The diehard draftniks in Patriot Nation did not get their premiere pass rusher or powerful running back but just a few hours after the end of the 2011 NFL Draft, I am a strong believer that Bill Belichick has put his team in a position to once again contend for the Super Bowl.
The Patriots selected nine players over the course of the three days. The experts - and the callers to sports radio - believed that Belichick would draft either a defensive lineman or linebacker who could pressure the opposing quarterback as well as a physical running back to help balance the Patriots offense.
The experts, well, they were wrong.
Starting with the 17th pick in the first round, Belichick took Nate Solder, a massive (6-8, 320) offensive tackle from the University of Colorado. The Patriots offensive line is one in transition as Matt Light faces free agency (if there ever is free agency), Logan Mankins could once again be a contract holdout, and Stephen Neal has retired. Solder was a two-time All-Big 12 selection at Colorado and he will team up with Sebastian Vollmer to give the Patriots a massive tandem of tackles for (hopefully) the next decade. In a perfect world, Light would return to give Tom Brady a veteran to protect his blind side in 2011 but by investing such a high pick in Solder, Belichick could be expecting him to play immediately.
The Pats traded their other pick in the first round to the Saints for a second round pick in this draft and a first round pick in 2012. With that pick New Orleans drafted Mark Ingram, the big running back from Alabama who many Patriots fans wanted to see lining up behind Brady this fall.
In the second round, the Patriots added two players and traded a third pick. With the 33rd pick they took Virginia cornerback Ras-I Dowling. Dowling is big (6-2, 200) and fast (4.4 time in the 40-yard dash) but only played in five games in 2010. After taking Devin McCourty a year ago and watching him develop into an All-Pro as a rookie, Belichick hopes to strike gold again. Later in the second round (56th pick) they took California running back Shane Vereen who compiled almost 1200 rushing yards in 2010. Vereen will join BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead to give the Pats another good option out of the backfield.
Belichick took another running back, Stevan Ridley of LSU, with their first pick in the third round (73). Whereas Vereen is more of a speed back, Ridley is a physical runner who played both tailback and fullback for the Tigers.
The biggest surprise from the Patriots came with their second third round pick when they took Ryan Mallett, the University of Arkansas quarterback. Mallett led the Razorbacks to the Sugar Bowl and was one of the best quarterback prospects in this draft but concerns about his character led him to slip to the 74th pick. The common line of thinking is that Mallett will benefit from being with the Patriots and learning the art of being an NFL quarterback from Brady. While there is obviously no expectation of Mallett playing significant time in 2011, I am looking forward to seeing him throw the ball long in the preseason.
After not having a fourth round pick, the Pats continued the draft by taking Texas Christian offensive lineman Marcus Cannon with the 138th pick. Cannon played tackle at TCU but he projects to be a guard in the NFL. Like Nate Solder, he is huge (6-5, 355) and the Patriots need that kind of physical presence on their line. He was a critical member of the success at TCU and only slipped to the fifth round because he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, which he is expected to fully recover from.
They wrapped up the weekend by taking Lee Smith, a big blocking tight end from Marshall with the 159th pick; Markell Carter, an outside linebacker from Central Arkansas; and Malcolm Williams, an athletic but very raw cornerback from TCU.
While the pass rusher never materialized, the Patriots did begin to rebuild their offensive line, added a good cornerback and depth at running back, and swung for the fences with Mallett who could be the eventual heir to Brady. The experts may not give them a good draft grade right now but they received similar reviews last year and six players - McCourty, Rob Gronkowski, Jermaine Cunningham, Brandon Spikes, Aaron Hernandez, and Zoltan Mesko - contributed to a 14-2 team so its important to be patient and allow Belichick and his staff to coach up these young men and watch them develop as professionals.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Bruins-Flyers
Last year is history and the momentum of the Game 7 win over the Canadiens will carry over into the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Boston's top line of David Krejci-Milan Lucic-Nathan Horton had a tough series against Montreal but Horton's overtime winner in Game 7 should be the spark they need to breakout.
The biggest advantage the Bruins have is in net. The Flyers rotated three goalies in Round One while the B's can rely on Tim Thomas.
Bruins in 6.
Boston's top line of David Krejci-Milan Lucic-Nathan Horton had a tough series against Montreal but Horton's overtime winner in Game 7 should be the spark they need to breakout.
The biggest advantage the Bruins have is in net. The Flyers rotated three goalies in Round One while the B's can rely on Tim Thomas.
Bruins in 6.
Red Sox vs. Mariners
Seattle Mariners (12-15) @ Red Sox (11-14)
SP - John Lackey (2-2, 6.35) vs. Doug Fister (1-3, 3.19)
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Jed Lowrie, SS
8. Carl Crawford, LF
9. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Three Strikes:
1. While the homeruns have yet to come, Adrian Gonzalez is starting to look very comfortable at the plate and when he is locked in, he is a joy to watch at the plate.
2. Lackey's last two starts have been excellent and with the Red Sox starting to slump a little bit again, it would be nice to see him extend his streak to three.
3. Bobby Jenks, please lose the Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde routine.
SP - John Lackey (2-2, 6.35) vs. Doug Fister (1-3, 3.19)
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Jed Lowrie, SS
8. Carl Crawford, LF
9. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Three Strikes:
1. While the homeruns have yet to come, Adrian Gonzalez is starting to look very comfortable at the plate and when he is locked in, he is a joy to watch at the plate.
2. Lackey's last two starts have been excellent and with the Red Sox starting to slump a little bit again, it would be nice to see him extend his streak to three.
3. Bobby Jenks, please lose the Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde routine.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Goodbye Michael Scott
I am waiting until Saturday to watch Steve Carrell's last episode on The Office because of the NFL Draft and working The Baseball Tavern tomorrow night but I couldn't ignore the farewell to Michael Scott.
After Seinfeld, The Office is my favorite sitcom and the job Carrell did as Michael Scott - especially in Season's One and Two - made it a truly remarkable show.
I'm not too confident in the future of the show but the re-runs on TBS keep the memories of the glory days alive.
And The Patriots Select ... Nate Solder
Obviously, I am not shocked that the final version of my mock draft has hit on only 2 of the first 25 picks (correction: I did predict Jimmy Smith to the Ravens making it 3 picks nailed so far!) in the first round of tonight's NFL Draft. The NFL Draft can't be accurately predicted - regardless of what the folks at ESPN try and make us believe - but the way it has played out so far tonight has been crazy.
With their first pick in the first round, the Patriots tabbed Nate Solder. Solder was a two-time All-Big 12 selection at left tackle and provides the team with what should be their replacement for Matt Light, who is an unrestricted free agent.
I wanted the Patriots to take an offensive lineman (Mike Pouncey, my pick, went to the Dolphins two spots before the Pats) and I like the investment in a 6-8, 320-pound former tight end who will bring athleticism to an important position. The Patriots now have two young tackles - don't forget Sebastian Vollmer - under their control which must make Tom Brady a happy man.
The Patriots have traded their other first round pick (28) to the Saints for a first round pick next year as well as a second round pick this year. That gives them three second round picks (33, 56, 60) which should allow them to address a few areas of need such as a pass rusher, an interior offensive lineman, and a running back.
With their first pick in the first round, the Patriots tabbed Nate Solder. Solder was a two-time All-Big 12 selection at left tackle and provides the team with what should be their replacement for Matt Light, who is an unrestricted free agent.
I wanted the Patriots to take an offensive lineman (Mike Pouncey, my pick, went to the Dolphins two spots before the Pats) and I like the investment in a 6-8, 320-pound former tight end who will bring athleticism to an important position. The Patriots now have two young tackles - don't forget Sebastian Vollmer - under their control which must make Tom Brady a happy man.
The Patriots have traded their other first round pick (28) to the Saints for a first round pick next year as well as a second round pick this year. That gives them three second round picks (33, 56, 60) which should allow them to address a few areas of need such as a pass rusher, an interior offensive lineman, and a running back.
NFL Mock Draft (Final Version)
There is less than an hour until Roger Goodell steps to the podium to start the NFL Draft and I know you have been waiting patiently for my final mock draft.
If you need to refresh your memory, click here for my first version and click here for my second version.
1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
This will be a major mistake. Newton has great athletic potential but his lack of experience in a professional style offense makes him too much of a gamble to be taken with the first overall pick.
2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
Dareus played a major role in making 'Bama a national powerhouse again. The Broncos will be able to expect a decade of excellent play on the defensive line from this pick.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Playing against Tom Brady and Mark Sanchez four times a year, you can never put enough pressure on the passer. Miller is one of the players I would love to see the Patriots trade up to select.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens are on the way out and selecting a premiere receiving talent like Green could be the only way to convince Carson Palmer to stay in the Queen City.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
The Cardinals need to replace Kurt Warner if they plan on keeping Larry Fitzgerald in the desert for the long term.
6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
If the Browns hope to develop Colt McCoy, they need to add a playmaking receiver.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Peterson is a potential shut down corner and a homerun threat as a returner. Great value at #7 for Jim Harbaugh in his first draft.
8. Tennessee Titans: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
I get the feeling that despite his dominant 2010 season, Nick Fairley could be the player who drops out of the Top 10. Liuget will jump Fairley to become the second defensive tackle off the board.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
Costanzo provides needed protection for Tony Romo.
10. Washington Redskins: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
The Redskins could use another pass rusher across from Brian Orakpo playing in a division against Michael Vick, Eli Manning, and Romo.
11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
The Texans have been on the cusp of the playoffs the last few years and adding another pass rusher to the defense could help them playing in January.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
Whoever plays quarterback in Minnesota this year will need protection. Adding a player that will help open holes for Adrian Peterson helps too.
13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
A year after striking gold with Ndamukong Suh, the Lions tap another Nebraska standout to build their defense.
