Celtics Outlook

Just under a week removed from the Boston Celtics coming up short in its first NBA Finals appearance in 12 seasons the New England sports world is torn. On one hand you have fans who think the season was a success. Look how far they came since they turned it around in January and had a remarkable comeback. They came withing 2 games of winning an NBA Finals. On the other hand fans are mad about blowing a 2-1 lead in the finals and losing 3 straight to let the title slip through their fingers.

I've had some time to process the end result. I am of the belief celebrating a "successful season" that ended in a collapse as bad as theirs was is just giving the team excuses they do not need. It is widely believed that Jayson Tatum is the best player on the team. I am in the minority who say Jaylon Brown is better. Brown showed up for the finals where as Tatum rode in the back seat. The supposed top 5 or top 10 player did his best impression of a magician when he disapeared in several games not just in the Finals but throughout the playoffs. He had a poor shooting percentage from inside the arc and set an all-time record for most turnovers by a player in the playoffs. Those who know me would say I've been on the TTT express (Trade Tatum Train) for a couple of years now. My roommate dubbed him "Jayson Trad'em" based on my opinion. With that being said I will try to leave my bias aside. It's no secret that Tatum has tremendous potential. He's naturally gifted with most traits you need to succeed in the NBA. The question is how bad does he want it and by it I mean winning championships not just good stats and ridiculous amounts of money. I think the best thing for the Celtics is for Tatum to deal with all the critisism he deserves for his bad performance in the biggest games of his career to this point. He needs this to drive him. What he doesn't need is for everyone to make excuses such as "oh he's still young" or "oh he played too many playoff minutes." I don't know about you but that sounds contradictory to me. How can he still be young but still play too much that he ran out of gas? Pick one or none at all. To me 5 years in the NBA which he was annointed as a future superstar from his  rookie year is not too young. By now he should play more consistantly than he does. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH it's time for Tatum to show what he is or isn't. If he's a top 5 player then he needs to play like a top 5 player all year including the playoffs. If he's not then he's not and then the Celtics know he isn't the one to build around.

I'll leave you all with this to think about. Jaylon Brown had 34 points 7 rebounds and 3 assists in the final game. He clearly was the best Celtic in that game and the series only having one poor game. If the names were flipped you bet your bottom dollar the narrative would be Tatum needs help... well looks like it's Brown that may need the help. You won't hear that from experts though because for reasons I still cannot fathom, the NBA is dead set on marketing Tatum as a superstar. Brown is made out to be an afterthought in Boston and league wide. Brown's contract is up soon, he just hired Kanye West's sports agency. I hate to say it but the Celtics are in serious danger of losing a player which they take for granted. Unless the status quo changes and Brown recieves some of the respect he deserves, he should walk and he will walk. By the time the Celtics fanbase realizes what they had, Brown will be playing for another team. I can see the Mavericks being a fit. Pair him up with a legit top five player in Luka Doncic and the Dallas is an instant title contender. 

First Win

They couldnt have asked for a better start. The New England Free Jacks kicked off their innagural season with a bang. New England got off to a hot start with their winger scoring the first of many trys for the franchise. The second try was not far behind when a booming kick had the perfect bounce off the cross bar and into the free jacks arms. New York answered with a dominant maul and conversion to get on the board. The Free Jacks ended the half strong when their fullback rolled in off a tackle to make it 22 -7.

The second half took a little longer for the Free Jacks to score but they did so with a beautiful long pass to the edge where the fullback Waaka scored his second try of the match. They continued their dominance when Waaka chipped over the defense and the support took it in for the try. The final had the Freejacks topping the Roosters by a score of 34-14.

New England came in as the newer team since New York started their franchise last season. It comes as a surprise that the Freejacks were able to win with ease. Its a good sign of things to come but lets not get carried away its a long season they've won nothing yet but its a good start. 

