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.