14. St. Louis Rams: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
The Rams hope that Fairley gains a chip on his shoulder from dropping that turns him into Warren Sapp 2.0.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
With Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams facing free agency, the Dolphins get their running back of the future.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Watt represents great value for the Jaguars after a very good career for the Badgers.
17. New England Patriots: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida
Logan Mankins has an uncertain future and Stephen Neal retired so Bill Belichick starts to rebuild the interior of his offensive line.
18. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
The Chargers hope Kerrigan can replace some of Shawne Merriman's production.
19. New York Giants: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Carimi will be a perfect fit for Tom Coughlin's offense.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
A knee injury has dropped Bowers but his potential is too great for the Bucs to pass over.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Matt Cassel needs more protection.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
When Peyton Manning is your quarterback, investing in his protection is a high priority.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jabaal Sheard, OLB, Pittsburgh
Injuries decimated the Eagles linebacking corps in 2010 and Sheard gives them a solid building block on the edge.
24. New Orleans Saints: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
The Saints struggled to rush the passer in 2010 and it killed their chances to repeat as Super Bowl champions.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Matt Hasselbeck is nearing the end and the 'Hawks need to find a new quarterback.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
The Ravens secondary was horrible in 2010 and the talented - but troubled - Smith helps to fix that issue.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple
The Falcons get a very good young defensive end to add to one of the most talented young rosters in the NFL.
28. New England Patriots: Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona
The Patriots have never replaced Willie McGinest on the edge of Belichick's defense.
29. Chicago Bears: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
Baldwin is a reach at the end of the 1st Round on Baldwin but he would give Jay Cutler a big target on the outside.
30. New York Jets: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Rex Ryan loves adding defensive players almost as much as he loves watching a good pedicure.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor
Championship teams build from the trenches and the Steelers have followed this plan for a decade.
32. Green Bay Packers: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
The champs add a solid young defensive lineman.
If you need to refresh your memory, click here for my first version and click here for my second version.
1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
This will be a major mistake. Newton has great athletic potential but his lack of experience in a professional style offense makes him too much of a gamble to be taken with the first overall pick.
2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
Dareus played a major role in making 'Bama a national powerhouse again. The Broncos will be able to expect a decade of excellent play on the defensive line from this pick.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Playing against Tom Brady and Mark Sanchez four times a year, you can never put enough pressure on the passer. Miller is one of the players I would love to see the Patriots trade up to select.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens are on the way out and selecting a premiere receiving talent like Green could be the only way to convince Carson Palmer to stay in the Queen City.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
The Cardinals need to replace Kurt Warner if they plan on keeping Larry Fitzgerald in the desert for the long term.
6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
If the Browns hope to develop Colt McCoy, they need to add a playmaking receiver.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Peterson is a potential shut down corner and a homerun threat as a returner. Great value at #7 for Jim Harbaugh in his first draft.
8. Tennessee Titans: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
I get the feeling that despite his dominant 2010 season, Nick Fairley could be the player who drops out of the Top 10. Liuget will jump Fairley to become the second defensive tackle off the board.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
Costanzo provides needed protection for Tony Romo.
10. Washington Redskins: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
The Redskins could use another pass rusher across from Brian Orakpo playing in a division against Michael Vick, Eli Manning, and Romo.
11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
The Texans have been on the cusp of the playoffs the last few years and adding another pass rusher to the defense could help them playing in January.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
Whoever plays quarterback in Minnesota this year will need protection. Adding a player that will help open holes for Adrian Peterson helps too.
13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
A year after striking gold with Ndamukong Suh, the Lions tap another Nebraska standout to build their defense.
14. St. Louis Rams: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
The Rams hope that Fairley gains a chip on his shoulder from dropping that turns him into Warren Sapp 2.0.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
With Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams facing free agency, the Dolphins get their running back of the future.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Watt represents great value for the Jaguars after a very good career for the Badgers.
17. New England Patriots: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida
Logan Mankins has an uncertain future and Stephen Neal retired so Bill Belichick starts to rebuild the interior of his offensive line.
18. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
The Chargers hope Kerrigan can replace some of Shawne Merriman's production.
19. New York Giants: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Carimi will be a perfect fit for Tom Coughlin's offense.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
A knee injury has dropped Bowers but his potential is too great for the Bucs to pass over.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Matt Cassel needs more protection.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
When Peyton Manning is your quarterback, investing in his protection is a high priority.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jabaal Sheard, OLB, Pittsburgh
Injuries decimated the Eagles linebacking corps in 2010 and Sheard gives them a solid building block on the edge.
24. New Orleans Saints: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
The Saints struggled to rush the passer in 2010 and it killed their chances to repeat as Super Bowl champions.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Matt Hasselbeck is nearing the end and the 'Hawks need to find a new quarterback.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
The Ravens secondary was horrible in 2010 and the talented - but troubled - Smith helps to fix that issue.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple
The Falcons get a very good young defensive end to add to one of the most talented young rosters in the NFL.
28. New England Patriots: Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona
The Patriots have never replaced Willie McGinest on the edge of Belichick's defense.
29. Chicago Bears: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
Baldwin is a reach at the end of the 1st Round on Baldwin but he would give Jay Cutler a big target on the outside.
30. New York Jets: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Rex Ryan loves adding defensive players almost as much as he loves watching a good pedicure.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor
Championship teams build from the trenches and the Steelers have followed this plan for a decade.
32. Green Bay Packers: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
The champs add a solid young defensive lineman.
Red Sox vs. Orioles (April 28, 2011)
Red Sox (10-13) @ Baltimore Orioles (10-12)
SP - Jon Lester (2-1, 2.59) vs. Brad Bergesen (0-3, 5.40)
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
8. Carl Crawford, LF
9. Marco Scutaro, SS
Three Strikes:
1. If the rain cooperates, Lester should help end this mini two-game losing streak. Not only is he off to his best April start of his career but he also has a record of 13-0 with a 2.33 ERA in 16 career starts against the O's.
2. The slow start has taken some of the focus off of David Ortiz' solid April. This is not the MVP "Big Papi" of a few years ago but I'm very happy with him hitting .274 with 2 HR, 10 RBI, and a very impressive .393 OBP. If he keeps it up all season, the Red Sox will have a tough decision to make because Ortiz can become a free agent this winter.
3. My pick of Carl Crawford for MVP is looking worse every day.
SP - Jon Lester (2-1, 2.59) vs. Brad Bergesen (0-3, 5.40)
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
8. Carl Crawford, LF
9. Marco Scutaro, SS
Three Strikes:
1. If the rain cooperates, Lester should help end this mini two-game losing streak. Not only is he off to his best April start of his career but he also has a record of 13-0 with a 2.33 ERA in 16 career starts against the O's.
2. The slow start has taken some of the focus off of David Ortiz' solid April. This is not the MVP "Big Papi" of a few years ago but I'm very happy with him hitting .274 with 2 HR, 10 RBI, and a very impressive .393 OBP. If he keeps it up all season, the Red Sox will have a tough decision to make because Ortiz can become a free agent this winter.
3. My pick of Carl Crawford for MVP is looking worse every day.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Red Sox vs. Angels (April 22, 2011)
Red Sox (7-11) @ Angels (12-7)
SP - Jon Lester (1-1, 3.20) vs. Dan Haren (4-0, 1.16)
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. David Ortiz, DH
5. Jed Lowrie, 3B
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Carl Crawford, LF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Marco Scutaro, SS
Three Strikes:
1. He may not have been given credit for the win last night but Josh Beckett certainly earned a victory last night. The Red Sox bats failed their co-ace, stranding what seemed like 117 runners in scoring position, regulating Beckett to a no-decision despite going eight innings and allowing just two runs. With Beckett firing on all cylinders for the last three starts, the Red Sox have turned things around.
2. Adrian Gonzalez' RBI single in the eleventh inning was encouraging to all Sox fans who have been waiting for the team's two big offseason acquisitions to get hot. Once Gonzalez gets going, this lineup will be scary good.
3. The attention of the Boston sports scene is focused squarely on New York tonight as the Celtics try and take a 3-0 lead over the Knicks but the Lester-Haren pitching matchup will be well worth staying up for after basketball. I still remember Haren as the only electric pitcher for the Cardinals in the 2004 World Series and he is, like Lester, one of the best starters in the game.
SP - Jon Lester (1-1, 3.20) vs. Dan Haren (4-0, 1.16)
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. David Ortiz, DH
5. Jed Lowrie, 3B
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Carl Crawford, LF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Marco Scutaro, SS
Three Strikes:
1. He may not have been given credit for the win last night but Josh Beckett certainly earned a victory last night. The Red Sox bats failed their co-ace, stranding what seemed like 117 runners in scoring position, regulating Beckett to a no-decision despite going eight innings and allowing just two runs. With Beckett firing on all cylinders for the last three starts, the Red Sox have turned things around.
2. Adrian Gonzalez' RBI single in the eleventh inning was encouraging to all Sox fans who have been waiting for the team's two big offseason acquisitions to get hot. Once Gonzalez gets going, this lineup will be scary good.
3. The attention of the Boston sports scene is focused squarely on New York tonight as the Celtics try and take a 3-0 lead over the Knicks but the Lester-Haren pitching matchup will be well worth staying up for after basketball. I still remember Haren as the only electric pitcher for the Cardinals in the 2004 World Series and he is, like Lester, one of the best starters in the game.
Red Sox Could Take Advantage of Dodgers Situation
The personal problems and financial issues of Frank McCourt have forced Bud Selig and MLB to step in and take control of the day-to-day operations of the Los Angeles Dodgers. It is a sad situation for one of baseball's marquee franchises but that doesn't mean the Red Sox shouldn't move in for the kill.
Even as the Red Sox start to wake up from their early season slump, there are a few areas that need to be addressed. One is the situation at catcher because right now neither Jason Varitek or Jarrod Saltalamacchia is getting the job done. The other is the number of lefthanded bats in the lineup with J.D. Drew, Adrian Gonzalez, David Ortiz, Carl Crawford, and Jacoby Ellsbury hitting from the left side.