Superbowl LIV Prediction

The NFL season is coming to a close. Superbowl 54 is just 1 weeks away. The top NFC defense San Fransisco 49ers are set to be the home team in Miami vs the the high flying Kansas City chiefs offense. With all championship games the story lines are abundant. 49ers have the aging top corner Richard Sherman's remarkable comeback after an achiles tear that was thought to have derailed his career just 2 years ago. A former backup to Tom Brady, Jimmy Garropollo getting his own chance to win his own ring and a head coach who can earn a Superbowl victory just like his father. The Cheifs have a pheonom Quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, trying to follow up an mvp season that came just short of the big game with a season ending in victory. The Head coach who is arguably the best to never win a superbowl can finally get that monkey off his back. A victory for the Cheifs would mark 50 years since their only championship in Superbowl 4. What a way for the 100th season to end with that symetry.

It'll come down to experience. The Niners have the edge with Kyle Shanahan, Richard Sherman, Emmanuel Sanders and Jimmy Garropollo all having superbowl experience. All of whom were vicrotious aside from Shanahan. A big factor in achieving success in the Superbowl is managing all of the distractions that come with Superbowl week. The media frenzy and the many requests from family and friends to hook them up with tickets are mentally exhausting for players. Those who have been there before know what to expect and have a better chance of managing. Andy Reid has lost a Superbowl as the head coach of the Eagles. Another person with experience is Terrell Suggs who won eith the Ravens in superbowl 47.

The 49ers not only have a great defense but their offense is very good. Their Run game against a medicro Cheifs run defense should be the decided not only by running but with play action as well. Raheem Mostart romminated the Packers in the NFC championship so the Cheifs will have that in mind when game planning. Shannahan is a great offensive mind and he'll use this as an advantage in the passing game. Look for the Niners to win and don't be surprised when Emmanuel Sanders wins mvp. Kittle is going to command alot of attention and Deebo Samuel has been balling out. Sabders has been quiet lately but hes a big game player and he's been there before. Sanders is a free agent this offseason so you better believe he's gonna put on a showcase for any teams interested in him. 

More than a Game

It wont come as a shock to most of you when I say sports are my passion. They have been the constant in my life that has gotten me through the good times and the bad. On the other hand I know that many people find them stupid or pointless and I respect their opinions but I also think they just havent seen sports in a similar light as I have.  

Sports serve many purposes. They are great methods of exercise and help athletes live healthy lifestyles. They give people a sense of confidence that they may not have had prior to playing sports. They serve as a way to socialize. Most importantly they can help us through very difficult tikes in our lives. 

I used to be a very shy person. Having conversations with people i didnt know very well was nearly an impossible task. Funny enough though as soon as sports were mentioned I broke out of that shell and talked about sports with anyone and everyone as if I knew them well. Just the topic of sports brightened up my mood and gave me the confidence to talk. When I would have alot on my mind and life got tough I turned to sports. Whether it was going for a run to shooting hoops on the court or kicking a rugby ball, sports helped me clear my mind everytime.  

The world has turned to sports in times of conflict. In South Africa the Rugby World cup served as a way to unite the nation when Apparteid had the country divided. 
The Saints first game back after Hurricane Katrina electrified the city that was underwater just months before. The Red Sox rallied around the city of Boston amd won the World Series after the Marathon Bombing. Mike Piazza hit a homerun in New York after the 9/11 tragidies. The lost goes on and on. Sports have the ability to change the moods of a large group of people and help them take a step back from whatever adversity they are facing and just relax and enjoy the entertainment they feel so passionately about.  

Athletes like many celbrities have the power to make someones day with just a simple act. Whats just a few seconds of their time can make someones world a whole lot brighter. Theres something about feel good sports stories that hits me on an emotional level more than any other subject does. I think this video gives a brief glimpse of why sports are amazing. 

Attached is a video of a Little boy named Josiah Vierra who inspired me. He was just a little kid faced with a 1 and a million challenge who just wanted to do was play baseball. 

https://youtu.be/IffZ2UyofZA

Where in the World will Tom Brady Go

The Patriots season is over after falling short to the "Patriots of the South" the Tennesee Titans Saturday Night. The Titans lead by a bruising running attack from Derrick Henry ran through the Patriots top ranked defense like the koolaid man bursts through a wall. This wasnt just a loss to end the season it was a loss that had made everyone question if the 20 year dynasty is over. 

