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.

Heeeeeerrrreee's Johnny ('s finger)

A big topic of discussion in sports today Is the performance or lack there of by Johnny Manziel on Monday Night football this week. 

The 21 year old rookie quarterback was shown on camera flipping off the Washington bench. When asked about it in his post game press conference, he explained his actions by saying a lot of trash is talked on the field and he lost his composure. Something he needed to learn from. He later said it wasn't a big deal to him... Johnny, wake up! It's absolutely a big deal. You're a rookie competing for the starting quarterback job, the one position where keeping your composure is most vital. What's gonna happen in the last 2 minutes of a playoff game and you need a touchdown to win or tie. I have news for you, Johnny. The defense is going to talk trash. Focusing on that will only distract you from you know WINNING THE GAME.  

He doesn't get it. At that position you have to get it in order to succeed. His off the field antics wouldn't matter if he performed well on the field, but it looks like he hasn't taken enough time to prepare.  No coach in their right mind is going to start a rookie quarterback who has had a sub par preseason this far, let alone who carries himself the way Manziel does.  

Brian Hoyer being named starter might just be the a positive for Manziel's career. Not only can Johnny learn under a veteran quarterback who himself learned from one of the best of all time, but maybe just maybe it'll humble Johnny a bit. Maybe for once he won't be the hot shot who gets whatever he wants without needing much effort. Maybe he'll grow up and stop taking his career for granted. 

He has a lot of talent but talent can only take you so far in professional sports. You must always be willing to learn and improve. Putting in the time both on and off the field of play is essential to being a professional. 

New Beginning for Rising Star

You know that saying, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade"? It sure seems that David Wilson has once or twice. 

Just a short time ago, Wilson was forced to retire at a very young age from Professional Football due to a severe neck injury. 

Often when in post retirement athletes get depressed or the very least have a void in their life due to no longer playing the game they've always loved. 

Wilson 23, had already decided to pursue a career in track and field. Setting his eyes on the upcoming 2016 Olympics games in Brazil. His event of choice is triple jump. A discipline he performed in adolescence during high school. 

Football and Track are two very different sports but in order to even make the NFL or Olympics an athlete has to have the drive, and discipline it takes to succeed. It looks like Wilson has both along with other essential intangibles to accompany his supreme athleticism, it will be interesting to follow his track Journey the next few years. Good Luck! 

Blockbuster!

The trade deadline has come and gone! What an exciting day it was. For the first time I can think of, many deals consisted of swapping Major Leaders rather than just prospects. Seemed like throughout the day from morning till the 4pm eastern deadline, twitter was blowing up with reports and speculations of trades. 

If you haven't figured out already, I'm a big Red Sox fan. Unfortunately the Sox have fallen out of the playoff push, but that meant they were a BIG contributor today. They traded Jon Lester and Johny Gomes to Oakland for Yoenis Cespedes. Both teams made out great. Oakland got a much needed starting pitch to solidify their rotation for an attempt to go deep into the postseason, and the Sox got a slugger with a cannon for an arm who should be playing in Right Field. Add him to Jackie Bradley Jr.'s and that makes any play at the plate exciting. 

Once they dealt Lester, they then traded John Lackey to to the Cardinals for 1B/OF Allen Craig. Craig played a key role in the cardinals World Series run in 2011. He will probably play left field and will provide power. An outfield which had very little production during the first half of the season just got serious sluggers. Craig will also fit well in the short left field at Fenway. 

Maybe it's just the optimistic fan in me, but I think these moves will boost the offensive production to a point where the rest of this season won't be boring after all. Dare I say the Sox will chase the wild card? What do you all think? 

Game 7

GAME 7… The two words in sports which create excitement, stress, anxiety and hype all at the same time.

 Throw in the fact it’s the NHL then you have something there.  Oh, by the way, the Bruins verses the Canadians in Boston; what more can someone ask for?  Two storied franchises who have despised each other for decades, who’s fan-bases loath one another; go toe to toe tonight to decide who moves on to the Eastern Conference Finals and who gets sent home packing.  

The series thus far has had its share of drama.   Game one was decided by a rocket off PK Subban’s stick in double overtime, where game four ended abruptly in single overtime from Matt Frazier, who was called up just prior to the game from the AHL. 

With the series tied at 3 a piece tonight can go either way.  Something normally insignificant such as a lucky bounce, poor officiating, or a mental lapse can ultimately determine the outcome of the entire series… That’s what makes it worth watching, that’s why athletes play the game.  It’s what they dream about when they’re kids hoping to make it pro.  They’ve played it in their heads for years, now is the time to do the real thing.

LET”S GO BRUINS