In trying to take advantage of the situation in Los Angeles, the Dodgers can not be of help behind the plate. Rod Barajas and A.J. Ellis would not be upgrades and if I'm going to propose a mythical trade, it will be one that will make the Red Sox a significantly better baseball team. Where the Dodgers can be of help is providing more balance to the Boston lineup.
I am proposing that the Red Sox ship Jacoby Ellsbury, Lars Anderson, Ryan Kalish/Josh Reddick, and Brandon Workman to the Dodgers in exchange for Matt Kemp. Kemp would give the Red Sox a blue chip center fielder and a premium right handed bat to balance out their lefty heavy lineup. Ellsbury gives the Dodgers a replacement in center field, Anderson gives them a potential replacement for James Loney (who can exit L.A. after 2012), Kalish/Reddick gives them a potential replacement for Andre Ethier (who can join Loney in walking after 2012), and Workman adds a second-tier pitching prospect to further entice the Dodgers/MLB to pull the trigger on the deal if they choose to take Reddick over the higher rated Kalish (if they were to choose Kalish they would lose out on the pitching prospect).
The Red Sox benefit by getting the best player in the deal, a 26-year-old star who can hit, run, and field. The Dodgers benefit by adding a very good player in Ellsbury and two or three young, cheap prospects who can play a role in the rebuilding of one of baseball's great franchises.
Kemp's bat would settle nicely into the heart of the Red Sox lineup that would look something like this:
1. J.D. Drew, RF (L)
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B (R)
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B (L)
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B (R)
5. David Ortiz, DH (L)
6. Matt Kemp, CF (R)
7. Carl Crawford, LF (L)
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia/Jason Varitek, C (S)
9. Jed Lowrie, SS (S)
I know that I rarely make a lot of sense when it comes to proposing trades but that is a deal that makes the Red Sox significantly better and also gets the Dodgers moving in the right direction on their road to recovery.
Even as the Red Sox start to wake up from their early season slump, there are a few areas that need to be addressed. One is the situation at catcher because right now neither Jason Varitek or Jarrod Saltalamacchia is getting the job done. The other is the number of lefthanded bats in the lineup with J.D. Drew, Adrian Gonzalez, David Ortiz, Carl Crawford, and Jacoby Ellsbury hitting from the left side.
In trying to take advantage of the situation in Los Angeles, the Dodgers can not be of help behind the plate. Rod Barajas and A.J. Ellis would not be upgrades and if I'm going to propose a mythical trade, it will be one that will make the Red Sox a significantly better baseball team. Where the Dodgers can be of help is providing more balance to the Boston lineup.
I am proposing that the Red Sox ship Jacoby Ellsbury, Lars Anderson, Ryan Kalish/Josh Reddick, and Brandon Workman to the Dodgers in exchange for Matt Kemp. Kemp would give the Red Sox a blue chip center fielder and a premium right handed bat to balance out their lefty heavy lineup. Ellsbury gives the Dodgers a replacement in center field, Anderson gives them a potential replacement for James Loney (who can exit L.A. after 2012), Kalish/Reddick gives them a potential replacement for Andre Ethier (who can join Loney in walking after 2012), and Workman adds a second-tier pitching prospect to further entice the Dodgers/MLB to pull the trigger on the deal if they choose to take Reddick over the higher rated Kalish (if they were to choose Kalish they would lose out on the pitching prospect).
The Red Sox benefit by getting the best player in the deal, a 26-year-old star who can hit, run, and field. The Dodgers benefit by adding a very good player in Ellsbury and two or three young, cheap prospects who can play a role in the rebuilding of one of baseball's great franchises.
Kemp's bat would settle nicely into the heart of the Red Sox lineup that would look something like this:
1. J.D. Drew, RF (L)
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B (R)
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B (L)
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B (R)
5. David Ortiz, DH (L)
6. Matt Kemp, CF (R)
7. Carl Crawford, LF (L)
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia/Jason Varitek, C (S)
9. Jed Lowrie, SS (S)
I know that I rarely make a lot of sense when it comes to proposing trades but that is a deal that makes the Red Sox significantly better and also gets the Dodgers moving in the right direction on their road to recovery.
NFL Mock Draft (Version 2)
The NFL Draft - which looks like it could be the last positive news from professional football for quite some time - is less than a week away. A little more research has prepared me to unveil my second attempt at guessing where the top college stars will start their careers whenever the lockout ends.
In case you were curious, here is my first mock draft. A third, and final, mock draft will be out next Thursday.
1. Carolina Panthers: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
2. Denver Broncos: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
3. Buffalo Bills: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
5. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
8. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (predicted trade with Tennessee)
9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
10. Washington Redskins: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
11. Houston Texans: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
12. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
14. Tennessee Titans: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State (predicted trade with St. Louis)
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
17. New England Patriots: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
18. San Diego Chargers: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Muhammed Wilkerson, DE, Temple
22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida
24. New Orleans Saints: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
25. Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
26. Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
27. Atlanta Falcons: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
28. New England Patriots: Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona
29. Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
30. New York Jets: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor
32. Green Bay Packers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
In case you were curious, here is my first mock draft. A third, and final, mock draft will be out next Thursday.
1. Carolina Panthers: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
2. Denver Broncos: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
3. Buffalo Bills: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
5. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
8. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (predicted trade with Tennessee)
9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
10. Washington Redskins: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
11. Houston Texans: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
12. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
14. Tennessee Titans: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State (predicted trade with St. Louis)
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
17. New England Patriots: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
18. San Diego Chargers: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Muhammed Wilkerson, DE, Temple
22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida
24. New Orleans Saints: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
25. Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
26. Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
27. Atlanta Falcons: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
28. New England Patriots: Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona
29. Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
30. New York Jets: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor
32. Green Bay Packers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Take That Canada
The Canadiens choked tonight in a way that I only thought the Bruins were capable of pulling off. Montreal took a 3-1 lead in the second period and a 4-3 advantage in the third but the Bruins kept fighting and eventually won 5-4 in overtime on a Michael Ryder goal.
One of the biggest plays of the night for Boston was Andrew Ference's second period that cut the Canadiens lead to 3-2. Montreal had just rattled off two goals in less than a minute to take command but Ference's blast gave his team a chance.
This series is now tied and is returning to Boston for Game 5 on Saturday. After a choke job like this, I think that the Canadiens are finished.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Random Thoughts (April 20, 2011)
The Celtics have been forced to work their tails off to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series with the Knicks but this is a series that they will win. The problem is that looking forward to the next round, the Celtics do not look like they're playing good enough basketball to beat the Heat.
Jermaine O'Neal's contributions on both ends of the floor have been encouraging and the starters are playing good basketball but the play of the bench has been terrible in the first two games. Jeff Green, Glen Davis, and Delonte West have not played at a high level and Nenad Krstic has been invisible. The Knicks make their run every time the C's go to their bench.
If the Celtics are going to live up to their championship expectations, the bench needs to make positive contributions. The return of a healthy Shaquille O'Neal would be a huge boost but between Green, Davis, West, and Krstic, there is enough talent on the bench to make the diference between an also-ran and a team poised to win a title...
Down 2-1 to the Canadiens, the Bruins face a must win tomorrow night in Montreal.
The Bruins played with a lot of energy in their 4-2 win on Monday but they will need to take better care of the puck and generate (and finish) more scoring opportunities if they are going to advance past the Habs.
It would be nice to see Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton start dominating the area in front of Montreal goalie Carey Price. The biggest advantage the Bruins have in this series is their size and they need to start exploiting that in the offensive end to take control of and ultimately win this series...
The UMass Minutemen will never contend for the National Championship in college football but it is exciting news that they will move up from the FCS (formerly 1-AA) to FBS (formerly 1-A) in the Fall of 2012 and join the competitive Mid American Conference.
Hopefully UMass will follow the lead of UConn, which made the jump over a decade ago and have turned themselves into a very solid program, including a Big East championship in 2010 which included a berth in the Fiesta Bowl.
The Minutemen will play their home games in 2012 and 2013 at Gillette Stadium while McGuirk Stadium, their on-campus stadium, has its seating capacity enlarged. This brief period will make travel difficult for the football team - the round trip ride from Amherst to Foxboro will take at least three hours - but it will allow UMass to expose their football program to the Greater Boston area which will help with recruiting the local FBS talent that Boston College usually taps into.
UMass might not become a regular in BCS bowl games but they should find themselves competing for the MAC championship in a couple of years...
If the NFL solves its labor dispute, the Patriots will open the 2011 season on Monday Night Football in Miami...
Enjoy Carl Crawford today...
Jermaine O'Neal's contributions on both ends of the floor have been encouraging and the starters are playing good basketball but the play of the bench has been terrible in the first two games. Jeff Green, Glen Davis, and Delonte West have not played at a high level and Nenad Krstic has been invisible. The Knicks make their run every time the C's go to their bench.
If the Celtics are going to live up to their championship expectations, the bench needs to make positive contributions. The return of a healthy Shaquille O'Neal would be a huge boost but between Green, Davis, West, and Krstic, there is enough talent on the bench to make the diference between an also-ran and a team poised to win a title...
Down 2-1 to the Canadiens, the Bruins face a must win tomorrow night in Montreal.
The Bruins played with a lot of energy in their 4-2 win on Monday but they will need to take better care of the puck and generate (and finish) more scoring opportunities if they are going to advance past the Habs.
It would be nice to see Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton start dominating the area in front of Montreal goalie Carey Price. The biggest advantage the Bruins have in this series is their size and they need to start exploiting that in the offensive end to take control of and ultimately win this series...
The UMass Minutemen will never contend for the National Championship in college football but it is exciting news that they will move up from the FCS (formerly 1-AA) to FBS (formerly 1-A) in the Fall of 2012 and join the competitive Mid American Conference.