Tom Brady is a free agent for the first time in his first ballot hall of fame career and many think he will depart foxboro and play for another team. This idea has been building all season long since Brady negotiated his contract to void following the 2019 season and did not allow the Patriots to franchise tag him. So what teams are possibilities for Brady to play for? 

Well the list is not as long as you'd think. Alot of factors come into play. First and foremost does Brady think he can win a chamionship. This is huge. The Patriots have been superbowl contender ever since Bradys first year as a starter. Brady has never had a losing season as a starter. He's not going to go to a team that has a losing culture. That takes out Miami who many have rumored him being interested in. 

He needs to trust his offensive line. This rules out the LA Chargers. They couldnt protect Philip Rivers all season long. Rivers rarely had the time needed to throw which resulted in him rushing his decisions and turning the ball over in crunch time. 

He has to get along with the coach. This rules out the Los Vegas Rams. I just don't see Brady and Jon Grudens personalities meshing. 

Jerry Jones interfering with football operations in Dallas is the only reason Brady needs to avoid Dallas. 

Bradys going to asses all his options and feel the love that free agents get he'll feel appreciated and leverage the Patriots for a 2 or 3 year contract. He's going to finish out his career as a Patriot and he and Belichick will continue to chase that elusive 7th ring. 

If you think he's going to retire now after his final throw was a pick six then you clearly don't know Thomas Edward Patrick Brady. He's just too much a competator to go out like that. 

On a related note don't be surprised if Phillip Rivers plays for Tampa Bay next season. 

Unlikely World Series

          The MLB season is nearing the end and with it has come a unlikely finale.  Just about everyone expected either the Yankees or Astros would represent the American League. The have been the two best teams in the league all season long so its not a surprise to anyone that Houston is in the World Series for the second time in three years.  The National League is not such the case.  The Los Angeles Dodgers were penciled in to win the NL pennant since early May.  When the Dodgers lost to the Washington Nationals in the NLDS is was a surprise to most in the baseball community including Nationals fans.  The Nats rolled over the St Louis Cardinals who looked lethargic while being swept.  All of a sudden MLB fans all over have gotten behind the Nationals in this improbable underdog story.  

          The Astros were home the first two games of the World Series with their two best and arguable the top two AL Cy Young leaders took the mound.  To everyone shock the Nationals won both on the road. Game two turned into a beat down that left the Houston crowd silent.

          Are we going to see the first World Series sweep since the 2012 Detroit Tigers?

Everything in me wants to say no, The Astros are just too good and fully capable of forcing this to game Seven. There’s too much talent and veteran experience.  All of this is true but the Nationals have been doubted all post season and all the have done is win.  The crowd in Washington will be electric and the nationals are on fire. In a matchup between two pitchers who no longer rely on high velocity instead they utilize accuracy and change in speeds, Anabel Sanchez and Zack Greinke face off.  This might just be the best pitching matchup of the series.  Will Greinke put the team on his back and give Houston life or will Sanchez outduel the former Cy Young winner and keep the fire going?

Rugby in America

Why isn’t rugby popular in America?

Since the Rugby world cup was founded in 1987  the United States has participated in 8 of 9 tournaments. The results?  Terrible. America has yet to advance to a knockout stage. We are lucky if we muster up one win in pool play.  America has the best athletes in the world.  We are competitive in the olympic sports that we don’t already dominate in. We’ve even had recent success in sports like cross country skiing and curling which we historically have failed in. So why not Rugby? 

The answer is simple. Lack of exposure and fear for safety. 

Im currently watching the Rugby World Cup but I’m sure many of you had no idea its going on. A major sports tournament like this should have the country buzzing but while everyone sleeps in America, On the other side of the globe in Japan the atmosphere is electric. And when the games are replayed they’re on during the drive home from work. Unlike the Soccer World Cup where all the games are on cable or network television, If you want access to all the rugby matches NBC requires a you to pay for their NBC sports gold streaming service.  How can the sport be expected to grow if avid sports fans who aren’t familiar with it are expected to pay extra to see it? 

