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Red Sox Still Alive In The AL East

Despite recent struggles, the Red Sox is still alive in the AL East. After taking two out of three in Seattle, the team has won seven in a row. With eleven games left, it boils down to the starting pitching. Chris Sale is healthy and winning. Nathan Eovaldi is one of the league _best. With a weekend series against the Yankees, the team cannot afford to make silly mistakes. Fundamentals have been a major issue with this team. In this post, we will review the club’s strengths.

Chris Sale Is Healthy And Winning

Since being reactivated with Tommy John surgery, Chris Sale is 5-0. Despite an issue with Covid, the teams’, pitching is its’ strong point. With Sale pitching like Sale, the Red Sox are just as good as anyone.

With, fourteen pitchers, the team is flexible. Garrett Richards has been a shining star. c is healthy from Covid. Rookie Garrett Whitlock is a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year.

The success of the club falls on Chris Sales health. Nathan Eovaldi has been the unit’s ace all year. Eduardo Rodriguez has been inconsistent. A successful postseason depends on the starting pitching.

A Smart Manager In Alex Cora

Despite, a second_ half slide, manager Alex Cora has the club in the thick of the race. The team has rediscovered itself since the Covid outbreak. He has managed to utilize Kyle Schwarber and JD Martinez.

The organization has also gotten convincing performances from its bench. Late _season additions Travis Shaw, Jose Iglesias have contributed significantly. Cora has managed to keep loose and winning. Late game heroics have also benefitted the team.

With thirteen players out with Covid, Alex Cora has the club playing tough hard_ nosed baseball. If the team can play smart baseball, the playoffs will be a success.

The Emergence Of Bobby Dalbec

First baseman Bobby Dalbec has emerged as a quality first baseman. With, early_ season stumbles, Dalbec was Player of the Month for August. With, 23 home runs and 78 rbi’s Dalbec is only getting better. He and Hunter Renfroe continue to get clutch hits.

Defensively, Dalbec continues to shine. Prior to August, he was heavily criticized for not making routine plays. He is clearly the team’s best hitter as of this moment. If the club needs to keep winning, then they need Dalbec to stay hot.

Conclusion

With nine games left, the Red Sox are in a good spot. Sound baseball is the recipe for success. Committing poor base running mistakes and sloppy defense will not get it done.

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Questions Facing 2021 Patriots Roster

With the 2021 NFL season a week away, fans are questioning the 2021 Patriots Roster. The head coach spent over $160.000,000 The most in franchise history. They drafted a quarterback with the 15the pick in the NFL Draft. New faces will be on the field and time will tell how this team responds. In this post, we will evaluate three areas that the team needs to focus on.

Quarterback Experience/Depth

Last week the organization released Cam Newton. Newton, the controversial starter, suddenly got released. Rumors of vaccination issues quickly spread. Realistically, Cam Newton was beat out by rookie Mac Jones.

The future is now with Mac Jones leading the way. The biggest question can move the Patriot’s offense. And the next question is can he stay healthy. With a deep offensive line and backfield, Jones should be OK. The growing pains will show. Patience from the fans and coaches will be vital.

With new receivers and two new tight ends, Jones should be successful. If the receivers can hold on to the ball and get open, Jones is the perfect quarterback to lead them. One area that needs improvement is receivers holding onto the ball. Last season, the team was one of the worst for dropping passes.

No Stephon Gilmore

With, pre _season over, Stephon Gilmore has yet to be on the field. Gilmore was assigned to the PUP list. Contract talks continue to stall and the Patriots backfield is not as strong as it once was.

The team added cornerback Shaun Wade from Baltimore. Wade, an Ohio State product, was considered a high draft pick, but an injury deterred his stock.

Special Teams Concerns

The Patriots signed undrafted kicker Quinn Nordin out of Michigan. With, Nordin’s signing, Nick Folk is on the practice squad. The issue is Nordin has no NFL experience. Last year’s kicker Nick Folk was effective but was beat out by Nordin. Nordin impressed the Patriots coaches this summer.

Conclusion

With, the offseason roster revamped fans are curious about the upcoming season. All eyes are on Mac Jones. Cam Newton’s work ethic was debatable. Last season Newton did not execute one hurry_up exercise. The Hurry_up is a vital play for any NFL team. Overall, I look for the Patriots to go 10-7 for the 2021 NFL season.