Hopefully UMass will follow the lead of UConn, which made the jump over a decade ago and have turned themselves into a very solid program, including a Big East championship in 2010 which included a berth in the Fiesta Bowl.
The Minutemen will play their home games in 2012 and 2013 at Gillette Stadium while McGuirk Stadium, their on-campus stadium, has its seating capacity enlarged. This brief period will make travel difficult for the football team - the round trip ride from Amherst to Foxboro will take at least three hours - but it will allow UMass to expose their football program to the Greater Boston area which will help with recruiting the local FBS talent that Boston College usually taps into.
UMass might not become a regular in BCS bowl games but they should find themselves competing for the MAC championship in a couple of years...
If the NFL solves its labor dispute, the Patriots will open the 2011 season on Monday Night Football in Miami...
Enjoy Carl Crawford today...
Red Sox vs. Athletics (April 20, 2011)
Red Sox (5-11) @ Athletics (9-8)
SP - Clay Buchholz (0-2, 6.60) vs. Gio Gonzalez (2-0, 0.47)
1. J.D. Drew, RF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, DH
5. Jed Lowrie, 3B
6. Marco Scutaro, SS
7. Carl Crawford, LF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Three Strikes:
1. It's very frustrating to see the Red Sox move to 0-7 on the road to start the season but the good news that came from last night's 5-0 loss was that John Lackey had a very good start, going six innings and allowing just one run on four hits. If Lackey can keep performing like that, this slow start to 2011 will be a distant memory by Memorial Day.
2. Gonzalez is the ninth lefty starter that the Red Sox have faced in 17 games (hat tip to Peter Abraham's pregame notes) which is not helping Adrian Gonzalez, Crawford, and Ellsbury get comfortable at the plate.
3. I like Francona's decision to rest Big Papi against the lefty and to rest Youkilis at DH. This gets Scutaro a start at shortstop while also keeping Jed Lowrie's bat in the lineup.
SP - Clay Buchholz (0-2, 6.60) vs. Gio Gonzalez (2-0, 0.47)
1. J.D. Drew, RF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, DH
5. Jed Lowrie, 3B
6. Marco Scutaro, SS
7. Carl Crawford, LF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Three Strikes:
1. It's very frustrating to see the Red Sox move to 0-7 on the road to start the season but the good news that came from last night's 5-0 loss was that John Lackey had a very good start, going six innings and allowing just one run on four hits. If Lackey can keep performing like that, this slow start to 2011 will be a distant memory by Memorial Day.
2. Gonzalez is the ninth lefty starter that the Red Sox have faced in 17 games (hat tip to Peter Abraham's pregame notes) which is not helping Adrian Gonzalez, Crawford, and Ellsbury get comfortable at the plate.
3. I like Francona's decision to rest Big Papi against the lefty and to rest Youkilis at DH. This gets Scutaro a start at shortstop while also keeping Jed Lowrie's bat in the lineup.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Red Sox vs. Athletics (April 19, 2011)
Red Sox (5-10) @ Athletics (8-8)
SP - John Lackey (1-1, 15.58) vs. Brett Anderson (0-1, 2.29)
1. Jed Lowrie, SS
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Mike Cameron, RF
7. Carl Crawford, LF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Darnell McDonald, CF
Three Strikes:
1. I caught my first game of 2011 at Fenway yesterday - Marathon Monday is a great game to go to when the weather is nice - and I was a little surprised at the anger in the voices of more than a few fans in the Section 14 area. Yes, Crawford is off to a terrible start but he will come out of this slump and when he does, the Red Sox will be a very tough team to beat. I just don't get the hate this early in the season.
I hope those same fans who were killing him yesterday are wearing his J-Shirt during the parade in October.
2. John Lackey should benefit from facing the A's as he is 17-5 with a 2.90 career ERA against the A's and is 8-4, 2.92 in Oakland. However, the ten days rest could be a problem. Lackey is 11-12, 4.49 in 30 career starts with more than six days of rest.
I think that Terry Francona would take a solid six innings with three runs or less from Lackey tonight to get him going in the right direction.
3. Jed Lowrie has taken ownership of the shortstop position and the leadoff spot in the lineup but I hope that Francona can find a place for Marco Scutaro in a super-utility role because he can help this team win games.
SP - John Lackey (1-1, 15.58) vs. Brett Anderson (0-1, 2.29)
1. Jed Lowrie, SS
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Mike Cameron, RF
7. Carl Crawford, LF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Darnell McDonald, CF
Three Strikes:
1. I caught my first game of 2011 at Fenway yesterday - Marathon Monday is a great game to go to when the weather is nice - and I was a little surprised at the anger in the voices of more than a few fans in the Section 14 area. Yes, Crawford is off to a terrible start but he will come out of this slump and when he does, the Red Sox will be a very tough team to beat. I just don't get the hate this early in the season.
I hope those same fans who were killing him yesterday are wearing his J-Shirt during the parade in October.
2. John Lackey should benefit from facing the A's as he is 17-5 with a 2.90 career ERA against the A's and is 8-4, 2.92 in Oakland. However, the ten days rest could be a problem. Lackey is 11-12, 4.49 in 30 career starts with more than six days of rest.
I think that Terry Francona would take a solid six innings with three runs or less from Lackey tonight to get him going in the right direction.
3. Jed Lowrie has taken ownership of the shortstop position and the leadoff spot in the lineup but I hope that Francona can find a place for Marco Scutaro in a super-utility role because he can help this team win games.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Red Sox vs. Blue Jays (April 17, 2011)
Red Sox (3-10) vs. Blue Jays (7-7)
SP - Jon Lester (0-1, 3.72) vs. Jesse Litsch (1-0, 2.38)
1. Carl Crawford, LF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Jed Lowrie, SS
7. J.D. Drew, RF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Three Strikes:
1. I liked Francona's decision to hit Jed Lowrie in the leadoff spot yesterday and I would like to see him keep him there. Carl Crawford will eventually get settled in a Red Sox uniform but I wonder if that process would speed up if he were a little lower in the lineup. I would like to see Crawford hitting fifth, behind Kevin Youkilis and in front of David Ortiz.
2. Josh Beckett is pumping Red Sox Nation full of hope with his last two starts. Having Jon Lester and Beckett as a 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation should be just what the Sox need to break out of their slow start.
3. With the Bruins on the verge of suffering an embarrassing playoff defeat to the Canadiens, the spotlight on the Red Sox will greatly increase so they had better turn things around and get hot quickly.
SP - Jon Lester (0-1, 3.72) vs. Jesse Litsch (1-0, 2.38)
1. Carl Crawford, LF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Jed Lowrie, SS
7. J.D. Drew, RF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Three Strikes:
1. I liked Francona's decision to hit Jed Lowrie in the leadoff spot yesterday and I would like to see him keep him there. Carl Crawford will eventually get settled in a Red Sox uniform but I wonder if that process would speed up if he were a little lower in the lineup. I would like to see Crawford hitting fifth, behind Kevin Youkilis and in front of David Ortiz.
2. Josh Beckett is pumping Red Sox Nation full of hope with his last two starts. Having Jon Lester and Beckett as a 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation should be just what the Sox need to break out of their slow start.
3. With the Bruins on the verge of suffering an embarrassing playoff defeat to the Canadiens, the spotlight on the Red Sox will greatly increase so they had better turn things around and get hot quickly.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Red Sox vs. Blue Jays (April 15, 2011)
Red Sox (2-9) vs. Blue Jays (6-6)
SP - Clay Buchholz (0-2, 7.20) vs. Brett Cecil (0-1, 7.20)
1. Carl Crawford, LF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
8. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
9. Marco Scutaro, SS
Three Strikes:
1. The Red Sox are bound to turn things around from their 2-9 start and I am on board with all the "Hey, it's early" talk but this team needs to get it going quickly before their five game deficit in the A.L. East behind the Yankees turns into double digits.
2. Hopefully the good vibes coming off Adrian Gonzalez' new 7-year/$154-million contract extension will carry over onto the field and the Sox will take at least 3-of-4 from Toronto.
3. When Tom Thibodeou returned to Boston as head coach of the Bulls this winter, the Celtics faithful - myself included - gave him a standing ovation for his contributions as a Celtics assistant coach from 2007 - 2010. I hope that the Sox fans tonight do the same for Toronto's John Farrell, who was an integral part of Terry Francona's staff and is credited with getting the likes of Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz prepared to dominate the big leagues.
SP - Clay Buchholz (0-2, 7.20) vs. Brett Cecil (0-1, 7.20)
1. Carl Crawford, LF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
8. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
9. Marco Scutaro, SS
Three Strikes:
1. The Red Sox are bound to turn things around from their 2-9 start and I am on board with all the "Hey, it's early" talk but this team needs to get it going quickly before their five game deficit in the A.L. East behind the Yankees turns into double digits.
2. Hopefully the good vibes coming off Adrian Gonzalez' new 7-year/$154-million contract extension will carry over onto the field and the Sox will take at least 3-of-4 from Toronto.
3. When Tom Thibodeou returned to Boston as head coach of the Bulls this winter, the Celtics faithful - myself included - gave him a standing ovation for his contributions as a Celtics assistant coach from 2007 - 2010. I hope that the Sox fans tonight do the same for Toronto's John Farrell, who was an integral part of Terry Francona's staff and is credited with getting the likes of Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz prepared to dominate the big leagues.
Random Thoughts (April 15, 2011)
If any team needed two days off, even at this early point in the season, it was the Red Sox. After a disappointing 2-9 start, the Sox were able to regroup and hopefully get themselves on track to live up to their great preseason expectations.
The team is expected to announce today that they have reached a contract agreement with Adrian Gonzalez, who they acquired over the winter from the Padres. Gonzalez has been one of the few standouts for the Red Sox in the first few weeks and hopefully the knowledge that he will be in Boston for the next seven years will give the team an additional boost to get them on a winning streak...