• Safety in sports has become highlighted in recent years. Football stars like Gronk And Patrick Willis retired in their prime from fear of longterm effects concussions and other injuries may cause. To prevent head injuries, more parents aren’t allowing their children to play football. Even some great NFL players have said they don’t want their kids to grow up and play the game that made them rich and famous. Yet when you mention rugby to a casual sports fan they will probably tell you that it’s more dangerous than football. That’s  where there is a disconnect. People think that no pads means when you get hit you’re going to automatically break something. Not true. No pads and the pace of play almost eliminates the possibility of a full speed collision in a rugby match. Players don’t have free space like a safety running full speed at a a receiver ready to launch themselves headfirst at them as soon as they catch the ball. This isn’t just because there are no pads but the fact that the pace of play is like soccer and its constantly moving for two 40 minute halves the only time theres an opportunity to for a water break is after a score or during an injury time out or substitution. Rugby players don’t lead with their unprotected heads and its a penalty to tackle above the shoulders. 

There is hope. Major League Rugby is entering its third season and with it they have expanded to 12 teams. major sports regions on the East Coast have joined and with it the fan base and understanding for the great sport should grow. It’s a step in the right direction. A step which I believe is the foundation to a sports that will be a staple of American sports in the 20 years. 

Do yourselves a favor and check out some rugby on television or youtube and see what the great sport you’ve been missing out on all your lives. 

Say it Ain’t so Giancarlo

I woke up to a text from my friend saying the Yankees got Giancarlo Stanton yesterday. My initial reaction was disbelief but I looked it up and sure enough it was legit. It’s news that makes Red Sox fans nauseous. I’m just looking at it and seeing the Yankees didn't give up top prospects or vital players from their roster, and they didn’t even take the entire contract. So this makes me wonder how the Red Sox could allow this to happen. Reports say that Stanton was not interested in a trade to Boston but maybe thats because the Red Sox interest in trading for him was “tepid” or maybe it’s because he last few years the Red Sox organization has had sole bad publicity. Whatever the reason nothing can be done about it now. Stanton is a Yankee and RedSox Nation can kiss their World Series hopes good bye for the next few years right? 

Before everyone decides to give up before the season even starts the Red Sox need to counter the Stanton acquisition with some moves of their own.  

Sign Eric Hosmer: He’s a gold glove 1st baseman who’s left handed swing can benefit from playing in Fenway Park half of the season. An important note about Hosmer is that he’s a character guy in the clubhouse. Thats something the Red Sox desperately need. The more they can counter the poor leadership of David Price the better. 

Sign Jake Arrieta. The rotation can benefit from Arrieta and it’ll put less pressure on an unstable David Price. In a perfect world the Sox would trade Price but that doesn’t seem like it’ll happen until he decides to opt out after the season. 

Sign Carlos Gonzalez: The left handed slugger is coming off one of his worst seasons and is a candidate to replace the role Chris Young filled the last two years. Cargo’s swing is perfect for Fenway and he’s a great defensive outfielder who can play all three positions and DH when he has to. The flexibility he can bring and his motivation to perform to earn a big contract should fit well. 

Sign Chase Utley, Utley: is a veteran well respected player who can start at 2nd base while Dustin Pedroia recovers from surgery.  Utley can revert back to a bench player when Pedroia comes back. The almost 40 year old should benefit from the rest. His experience in the post season will be vital if and when the Red Sox back it to October baseball. 

Add pieces to the bullpen. There are plenty of bullpens arms in free agency so build it up in case they have to rely on it to win. 

As you can see I don’t want the Red Sox to trade for anyone now that Stanton is off the table. These additions should fill the holes that are needed and wont break the bank. This will allow them to make a run at both Bryce Harper and Manny Machado among others in the next year’s loaded off season. 

Oh one more thing. 

DON’T SIGN JD MARTINEZ.  Just Dont! 

