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Reshaping The Red Sox Roster For the 2019 Season

Now that the Red Sox have wrapped up their fourth world championship in fifteen years it’s time to look ahead to next year. Pitching is the first issue that General Manager Dave Dombrowski needs to address this offseason. In this post, we will examine three areas that the organization reshape for the 2019 season.

Reshaping The Red Sox Roster for the 2019 season

Addressing The Pitching; The first order of business is to address the pitching staff. Currently, the team has three free agent pitchers that they need to make a decision on. Relievers Craig Kimbrel, Joe Kelly and Nathan Eovaldi are all free agents. Eovaldi finished the year with an impressive 6-7 record and a 3.81 ERA  after being acquired from Tampa. Eovaldi proved to be a horse in the postseason but maybe too expensive for the organization to resign.                                                                                      

As for Joe Kelly and Nathan Eovaldi look for the club to move on from both closer Craig Kimbrel and Nathan Eovaldi The team could use Kelly as the eighth inning man and promote setup man  Ryan Brasier to take over the closer’s role. In the starting pitching area,  the club may think of trading Rick Porcello and his 21,000,000  a year salary.

Depending on what direction the team goes in look for the Red Sox to be conservative this offseason. Suitable starters who would be a nice fit are Dallas Keuchel or Brett Anderson of Oakland.   Charlie Morton of the Astros would be a nice piece if the price is right.                                                                                  Regarding the bullpen department, attractive relievers are Tony Sipp of Houston. Cody Allen Of Cleveland. Also, Andrew Miller could be a possibility for the right situation.

Added depth; Aside from Brock Holt the team could use an extra role player or two. Holt who played a key role in the playoffs is the teams super sub. Some players who are free agents are Austin Jackson of Cleveland, John Jay Of Arizona.   During the season Dombrowski signed Brandon Phillips. Phillips became an instant leader in the clubhouse after being recalled from Pawtucket.  Depending on second baseman  Dustin Pedroia’s progress from knee surgery second base will be an issue that needs to be addressed.

Possible Trades; Whenever a team wins a total of 119 games fans are more than satisfied. First_ Year manager Alex Cora was one of three managers to win a World Series as a rookie manager. Look for the organization to have a quiet offseason and maintain the intensity they showed in the playoffs.                                                                                                                                                                                           The Future;  The club has so far received a commitment from David Price and signed Steven Pearce to a one year Deal. Pearce was obtained midway through the season and was named World Series MVP.

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Why The Patriots Are Still The Team To Beat in The AFC In 2018

At the midway point of the 2018 NFL season, the New England Patriots are 6-2 in the AFC East, The only other competition the Patriots face are the 7=1 Kansas City Chiefs. Earlier in the season, the Patriots handed the Chiefs their first loss of the season. In this post, we will examine three reasons why the Patriots are still the team to beat in the AFC.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Why The Patriots Are Still The Team To Beat In The AFC For 2018

Well, Balanced Offense;  At 41 years old the Patriots still have one of the most explosive offennses in football. Forty _One years old  Tom Brady is still the best player in football. Also, in the mix is a healthy Julian Edelman and a new receiver in ex _Brown Josh Gordon.

Although the team lost veteran Danny Amendola to free agency, the Patriot’s are well _stocked at receiver.  In the offseason, the club added ex_ Raider Cordarrelle Patterson. After eight games Patterson has been a valuable acquisition splitting time between running back and receiver. Not to mention a ninety_ five_ yard touchdown return against Chicago.

  Other key offensive contributors have been Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski, receiver Chris Hogan and running back Sony Michel. Michel the team’s 2017 number one pick out of Georgia. After eight games Michel has run for 422 yards and two touchdowns.

  Defensive Issues;  The 2018 Patriot defense is not much different than their defense of a year ago. Free agent signees Adrian Clayborn, Danny Shelton and Jason McCourty have not been effective.

currently, the teams rank 25th among NFL teams in total yards. They have given up 27 passing touchdowns after eight games. On the positive side, the club ranks 14th against the run. If the Patriots have any aspirations of returning to the Super Bowl, the backfield must tighten up.

               A Healthy Brady; At 41 years old Tom Brady still remains one of the best players in NFL history. Brady ranks near the top in every category. Considering the offseason drama regarding the benching of Malcolm Butler the team continues to win with Brady calling the signals.

Looking Ahead;
 As it stands now the AFC championship is between the Patriots and KansCi tyChiefs. Although the team handed the Chiefs their first loss they are still the two best teams in the AFC..If the Patriots can stay healthy then return trip to the Super Bowl is possible. Look for a Patriots Los Angeles Rams meeting in the 2019 Super Bowl.                                      .