Yes, the Bruins opening game of the playoffs did end in a disappointing 2-0 loss to the Canadiens but one loss does not mean the series is over. I fully expect the B's to bounce back on Saturday in Game 2.
One major problem last night was a lack of scoring chances. The Bruins did fire 31 shots at Carey Price but many of them were directed right at him. Price was excellent all night long but the Bruins never really made him work too hard. To increase their scoring chances on Saturday, I would like to see Claude Julien make Michael Ryder the healthy scratch and insert rookie Tyler Seguin in his place. Seguin only registered 22 points (11 goals and 11 assists) in 74 games this season but he has the ability to create real scoring chances, which the B's desperately need to win this series...
All things considered, I am happy that the Celtics drew the Knicks in the First Round playoff series instead of the 76ers. The Knicks do have a trio of stars that can make life very difficult for opposing defenses but the Celtics will be able to prepare for Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire, and Chauncey Billups and devise a plan to slow them down. The Sixers are a different animal - their youth and athleticism would have caused the Celtics fits over a seven game series, similar to what the Atlanta Hawks did to Boston in the 2008 playoffs.
I think the Celtics will handle the Knicks in five or six games while the Heat will struggle to close out the 76ers...
Enjoy the festivities Michelle and Joe...
The team is expected to announce today that they have reached a contract agreement with Adrian Gonzalez, who they acquired over the winter from the Padres. Gonzalez has been one of the few standouts for the Red Sox in the first few weeks and hopefully the knowledge that he will be in Boston for the next seven years will give the team an additional boost to get them on a winning streak...
Yes, the Bruins opening game of the playoffs did end in a disappointing 2-0 loss to the Canadiens but one loss does not mean the series is over. I fully expect the B's to bounce back on Saturday in Game 2.
One major problem last night was a lack of scoring chances. The Bruins did fire 31 shots at Carey Price but many of them were directed right at him. Price was excellent all night long but the Bruins never really made him work too hard. To increase their scoring chances on Saturday, I would like to see Claude Julien make Michael Ryder the healthy scratch and insert rookie Tyler Seguin in his place. Seguin only registered 22 points (11 goals and 11 assists) in 74 games this season but he has the ability to create real scoring chances, which the B's desperately need to win this series...
All things considered, I am happy that the Celtics drew the Knicks in the First Round playoff series instead of the 76ers. The Knicks do have a trio of stars that can make life very difficult for opposing defenses but the Celtics will be able to prepare for Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire, and Chauncey Billups and devise a plan to slow them down. The Sixers are a different animal - their youth and athleticism would have caused the Celtics fits over a seven game series, similar to what the Atlanta Hawks did to Boston in the 2008 playoffs.
I think the Celtics will handle the Knicks in five or six games while the Heat will struggle to close out the 76ers...
Enjoy the festivities Michelle and Joe...
Thursday, April 14, 2011
NBA Playoff Picks
While I agree with the decision made by Doc Rivers to rest his veteran stars down the stretch in order to make sure that the Celtics were as healthy as possible heading into the playoffs, it has been tough trying to watch Von Wafer and Carlos Arroyo play extended minutes the last few games. My younger brother and his friend won courtside tickets for last night's season finale against the Knicks in a silent auction and his text to me during the game summarized Doc's decision to sit his stars.
"Sasha Pavlovic is worse in person than on television."
Let's all consider ourself lucky that the regular season is over and the playoffs are finally here. The NBA regular season was highly competitive and there are six solid championship contenders - Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Oklahoma City, and San Antonio - as well as a handful of other teams that will make the playoffs very interesting to watch but when the likes of Wafer, Arroyo, and Pavlovic are representing the Celtics, it's time to start the playoffs.
As for the picks...
Eastern Conference First Round
(1) Chicago Bulls over (8) Indiana Pacers
(5) Atlanta Hawks over (4) Orlando Magic
(3) Boston Celtics over (6) New York Knicks
(2) Miami Heat over (7) Philadelphia 76ers
Western Conference First Round
(1) San Antonio Spurs over (8) Memphis Grizzlies
(4) Oklahoma City Thunder over (5) Denver Nuggets
(6) Portland Trailblazers over (3) Dallas Mavericks
(2) Los Angeles Lakers over (7) New Orleans Hornets
Eastern Conference Semifinals
(1) Chicago Bulls over (5) Atlanta Hawks
(3) Boston Celtics over (2) Miami Heat
Western Conference Semifinals
(4) Oklahoma City Thunder over (1) San Antonio Spurs
(2) Los Angeles Lakers over (6) Portland Trailblazers
Eastern Conference Finals
(3) Boston Celtics over (1) Chicago Bulls
Western Conference Finals
(4) Oklahoma City Thunder over (2) Los Angeles Lakers
NBA FINALS
Boston Celtics over Oklahoma City Thunder
Here I go again with being the ultimate homer. In my opinion, if Shaquille O'Neal is healthy enough to give the Celtics 15-20 minutes a night - and I believe that he will be - then Boston is the favorite. Shaq gives the Celtics a presence in the middle that protects the rest of the starters on defense and gives them an easy two points when he catches the ball in the post. Shaq's presence also shores up the deepest bench in the NBA with Glen Davis, Jeff Green, Delonte West, Jermaine O'Neal, and Nenad Krstic. That kind of depth will carry them through the East and past the surprising Thunder to capture Banner 18 for the Garden.
"Sasha Pavlovic is worse in person than on television."
Let's all consider ourself lucky that the regular season is over and the playoffs are finally here. The NBA regular season was highly competitive and there are six solid championship contenders - Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Oklahoma City, and San Antonio - as well as a handful of other teams that will make the playoffs very interesting to watch but when the likes of Wafer, Arroyo, and Pavlovic are representing the Celtics, it's time to start the playoffs.
As for the picks...
Eastern Conference First Round
(1) Chicago Bulls over (8) Indiana Pacers
(5) Atlanta Hawks over (4) Orlando Magic
(3) Boston Celtics over (6) New York Knicks
(2) Miami Heat over (7) Philadelphia 76ers
Western Conference First Round
(1) San Antonio Spurs over (8) Memphis Grizzlies
(4) Oklahoma City Thunder over (5) Denver Nuggets
(6) Portland Trailblazers over (3) Dallas Mavericks
(2) Los Angeles Lakers over (7) New Orleans Hornets
Eastern Conference Semifinals
(1) Chicago Bulls over (5) Atlanta Hawks
(3) Boston Celtics over (2) Miami Heat
Western Conference Semifinals
(4) Oklahoma City Thunder over (1) San Antonio Spurs
(2) Los Angeles Lakers over (6) Portland Trailblazers
Eastern Conference Finals
(3) Boston Celtics over (1) Chicago Bulls
Western Conference Finals
(4) Oklahoma City Thunder over (2) Los Angeles Lakers
NBA FINALS
Boston Celtics over Oklahoma City Thunder
Here I go again with being the ultimate homer. In my opinion, if Shaquille O'Neal is healthy enough to give the Celtics 15-20 minutes a night - and I believe that he will be - then Boston is the favorite. Shaq gives the Celtics a presence in the middle that protects the rest of the starters on defense and gives them an easy two points when he catches the ball in the post. Shaq's presence also shores up the deepest bench in the NBA with Glen Davis, Jeff Green, Delonte West, Jermaine O'Neal, and Nenad Krstic. That kind of depth will carry them through the East and past the surprising Thunder to capture Banner 18 for the Garden.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
NHL Playoffs Picks
It's time to sit back, crack a cold one, and grow out your playoff beards.
I have done my best to avoid being sucked in by the Bruins this winter following their disappointing playoff loss to the Flyers last Spring but after catching their win over the Blackhawks two weeks ago and with a continuation of their blood rivalry with the Canadiens on tap for the first round, they have put their hooks - or, in the case of the Bruins, their claws - back in to me.
A Bruins-Canadiens matchup in the playoffs is reason enough to be excited for the Stanley Cup playoffs but even the most casual of sports fans has to enjoy playoff hockey. The stakes are high every single shift and if a team can play effective two-way hockey and ride the momentum of a hot goalie, they have a shot to have their names immortalized on the Stanley Cup.
As for the picks...
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
(1) Washington Capitals over (8) New York Rangers
(4) Pittsburgh Penguins over (5) Tampa Bay Lightning
(3) Boston Bruins over (6) Montreal Canadiens
(7) Buffalo Sabres over (2) Philadelphia Flyers
Western Conference Quarterfinals
(8) Chicago Blackhawks over (1) Vancouver Canucks
(5) Nashville Predators over (4) Anaheim Ducks
(3) Detroit Red Wings over (6) Phoenix Coyotes
(2) San Jose Sharks over (7) Los Angeles Kings
Eastern Conference Semifinals
(7) Buffalo Sabres over (1) Washington Capitals
(3) Boston Bruins over (4) Pittsburgh Penguins
Western Conference Semifinals
(2) San Jose Sharks over (8) Chicago Blackhawks
(3) Detroit Red Wings over (5) Nashville Predators
Eastern Conference Finals
(3) Boston Bruins over (7) Buffalo Sabres
Western Conference Finals
(2) San Jose Sharks over (3) Detroit Red Wings
STANLEY CUP FINALS
Boston Bruins over San Jose Sharks
(Go ahead, call me a homer. At least I'm a consistent homer!)
I have done my best to avoid being sucked in by the Bruins this winter following their disappointing playoff loss to the Flyers last Spring but after catching their win over the Blackhawks two weeks ago and with a continuation of their blood rivalry with the Canadiens on tap for the first round, they have put their hooks - or, in the case of the Bruins, their claws - back in to me.
A Bruins-Canadiens matchup in the playoffs is reason enough to be excited for the Stanley Cup playoffs but even the most casual of sports fans has to enjoy playoff hockey. The stakes are high every single shift and if a team can play effective two-way hockey and ride the momentum of a hot goalie, they have a shot to have their names immortalized on the Stanley Cup.