He’s 30 and wants $25 mil a year for a rumored 7 or 8 years. That’s just a Carl Crawford/Pablo Sandoval type contract waiting to happen. 

Pricey Situation

The Red Sox are in danger of mimicking their epic collapse they had at the end of the 2011 season. That's right I said it. You might think that's coming out of left field but it's one of the first things I thought of when Dan Shaughnessy's wrote the details of the confrontation between Multi-time All-Star pitcher David Price and Hall of Fame pitcher and current team broadcaster Dennis Eckersley.  It was reported at the time that Price yelled at Eckersley on the team plane about comments he thought were too harsh. Now with Shaughnessy's article the dirt has been revealed. Price waited for Eckersley to board to embarrass Eck in front of the entire team to which many players reportedly applauded Price. 

The other big thought I had was ship Price out. With the trade deadline approaching and the timing of childish outbursts from Price being reported it would be irresponsible of Dombrowski if he didn't at least see what kind of value trading David Price would bring. After starting the season on the disabled list Price has been pitching well of late. He's a former Cy Young winner and only a couple season removed from being one of the league's best pitchers so he does have value. His contract is bad but his attitude is worse and getting rid of that attitude that belongs to the leader of the clubhouse is the best option at this point. The clubhouse is full of young impressionable players who seem to be learning how to be a professional from Price, and that is sad.  Oh but they need him for the playoffs right? Yeah they do... I mean they would if he actually could perform well in the playoffs. Considering he has no success as a starter in his playoff career. This is a case of addition by subtraction. The kind of attitude that Price has is not the kind that winners have. If you think chicken and beer was pathetic wait till we see what happens if Price is still the leader when the intensity of a pennant race in September is too difficult.

Celtics, What Will They Do Next?

It has been an exciting offseason for the Celtics. They have been involved in trade talks for Jimmy Butler and Paul George which ultimately didn't work out but they signed top free agent Gordon Hayward while still hanging out to their lottery picks next year. A team lead by Isaiah Thomas, Gordon Hayward and Al Horford should be good enough to make the Eastern Conference Finals again and give the Cavs a good series, maybe even win and go to the NBA Finals. That's encouraging however I think something bigger can happen.

If I'm the Celtics I would trade draft Picks Jae Crowder Al Horford to New Orleans for Anthony Davis and money to match. Then next off season Sign Paul George. Its been clear that Paul George wants to go to LA when his contract is up but he also wants to be on a contender. I don't see the Lakers or Clippers being in a better situation to compete for a title than Boston as early as next year. The Lakers are young and inexperienced and the competition in the West is far superior to the East. It has also been reported that George wants to play with Hayward. A core of Thomas, Hayward, George and Davis with young players like Brown, Smart and Tatum. Thats a team that will be a serious title contender in the present and future. 

Thank You, Bradley

As you all have probably heard by now the Celtics longest tenured player Avery Bradley will be traded to Detroit.  Bradley is due for a huge payday at the end of the next season and the Celtics likely were not going to be able to provide him that. Bradley was a fan favorite and one of the best players on the team for the same reasons. He gave 100% effort from the moment he came into the league. He made a name for himself by harassing everyone he had to guard regardless of the scoreboard. He improved his game every season of his career with the Celtics starting from being just a pesky defender to and elite defender and improved shooter. Last season he was one of the go to guys on the team that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. 

His leadership and tenacity will sure be missed in Boston. Thank you Bradley, best of luck the rest of your Career. 

"Betrayward" (fair or not)

Gordon Hayward has decided to sign with the Boston Celtics...Or has he? Wait yes he has. Yesterday was a wild day of controversy over his decision being leaked before he and his agent had a chance to break the news the way they had intended. Ultimately Gordon Hayward officially announced his decision with an open letter to Utah on the Player's Tribune.  The majority of the letter was Hayward thanking Utah for everything from their fandom to watching him grow up both basketball wise but more importably as a person. He thanked ownership and various coaches. It was a heartfelt message to the city and the Jazz organization. 

It was a classy way to go out. It's respectable. As far as leaving the organization who drafted you goes he did it better than I can think of. It showed he cared. 

