was a huge reason for Boston’s Championship.

 Closing Thoughts on Nathan Eovaldi

Boston should do what they can to keep Eovaldi. He’s 28 years old, extremely dominant and the way he pitched since arriving in Boston is all I need to know about him. For what it’s worth he threw 16 scoreless innings against the Yankees in the regular season. Also, his 1.35 ERA in September combined with what he did in the postseason, I believe he’s worth the $15 million range. He himself said he’d love to stay in Boston. While many teams will be fighting for him, I believe he wants to be here enough that he and Boston will work something out.