As for the picks...
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
(1) Washington Capitals over (8) New York Rangers
(4) Pittsburgh Penguins over (5) Tampa Bay Lightning
(3) Boston Bruins over (6) Montreal Canadiens
(7) Buffalo Sabres over (2) Philadelphia Flyers
Western Conference Quarterfinals
(8) Chicago Blackhawks over (1) Vancouver Canucks
(5) Nashville Predators over (4) Anaheim Ducks
(3) Detroit Red Wings over (6) Phoenix Coyotes
(2) San Jose Sharks over (7) Los Angeles Kings
Eastern Conference Semifinals
(7) Buffalo Sabres over (1) Washington Capitals
(3) Boston Bruins over (4) Pittsburgh Penguins
Western Conference Semifinals
(2) San Jose Sharks over (8) Chicago Blackhawks
(3) Detroit Red Wings over (5) Nashville Predators
Eastern Conference Finals
(3) Boston Bruins over (7) Buffalo Sabres
Western Conference Finals
(2) San Jose Sharks over (3) Detroit Red Wings
STANLEY CUP FINALS
Boston Bruins over San Jose Sharks
(Go ahead, call me a homer. At least I'm a consistent homer!)
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Red Sox vs. Rays (April 12, 2011)
Red Sox (2-8) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (2-8)
The Red Sox have not announced their lineup yet and I will be on my way to The Baseball Tavern in a few minutes but I wanted to provide the pitching matchup and my Three Strikes.
SP - Jon Lester (0-0, 3.65) vs. David Price (0-2, 4.85)
Three Strikes:
1. Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe makes a case for the Red Sox cutting ties with Daisuke Matsuzaka in today's online edition. I agree with Abraham that Matsuzaka needs to find a new home, it has reached a point in Boston where I do not believe he will be able to find consistent success. Every time that Matsuzaka throws a pitch just a few inches off the plate the crowds at Fenway groan in unison and that is not an atmosphere in which a pitcher can find success. I wonder if the San Diego Padres would be able to find a home for Daisuke if Boston absorbed at least half of the remaining $20-million on his contract that runs through next year.
2. I don't understand what the big deal is about Josh Beckett wanting to pitch to Jason Varitek. Yes, Beckett will one day have to find a new catcher and he should get used to Jarrod Saltalamacchia but the numbers (hat tip to Peter Abraham) show that Beckett is a better pitcher with the Red Sox when Varitek is behind the plate as opposed to when he is not. If the Beckett who shut down the Yankees will show up every time Varitek is catching, it's a no-brainer to continue their partnership.
3. In one of the oddest statistical nuggets in baseball, David Ortiz' triple last night made him the only player in the American League with at least one three-bagger for twelve straight years.
The Red Sox have not announced their lineup yet and I will be on my way to The Baseball Tavern in a few minutes but I wanted to provide the pitching matchup and my Three Strikes.
SP - Jon Lester (0-0, 3.65) vs. David Price (0-2, 4.85)
Three Strikes:
1. Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe makes a case for the Red Sox cutting ties with Daisuke Matsuzaka in today's online edition. I agree with Abraham that Matsuzaka needs to find a new home, it has reached a point in Boston where I do not believe he will be able to find consistent success. Every time that Matsuzaka throws a pitch just a few inches off the plate the crowds at Fenway groan in unison and that is not an atmosphere in which a pitcher can find success. I wonder if the San Diego Padres would be able to find a home for Daisuke if Boston absorbed at least half of the remaining $20-million on his contract that runs through next year.
2. I don't understand what the big deal is about Josh Beckett wanting to pitch to Jason Varitek. Yes, Beckett will one day have to find a new catcher and he should get used to Jarrod Saltalamacchia but the numbers (hat tip to Peter Abraham) show that Beckett is a better pitcher with the Red Sox when Varitek is behind the plate as opposed to when he is not. If the Beckett who shut down the Yankees will show up every time Varitek is catching, it's a no-brainer to continue their partnership.
3. In one of the oddest statistical nuggets in baseball, David Ortiz' triple last night made him the only player in the American League with at least one three-bagger for twelve straight years.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Daisuke ... Not So Good
No game preview today and it's a good thing because I would be killing myself right now if I had shown some misplaced confidence in Daisuke Matsuzaka. The Japanese righty has officially imploded, allowing seven runs on eight hits (including two homeruns) in just two innings of work. I would be shocked if Terry Francona stuck with Matsuzaka after tonight's atrocious performance. Anyways, while I'm here, here are the Three Strikes for today:
1. Josh BecKKKKKKKKKKett looked as good as he has since his career defining 2007 season. He had the Yankees baffled all night long with his well placed fastball, sharp curveball, and deceiving changeup. If Beckett can pitch like that, he will give the Red Sox an excellent third starter to go along with Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz. Those kind of nights also make it easier to accept having the mediocre John Lackey in the rotation.
2. Dustin Pedroia's impressive 9-for-13 weekend series against the Yankees reinforces his place as the leader of this team. Pedroia put the offense on his back and also made several spectacular defensive plays at second base to help his team take 2-of-3 from the Yankees.
3. Adrian Gonzalez is settling in nicely and I expect Carl Crawford to do the same during this homestand. The 2-7 start (which will probably be 2-8 by the end of tonight) will soon be a distant memory as long as the pitching does not serve as an anchor.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Red Sox vs. Indians (April 7, 2011)
Red Sox (0-5) @ Cleveland Indians (3-2)
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
4. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
5. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
6. David Ortiz, DH
7. J.D. Drew, RF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Marco Scutaro, SS
SP - Jon Lester (0-1, 8.44)
Three Strikes:
1. Granted it's only after one game but Fausto Carmona's 30.00 ERA gives me hope that this will be the day that the Red Sox offense starts living up to its great potential.
2. Jon Lester has never been a great pitcher in April and he has always struggled in Cleveland (17 earned runs in 22.1 innings) but Red Sox Nation is asking - no, demanding - a great effort out of #31 today.
3. No preview tomorrow or Sunday. I will be slinging cold beers at The Baseball Tavern.
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
4. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
5. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
6. David Ortiz, DH
7. J.D. Drew, RF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Marco Scutaro, SS
SP - Jon Lester (0-1, 8.44)
Three Strikes:
1. Granted it's only after one game but Fausto Carmona's 30.00 ERA gives me hope that this will be the day that the Red Sox offense starts living up to its great potential.
2. Jon Lester has never been a great pitcher in April and he has always struggled in Cleveland (17 earned runs in 22.1 innings) but Red Sox Nation is asking - no, demanding - a great effort out of #31 today.
3. No preview tomorrow or Sunday. I will be slinging cold beers at The Baseball Tavern.
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
2011 NFL Mock Draft
The NFL Draft kicks off three weeks from Thursday and TheBostonInsider has been studying and researching all of the latest news on the top prospects in order to provide an educated guess at how the first round will look.
1. Carolina Panthers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
2. Denver Broncos: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
3. Buffalo Bills: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
5. Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
7. Philadelphia Eagles (acquired from 49ers): Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
10. Washington Redskins: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
11. Houston Texans: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
12. Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
13. Detroit Lions: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
14. St. Louis Rams: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
15. Miami Dolphins: Mke Pouncey, OG, Florida
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
17. New England Patriots: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
18. San Diego Chargers: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
19. New York Giants: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
24. New Orleans Saints: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple
25. Seattle Seahawks: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
26. Baltimore Ravens: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
27. Atlanta Falcons: Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue
28. New England Patriots: Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona
29. Chicago Bears: Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
30. New York Jets: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
32. Green Bay Packers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
1. Carolina Panthers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
2. Denver Broncos: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
3. Buffalo Bills: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
5. Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
7. Philadelphia Eagles (acquired from 49ers): Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
10. Washington Redskins: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
11. Houston Texans: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
12. Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
13. Detroit Lions: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
14. St. Louis Rams: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
15. Miami Dolphins: Mke Pouncey, OG, Florida
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
17. New England Patriots: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
18. San Diego Chargers: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
19. New York Giants: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
24. New Orleans Saints: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple
25. Seattle Seahawks: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
26. Baltimore Ravens: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
27. Atlanta Falcons: Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue
28. New England Patriots: Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona
29. Chicago Bears: Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
30. New York Jets: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
32. Green Bay Packers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Red Sox vs. Indians (April 5, 2011)
Red Sox (0-3) @ Cleveland Indians (1-2)
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
4. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
5. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
6. David Ortiz, DH
7. J.D. Drew, RF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Marco Scutaro, SS
SP - Josh Beckett
Three Strikes:
1. One game after batting Crawford in the seventh spot, Terry Francona has moved his left fielder inbetween Ellsbury and Pedroia. Crawford recorded his first hit and RBI of the season on Sunday so I guess he's done "pressing" at the plate. I believe the team's best lineup would be:
1. Ellsbury, CF
2. Pedroia, 2B
3. Gonzalez, 1B
4. Youkilis, 3B
5. Crawford, LF
6. Ortiz, DH
7. Lowrie, SS
8. Saltalamacchia, C
9. Drew, RF
That would give Francona a bench of Scutaro, Mike Cameron, Jason Varitek, and Darnell McDonald. It would also put Crawford right in the middle of the three best run producers on the team, giving him plenty of opportunities to do damage on the basepaths.