That doesn't seem to matter to Utah fans though. At 4th of July Barbecues Jazz fans swapped their marshmallows for their Hayward jerseys and roasted them over the open fire calling him Betrayward. 

I never really understood the reasoning to burning jerseys when players leave your team. However as far as that goes this isn't a case you should do it. He didn't dis the city and he didn't leave without explanation. He didn't have to say anything yet he said just about everything.  Burning his jersey says a lot more about the Jazz fans than leaving says about Hayward. 

NBA FINALS GAME 3

The NBA Finals shifts to the Cleveland for game 3 tonight. Down no games to two the Cavs must defend home court to avoid being swept. If the Cavs do get swept the consensus best player on the planet LeBron James would have a Finals record of 3-5 with 2 of the 5 series losses being in the form of a sweep. 

Whatever excuses Lebron fans want to make, it's still a bad look on his legacy. In the NBA going to that many finals is a big accomplishment but considering a player on a basketball team plays a more important role than a singular player in any other major sport. If this happens LeBron supporters would say the Warriors are just too good to beat. Maybe in terms of the series yes that argument is passable though it's still excuse making. When it comes to being swept there are no excuses. The Cavs and Warriors were destined to meet in the finals since before the season started. There's no reason the Cavs can't at least make it interesting. If they don't it may be a knock on LeBron's legacy that he won't be able to bounce back from in the discussion of the greatest player of all time. 

As far as the quality of the series, it has been uncompetitive and boring to watch. This is especially bad because the playoffs have been just a path for both to blow their way through to crash into each other. That's a good not great storyline but if the finals continues to be pointless to watch because games are over by the start of the fourth, that good story holds no reader's (viewer's in the cases) attention. 

Do you remember that word problem where the two trains are traveling at 100 miles per hour on course to intercept one another, when will they collide? At this point The Cavs' train will be parked at the station in Cleveland at roughly midnight eastern time Friday into Saturday defenseless when the inevitable Warrior train rams not just into but through the Cavs'. 

As a fan of sports who can't decide who to root for I sincerely hope this doesn't happen. It's bad for the sport and it's bad for the enjoyment of the unbiased fan watching.  Thus far the Cavs' train has shown no signed of starting up but only time can tell. 

Sweet Sixteen

Let the madness begin… again!  The NCAA Men’s basketball tournament is back tonight for the start of the sweet sixteen. The tournament started with a first round that gave us fewer upsets than are usual.  The seemingly quite weekend got a big jolt that shocked the world as defending national champions Villanova was taken out by Wisconsin.  Brackets were indeed busted as many picked Villanova to repeat as champions.  The weekend’s carnage of heavy favorites did not end there.  Before the sweet sixteen was set Duke, Louisville and Florida State would be sent back to campus with nothing but “what ifs” and disappointment. 

                                This round I think the trend of upsets will keep going.  West Virginia and their suffocating press defense should give Gonzaga a real test, one I don’t think the Bulldogs will overcome.  Purdue lead by double-double machine Caleb Swanigan takes on number one seeded Kansas.  This is an interesting one.  Before the tournament started not much was said about the Boilermakers. As the tournament played out it was clear that they belong.  Look for Purdue to keep the bracket shattering storyline going.  Michigan just might be the Cinderella story of the this year.  It’s hard to call them that because Michigan is usually a powerhouse but the didn’t have a typical year and their plane almost crashed during their conference tournament and since they have rallied together and played the best they have this season.  I think they will be too much for Michigan to handle.  To round the night up the Arizona plays big underdog Xavier.  Xavier is a team that has experience in the tournament and Arizona is known to lose earlier than expected.  I think this game will go down to the last few minutes with Arizona finding a way to hang on and advance to the elite eight. 