2. So, Josh, here's hoping you look like the 2007 BecKKKKKKKett and not the 2010 Beckett.
3. Josh Tomlin will hopefully be the guy that allows the 2011 Sox offense to take off.
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
4. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
5. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
6. David Ortiz, DH
7. J.D. Drew, RF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Marco Scutaro, SS
SP - Josh Beckett
Three Strikes:
1. One game after batting Crawford in the seventh spot, Terry Francona has moved his left fielder inbetween Ellsbury and Pedroia. Crawford recorded his first hit and RBI of the season on Sunday so I guess he's done "pressing" at the plate. I believe the team's best lineup would be:
1. Ellsbury, CF
2. Pedroia, 2B
3. Gonzalez, 1B
4. Youkilis, 3B
5. Crawford, LF
6. Ortiz, DH
7. Lowrie, SS
8. Saltalamacchia, C
9. Drew, RF
That would give Francona a bench of Scutaro, Mike Cameron, Jason Varitek, and Darnell McDonald. It would also put Crawford right in the middle of the three best run producers on the team, giving him plenty of opportunities to do damage on the basepaths.
2. So, Josh, here's hoping you look like the 2007 BecKKKKKKKett and not the 2010 Beckett.
3. Josh Tomlin will hopefully be the guy that allows the 2011 Sox offense to take off.
Monday, April 04, 2011
Is Game 4 Too Early For A Must Win?
Of course it is. I only posted this video so we could all remember a time when Josh Beckett was a big time pitcher. Let's hope tomorrow night is the beginning of a major comeback for Beckett.
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Shaq Returns ... Then He Gets Hurt Again
Shaquille O'Neal is a major piece of the Celtics championship puzzle so his comeback from an achilles injury tonight after missing more than two months was important news in Boston.
Just a few minutes into his return, Shaq hobbled off the floor with what the team is calling a calf strain. He did not return in the team's 101-90 win over the Pistons.
A healthy Shaq will be needed for the Celtics to navigate their way to a championship. His imposing presence in the paint on both ends of the floor gives the Celtics much needed size and with Kendrick Perkins grabbing rebounds and setting screens in Oklahoma City these days, the Celtics need him to be ready for the playoffs.
A calf strain should only hold Shaq out for about two weeks, so he should be ready for the start of the playoffs at the end of the month. If Shaq is available and ready to contribute, the Celtics will have enough depth and size to get past the Heat, Bulls, and Lakers to win the title.
Red Sox vs. Rangers (April 3, 2011)
Throughout the 2011 season my goal is to blog about the Red Sox on each game day. The topics will include lineups and some random notes about the game.
Red Sox (0-2) @ Texas Rangers (2-0)
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Jed Lowrie, SS
7. Carl Crawford, LF
8. Jarrod Saltalamachia, C
9. Darnell McDonald, RF
SP - Clay Buchholz
Three Strikes:
1. It will be a long summer if the Red Sox go 0-162 but it will be worth following them if David Ortiz hits 162 homeruns
2. Buchholz is coming off a terrific 2010 season (17-7, 2.33 ERA) and Red Sox Nation hopes he picks up where he left off today to get the Sox their first win
3. There is quite a stir on Boston sports radio about Terry Francona's decision to drop Crawford from third to seventh in the lineup but it will only be a temporary measure until Crawford gets settled and stops trying to earn his $142-million contract during each at-bat
Red Sox (0-2) @ Texas Rangers (2-0)
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Jed Lowrie, SS
7. Carl Crawford, LF
8. Jarrod Saltalamachia, C
9. Darnell McDonald, RF
SP - Clay Buchholz
Three Strikes:
1. It will be a long summer if the Red Sox go 0-162 but it will be worth following them if David Ortiz hits 162 homeruns
2. Buchholz is coming off a terrific 2010 season (17-7, 2.33 ERA) and Red Sox Nation hopes he picks up where he left off today to get the Sox their first win
3. There is quite a stir on Boston sports radio about Terry Francona's decision to drop Crawford from third to seventh in the lineup but it will only be a temporary measure until Crawford gets settled and stops trying to earn his $142-million contract during each at-bat
Saturday, April 02, 2011
John Lackey, A (Red Sox) Nation Turns Its Lonely Eyes To You
The great thing about the baseball regular season is that its length makes most games - be it an inspiring victory or a crushing defeat - just another day because in baseball there is almost always another game tomorrow.
That line of thinking will benefit the Red Sox who will not finish 162-0 (but still have a fighting chance to make the playoffs) after yesterday's disappointing 9-5 loss in Texas to the Rangers. Watching Jon Lester and Daniel Bard pitch poorly and seeing Carl Crawford submit a disappointing 0-for-4 (with three strikeouts) was no fun but the beauty of the game is that the Red Sox will take the field again tonight with John Lackey on the mound.
Lackey was the Red Sox major free agent signing before the 2010 season - five years and $82.5 million dollars - and while he was not terrible in his first year in Boston, most people were hoping for better than a 14-11 record and a 4.40 ERA. He gets the opportunity to start 2011 strong against a solid Rangers club that he has struggled with (11-12, 5.74 ERA) during his career.
That line of thinking will benefit the Red Sox who will not finish 162-0 (but still have a fighting chance to make the playoffs) after yesterday's disappointing 9-5 loss in Texas to the Rangers. Watching Jon Lester and Daniel Bard pitch poorly and seeing Carl Crawford submit a disappointing 0-for-4 (with three strikeouts) was no fun but the beauty of the game is that the Red Sox will take the field again tonight with John Lackey on the mound.
Lackey was the Red Sox major free agent signing before the 2010 season - five years and $82.5 million dollars - and while he was not terrible in his first year in Boston, most people were hoping for better than a 14-11 record and a 4.40 ERA. He gets the opportunity to start 2011 strong against a solid Rangers club that he has struggled with (11-12, 5.74 ERA) during his career.
Rodman Earned Enshrinement In Springfield
Dennis Rodman has informed the public that he will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. It is a well deserved honor for a player who emerged as a key member on five teams that won NBA titles after making the NBA as a second round pick from tiny Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
"The Worm" was one of my basketball idols as a young player because like Rodman, I was an undersized forward with an inconsistent jump shot who earned playing time by rebounding and playing defense. Despite the fact that Rodman's skills helped to end the dominance of the Larry Bird and the Celtics, Rodman was always one of my favorite players because he embraced the talents that he possessed and never pretended to be a scorer.
Rodman's defense and rebounding helped the Pistons win titles in 1989 and 1990 before teaming up with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen to win three more championships from 1996-1998. He was a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1990 and 1991) and a two-time NBA All-Star (1990 and 1992). Rodman was also a member of the NBA All-Defensive team eight times (1989-1996) and was an All-NBA 3rd Team performer two times (1992 and 1995).
The Hall of Fame recognition should cement Rodman's legacy as a basketball star instead of the pop culture icon that he became in the 1990's when his legendary partying, multiple hair colors, dozens of piercings and tattoos, choice of clothes (wedding dresses were not out of the question), girlfriends (Madonna and Carmen Electra spent considerable time with Rodman) and professional wrestling career began to overshadow his contributions on the basketball court. The man was a defensive force who led the NBA in rebounding for seven straight years from 1992-1998 and was only 6-7 and 215 pounds. Whatever he did off the court to earn attention could not compare to his exploits in the NBA.
Congratulations Worm.
"The Worm" was one of my basketball idols as a young player because like Rodman, I was an undersized forward with an inconsistent jump shot who earned playing time by rebounding and playing defense. Despite the fact that Rodman's skills helped to end the dominance of the Larry Bird and the Celtics, Rodman was always one of my favorite players because he embraced the talents that he possessed and never pretended to be a scorer.
Rodman's defense and rebounding helped the Pistons win titles in 1989 and 1990 before teaming up with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen to win three more championships from 1996-1998. He was a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1990 and 1991) and a two-time NBA All-Star (1990 and 1992). Rodman was also a member of the NBA All-Defensive team eight times (1989-1996) and was an All-NBA 3rd Team performer two times (1992 and 1995).
The Hall of Fame recognition should cement Rodman's legacy as a basketball star instead of the pop culture icon that he became in the 1990's when his legendary partying, multiple hair colors, dozens of piercings and tattoos, choice of clothes (wedding dresses were not out of the question), girlfriends (Madonna and Carmen Electra spent considerable time with Rodman) and professional wrestling career began to overshadow his contributions on the basketball court. The man was a defensive force who led the NBA in rebounding for seven straight years from 1992-1998 and was only 6-7 and 215 pounds. Whatever he did off the court to earn attention could not compare to his exploits in the NBA.
Congratulations Worm.
Friday, April 01, 2011
Random Thoughts (April 1, 2011)
C.J. Wilson's first pitch is just over an hour away. Terry Francona's lineup on Opening Day will look like this:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Carl Crawford, LF
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
6. David Ortiz, DH
7. Mike Cameron, RF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Marco Scutaro, SS
I was mildly shocked that Francona decided to bat Youkilis cleanup and hit Gonzalez fifth but other than that, there isn't too much to debate about what should be the most prolific lineup in baseball. It could be a long day for Wilson and the defending A.L. Champions...
Rest in Peace, Lou Gorman. The former Red Sox general manager died this morning at the age of 82. Gorman was the Red Sox GM from 1984-1993 and helped build the 1986 A.L. Champions as well as the A.L. East winners in 1988 and 1990.
While one can't ignore his infamous trade of Double-A prospect (and probably future Hall of Fame slugger) Jeff Bagwell for a two-month rental of relief pitcher Larry Anderson in 1990 but that move did propel the Sox into the ALCS...
I'm sticking to my prediction of Butler winning the national championship but there will be no complaints from me regardless of which team wins this weekend.
Jim Calhoun and the UConn Huskies are the local favorite. Calhoun is a Braintree, Massachusetts native and three of his top players - Shabazz Napier, Alex Oriakhi, and Jamaal Coombs-McDaniel - are fellow Bay State products.
John Calipari might be leading Kentucky now but to a fan who was enchanted by the "Anybody, Anyplace, Anytime" UMass teams of the early 1990's, Coach Cal will always be a favorite of mine.
Virginia Commonwealth has no real importance to me but it would be something to see a team that was questioned to even qualify for the "First Four" play-in games advance to this point of the tournament.
As for my pick, the Butler Bulldogs earned my respect last year on their way to the national championship game. I was lucky enough to attend the Final Four last year and the Butler team - and fans - made it a tremendous experience...