  

Let's Keep this in Vegas

Last night's elation turns to today's sorrow.  The USA Eagles follow up their unbelievable comeback with a performance that left the crowd wondering what happened.  USA got off to a tremendous start against heavy favorite South Africa.  Folau Niua played the wind perfectly on his restart kicks that drifted back to his team. USA scored quickly off of the opening kick off. They followed up with another textbook kick into the wind which again found it's way back to the eagles.  USA went up 12-0 and it seemed as though they would carry that momentum into halftime.  Not the case at all.  USA got sloppy and managed to squander the big lead to end the half 12-10.  The second half was back and fourth but the Eagles still had a chance to win it on a last second try.  Back in their own D zone with possession Madison Hughes took a risk by kicking it deep for Perry Baker to track down.  Unfortunately for Hughes and the Eagles the wind had different plans and the ball sailed out to touch. USA had another last chance when they stole the South Africa line out but with time expired they lost the ball and with it their chance to play in the finals.  It'll be interesting to see how the Eagles bounce back as they are set to face the New Zealand All Blacks in bronze medal match.   South Africa is on to battle defending Olympic gold medalists Fiji, who made a  comeback of their own to defeat the All Blacks in the semi finals. 

Eagles Keep Flying

WHAT A COMEBACK!  After starting off the match miserably USA found themselves down early in the second half of their quarterfinal match 19-0.  The Eagles rally was sparked by two consecutive tries by newly substituted Maka Unafe.  Captain Madison Hughes Converted the drop kick after from a tough angle despite heavy winds.  Down 19-14 Speedster Perry Baker flew past Argentina's defense to score the go ahead try right between the posts.  Hughes converted to go up 21-19 but there was still time left on the clock.  Argentina gained possession and were driving down the pitch after time expired.  With their backs against the wall the Eagles made a terrific defensive stand to seal the victory and advance to the semifinals of the Las Vegas tournament.

The question is did you watch?  I certainly hope so, it was as thrilling as any 7 minutes can be.  Rugby is a beautiful game.  A sport that in recent years has gained exposure in the States.  The Sevens variety is more popular than 15s.  Rugby puts on display a combination of brute strength complimented by some of the fastest athletes in the world. It requires physical and mental endurance along with intelligence. For those not familiar with rugby, it may seem like just athletes without a helmet or pads running into each other full speed ahead.  Though that does happen it's so much more than that.  Ask yourself this, what other sport will a referee tell a 6'5" 250 pound grown man to serve a penalty and the player's response is "Sorry Sir" before sprinting over to the sin bin?  Don't take my word for it, see for yourself tomorrow as USA plays for a chance to make the finals.  I think you'll like what you see.

Thank You Nava

             As improbable a career as it gets.  Daniel Nava stepped in to the batters box in his Major League Debut against the Phillies in June of 2010.  With the bases loaded Nava took the very first pitch deep. Grand Slam! from that day on Nava was a fan favorite in Red Sox nation. 

             Since then Nava went up and down between the bigleagues and triple A.  His best season by far was 2013. Nava played the majority of the season and at times was the best player for the Red Sox.  He played a big role in the teams success that ended in a World Series Championship.
           
             Nava has always been the underdog.  In college he didn't make the baseball team and transferred to a school that gave him a shot at playing.  After college he played baseball in an independent league where he was acquired by the Boston Red Sox Organization. 

            Today the Tampa Bay Rays claimed him off of waivers from the Red Sox.  I for one will be rooting for Nava and I'm sure alot of Red Sox nation will do the same. 

            His perseverance and heart is a reflection of what  makes sports so great.  It's not always the athletes with the most God given ability and talent that make an impact, the grinders who are tenacious succeed too.  Nava is an inspiration to anyone who has ever been told they cant; Nava has proven he can. 

Zach Grenkie

43 2/3… This is a lot more than a number.  As many of you may know the meaning of this number is the amount of consecutive innings Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Zach Grenkie has pitched without allowing a run.  It’s also a symbol of the recognition Grenkie is finally receiving.

  In 2002 Grenkie was selected by the Kansas City Royals with the 6^th pick in the first round straight out of high school.   In 2006 he took a year off of baseball due to a social anxiety disorder.  Many people including Grenkie, thought his career would be over.  Grenkie was able to overcome his anxiety and rejoined the Royals in 2007.  He won the American league Cy Young award in 2009. 

A huge contract such as Grenkie’s $20 Million + a year can get in the head of athletes and affect their ability to play to their potential.  It’s kind of funny how it hasn’t for Grenkie considering his personal obstacles.  Nope not Grenkie, he has arguable been the best pitcher in baseball since signing the deal with the Dodgers in 2013.  He is doing all of this as a player who plays the most mental position in the most mental sport. 

Grenkie’s scoreless innings streak is impressive and he deserves all the credit and recognition he is receiving.  The most impressive part about it though, is the adversity he has had to fight through on his way to where he is today.  That is what makes him inspiring.   

NFL Mock Draft

I gave it a shot last year so I'll do it again. My mock draft for the NFL 2015 draft picks is...

1. Jameis Winston -Tampa Bay

2. Leonard Williams - Tennessee

3. Amari Cooper - Jacksonville

4. Kevin White - Oakland

5. Marcus Mariota - Washington

6. Shane Ray - New York Jets

7. Robert Gregory - Chicago

8. Vic Beasley - Atlanta

9.   Dante Fowler Jr. - New York Giants

10. DeVante Parker - St. Louis

11.  Todd Gurley - Minnesota

What. A. Game.

They'll be partying in Kansas City tonight.  A game with expectations for a pitcher's duel has become a classic give and take by both teams.  For the first time since 1985 the Kansas City Royals are in the playoffs and they cashing in.  Down 7-3 in the eight the Royals relentless offense with the help of speed and some small ball tied it up in the 9th.

In the tenth inning the Royals trust a just drafted pitcher out of college in a pressure filled situation and he nails it. Finnegan pitched a 1.2.3 tenth, scoreless 11th before being relieved in the 12th.  Oakland Scored in the 12th but the Royals refused to quit.  Eric Hosmer hit a one out triple and then scored the tying run.  Later in the inning catcher Salvador Perez, previously 0-5 hits one down the third base line driving in the winning run.

THANK YOU CAPTAIN

"NOW BATTING FOR THE NEW YORK YANKEES, THE SHORTSTOP, NUMBER 2 DEREK JETER... NUMBER 2"- Bob Sheppard

An entrance that won't happen again…

 

In his final at bat at Yankee Stadium he went out in style.  He walked off in the bottom of the ninth.  It was a perfect ending to his last ever home-stand.  In his last at bat, on the road at Fenway Park vs. the Yankees’ arch rival Boston Red Sox, Jeter hit a classic Derek Jeter hit, an infield single which he legged out and drove in an RBI. He left to a standing ovation and chants of his name by the Fenway Faithful.  Truly a classy end to a career that never lacked in class.  

Before the game the Red Sox honored Jeter with former Red Sox greats, Former Celtic Paul Peirce, Former Patriot Troy Brown, and Bruins Legend Bobby Orr.  My favorite part however was when Pete Frates, creator of the famous ALS ice bucket challenge, was honored as well.  He thanked Jeter for participating in and spreading awareness to the ice bucket challenge and ALS.  It was a cool moment especially considering Frates was a baseball player for Boston College before he was diagnosed. The Sox ended the ceremony by giving Jeter a piece of the Green Monster which read RE2PECT.  A word that along with class defined his career.  He played with class and respect.

In an age where many athletes are just about the money, and winning isn't everything. Jeter gave it all every single time he stepped on the diamond.  He was the leader of one of the most historic sports franchises and helped the Yankees win five World Series titles. He was a perfect example for young baseball players to try to emulate on the field with his effort and leadership.  At the age of 26 Jeter was a 3 time World Series champion yet he never was satisfied.  He went in to each season with the goal of winning it all again, a goal he always did his best to achieve.  Players in the MLB today grew up idolizing Jeter.  He was a great role model in an industry where most players don't want to be one.  Next season won't be the same without him, the world of Baseball just lost a phenomenal, but in 5 years the Cooperstown will gain a legend.  

Thank You Jeter, the world of baseball tips its cap 2 you... Hell of a career.