Rajon Rondo's 22 points and 14 assists in the Celtics 107-97 win in San Antonio last night should serve as a reminder that the C's are the favorite to win the NBA title in June.
The Celtics are a veteran bunch who grew bored with the last few weeks of the regular season but with the playoffs in their view, they seem to be prepared to turn it on when it counts.
The only negative to come out of last night's win was the knee injury sustained by Nenad Krstic - an MRI tomorrow will reveal the extent of the damage - but a promising return to action by Jermaine O'Neal and the long awaited comeback by Shaquille O'Neal scheduled for Sunday's game against the Pistons should alleviate the fear that Krstic's season is over...
Enjoy Dustin Pedroia today...
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Carl Crawford, LF
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
6. David Ortiz, DH
7. Mike Cameron, RF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Marco Scutaro, SS
I was mildly shocked that Francona decided to bat Youkilis cleanup and hit Gonzalez fifth but other than that, there isn't too much to debate about what should be the most prolific lineup in baseball. It could be a long day for Wilson and the defending A.L. Champions...
Rest in Peace, Lou Gorman. The former Red Sox general manager died this morning at the age of 82. Gorman was the Red Sox GM from 1984-1993 and helped build the 1986 A.L. Champions as well as the A.L. East winners in 1988 and 1990.
While one can't ignore his infamous trade of Double-A prospect (and probably future Hall of Fame slugger) Jeff Bagwell for a two-month rental of relief pitcher Larry Anderson in 1990 but that move did propel the Sox into the ALCS...
I'm sticking to my prediction of Butler winning the national championship but there will be no complaints from me regardless of which team wins this weekend.
Jim Calhoun and the UConn Huskies are the local favorite. Calhoun is a Braintree, Massachusetts native and three of his top players - Shabazz Napier, Alex Oriakhi, and Jamaal Coombs-McDaniel - are fellow Bay State products.
John Calipari might be leading Kentucky now but to a fan who was enchanted by the "Anybody, Anyplace, Anytime" UMass teams of the early 1990's, Coach Cal will always be a favorite of mine.
Virginia Commonwealth has no real importance to me but it would be something to see a team that was questioned to even qualify for the "First Four" play-in games advance to this point of the tournament.
As for my pick, the Butler Bulldogs earned my respect last year on their way to the national championship game. I was lucky enough to attend the Final Four last year and the Butler team - and fans - made it a tremendous experience...
Rajon Rondo's 22 points and 14 assists in the Celtics 107-97 win in San Antonio last night should serve as a reminder that the C's are the favorite to win the NBA title in June.
The Celtics are a veteran bunch who grew bored with the last few weeks of the regular season but with the playoffs in their view, they seem to be prepared to turn it on when it counts.
The only negative to come out of last night's win was the knee injury sustained by Nenad Krstic - an MRI tomorrow will reveal the extent of the damage - but a promising return to action by Jermaine O'Neal and the long awaited comeback by Shaquille O'Neal scheduled for Sunday's game against the Pistons should alleviate the fear that Krstic's season is over...
Enjoy Dustin Pedroia today...
2011 MLB Preview
Despite the snow that is covering the ground in the Greater Boston area that tells me otherwise, the winter season is officially over because at 4pm this afternoon the Boston Red Sox open their 2011 season against the Texas Rangers.
For what it's worth, here is my stab at predicting the outcome and happenings of the 2011 season.
Five Baseless Predictions
1. A second straight disappointing season in Anaheim will put Mike Scoscia's job in jeopardy.
Scoscia is one of the most respected managers in the game but the Angels have not won an American League pennant since their World Series campaign in 2002. Owner Arte Moreno has invested in players that seem to fit Scoscia's system but the results have not led to any championships.
2. Despite having the best rotation in baseball, the Phillies offense will not score enough runs to win the N.L. East or win the N.L. Wild Card.
A pitching rotation of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels is as good as they come but the loss of Jayson Werth in free agency and the knee injury of Chase Utley will cripple the Phillies offense. A solution could be to trade Oswalt for a hitter.
3. Albert Pujols will announce at the All-Star Game that he will remain a Cardinal "for life" on his way to capturing his fourth N.L. MVP.
The great fans of St. Louis have reason to worry that Pujols - who shares the distinction of being the greatest Cardinal along with Stan Musial - will leave at season's end when he becomes a free agent. I don't see it happening. Pujols will submit his usual Hall of Fame caliber numbers and agree to a mega-contract that will not cripple the St. Louis payroll.
4. The Orioles and Blue Jays will show marked improvement but will remain at the bottom of the A.L. East.
Buck Showalter started pointing the Orioles in the right direction at the end of last season and that trend should continue in 2011. John Farrell will do the same in Toronto. The problem is that neither team has the resources to compete with the Red Sox and Yankees this season so they will have to settle for fighting to avoid being in last place this year.
5. Carl Crawford will earn every dime of his $142-million contract with the Red Sox.
Crawford was a major reason why the Rays have been so competitive the last three years and now that he will be playing in a market that will celebrate his talents, he should emerge as one of the game's great stars. Hitting behind Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia and in front of Kevin Youkilis, Adrian Gonzalez, and David Ortiz will give him great opportunities for RBI's and to score bunches of runs.
Division Predictions (* = Wild Card)
A.L. East
1. Red Sox
2. Yankees*
3. Rays
4. Orioles
5. Blue Jays
A.L. Central
1. White Sox
2. Tigers
3. Twins
4. Royals
5. Indians
A.L. West
1. Athletics
2. Rangers
3. Angels
4. Mariners
N.L. East
1. Braves
2. Phillies
3. Nationals
4. Marlins
5. Mets
N.L. Central
1. Brewers
2. Reds
3. Cardinals
4. Cubs
5. Pirates
6. Astros
N.L. West
1. Rockies
2. Giants*
3. Dodgers
4. Diamondbacks
5. Padres
Postseason Predictions
ALDS
Red Sox over Athletics
Yankees over White Sox
NLDS
Rockies over Brewers
Giants over Braves
ALCS
Red Sox over Yankees
NLCS
Giants over Rockies
World Series
Red Sox over Giants
Awards
A.L. MVP - Carl Crawford, Red Sox
N.L. MVP - Albert Pujols, Cardinals
A.L. Cy Young - CC Sabathia, Yankees
N.L. Cy Young - Roy Halladay, Phillies
A.L. Rookie of the Year - Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays
N.L. Rookie of the Year - Brandon Belt, Giants
A.L. Manager of the Year - Terry Francona, Red Sox
N.L. Manager of the Year - Jim Tracy, Rockies
For what it's worth, here is my stab at predicting the outcome and happenings of the 2011 season.
Five Baseless Predictions
1. A second straight disappointing season in Anaheim will put Mike Scoscia's job in jeopardy.
Scoscia is one of the most respected managers in the game but the Angels have not won an American League pennant since their World Series campaign in 2002. Owner Arte Moreno has invested in players that seem to fit Scoscia's system but the results have not led to any championships.
2. Despite having the best rotation in baseball, the Phillies offense will not score enough runs to win the N.L. East or win the N.L. Wild Card.
A pitching rotation of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels is as good as they come but the loss of Jayson Werth in free agency and the knee injury of Chase Utley will cripple the Phillies offense. A solution could be to trade Oswalt for a hitter.
3. Albert Pujols will announce at the All-Star Game that he will remain a Cardinal "for life" on his way to capturing his fourth N.L. MVP.
The great fans of St. Louis have reason to worry that Pujols - who shares the distinction of being the greatest Cardinal along with Stan Musial - will leave at season's end when he becomes a free agent. I don't see it happening. Pujols will submit his usual Hall of Fame caliber numbers and agree to a mega-contract that will not cripple the St. Louis payroll.
4. The Orioles and Blue Jays will show marked improvement but will remain at the bottom of the A.L. East.
Buck Showalter started pointing the Orioles in the right direction at the end of last season and that trend should continue in 2011. John Farrell will do the same in Toronto. The problem is that neither team has the resources to compete with the Red Sox and Yankees this season so they will have to settle for fighting to avoid being in last place this year.
5. Carl Crawford will earn every dime of his $142-million contract with the Red Sox.
Crawford was a major reason why the Rays have been so competitive the last three years and now that he will be playing in a market that will celebrate his talents, he should emerge as one of the game's great stars. Hitting behind Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia and in front of Kevin Youkilis, Adrian Gonzalez, and David Ortiz will give him great opportunities for RBI's and to score bunches of runs.
Division Predictions (* = Wild Card)
A.L. East
1. Red Sox
2. Yankees*
3. Rays
4. Orioles
5. Blue Jays
A.L. Central
1. White Sox
2. Tigers
3. Twins
4. Royals
5. Indians
A.L. West
1. Athletics
2. Rangers
3. Angels
4. Mariners
N.L. East
1. Braves
2. Phillies
3. Nationals
4. Marlins
5. Mets
N.L. Central
1. Brewers
2. Reds
3. Cardinals
4. Cubs
5. Pirates
6. Astros
N.L. West
1. Rockies
2. Giants*
3. Dodgers
4. Diamondbacks
5. Padres
Postseason Predictions
ALDS
Red Sox over Athletics
Yankees over White Sox
NLDS
Rockies over Brewers
Giants over Braves
ALCS
Red Sox over Yankees
NLCS
Giants over Rockies
World Series
Red Sox over Giants
Awards
A.L. MVP - Carl Crawford, Red Sox
N.L. MVP - Albert Pujols, Cardinals
A.L. Cy Young - CC Sabathia, Yankees
N.L. Cy Young - Roy Halladay, Phillies
A.L. Rookie of the Year - Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays
N.L. Rookie of the Year - Brandon Belt, Giants
A.L. Manager of the Year - Terry Francona, Red Sox
N.L. Manager of the Year - Jim Tracy, Rockies
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