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Time For A Red Sox Roster Reconstruction

With, the trade deadline Tuesday it’s time for a Red Sox roster reconstruction. After 102 games and in dead last in the AL East, the Sox are virtually out of the playoffs, Beginning with the pitching staff starters Nathan Eovaldi, Rich Hill, and Michael Wacha, all went down with injuries. Positional Players Rafael Devers, and JD Martinez also suffered serious injuries. In this post, we will discuss three areas in which the organization needs to address at the trade deadline.

Upgrade The Catching Department

Starting catcher Christian Vazquez is having a career year. He is holding a 280/324OBP/754OPS/ line. Not to mention 19 doubles. His counterpart Kevin Plawecki is less productive. He has a dismal 187/3114OBP/655OPS. With run production, a serious issue Plawecki may be on the move.

Vazquez has been the centerpiece of trade talks as of late. One team showing interest is the Mets. They need a full -time catcher and a proven bat such as Martinez. The Mets would be the perfect trading partner for Boston with its rich young prospect depth.

Proven Starting Pitcher

Every team is looking for a starting pitcher. Two names to keep an eye on are Noah Sydaguard and Zack Grienke. Syndergaard is 37 and still effective. In 15 games this year, he is 5-8 with a 3.83 ERA. Not too shabby for an underperforming Angels club.

Zack Greinke of the Royals is another player on the radar. At 38 years old, he is 3-6 with a 4.35 for a lowly Royals club. Either pitcher would be inexpensive and still dependable. Searching for a younger starter would be costly, something the Red Sox would hesitate on.

Help At The Corners

The Red Sox outfield has been a mess this year. Jackie Bradley has spent most of 2022 in right field. kike Hernandez, the team’s full -time center fielder went down early in the season. Since the injury Jarren Duran has taken over in his absence. Lack of power from both Bradley and Duran has been a problem. A change in the outfield would be beneficial to the everyday lineup.

Conclusion

Despite the injuries, In terms of talent. the year 2022 has been disappointing. Chaim Bloom had a poor offseason acquiring very little in terms of talent. Designated hitter JD Martinez is the subject of trade talk. Long -time catcher Christian Vazquez is also on the block. With the team in last place, they need to get back to fundamentals. Making a deal or two will not bring back this club to the level it needs to be at. Free agent Trevor Story has been a huge disappointment.

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3 Issues Concerning the 2022 New England Patriots

Heading into the 2022 season, I have 3 issues regarding the 2022 New England Patriots. The first is filling the departure of cornerback JC Jackson. Second, is the lack of experience in the linebacking group. Third, is the coaching staff. Will Matt Patricia eventually take over the reins of Offensive, Coordinator? One more concern I have is the development of Mac Jones. In this post, we will review three areas of concern for this year’s Patriots.

Inexperienced Linebacking Group

Outside of Matthew Judon and JaJuan Bentley, the Patriot’s linebacking group is relatively inexperienced. Third-Year man Josh Uche’s snaps have diminished since his rookie season. Second-year man Cameron Magrone has yet to play a down in the NFL. Dolphin castoff Raekwon McMillon is coming off ACL surgery. And Oklahoma product Ronnie Perkins is untested. Despite the question marks, the team needs to stop the run. Anything less is unacceptable.

This year, the Patriots are focusing on speed. Gone are the days of the so-called thumpers such as Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy. The key, this year is Matt Judon playing at full strength. In the first half, he was all over the field. But in the second half, his performance slipped a little as did the team.

Can The Coaching Staff Succeed ?

Losing offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was a significant story in 2021. The long- time assistant accepted a head coaching position with Las Vegas. The organization rehired Matt Patricia and Joe Judge.

As it stands now, Bill Belichick will assume the playcalling duties both offensively and defensively. An idea that I happen to like with a young talented quarterback in Mack Jones.

If the team can stay fairly healthy, I feel it will be a successful season. The Patriots need to play a full four quarters of football in order to have any chance of winning games.

Replacing JC Jackson

The biggest test will be finding a capable replacement for JC Jackson. On draft day Belichick selected two corners in Marcus Jones/Houston and jack Jones/Arizona State. Both had successful college careers. Marcus Jones can return kicks and is known for his strong coverage play. Jack Jones had some off-field issues but has great instincts.

Free agent signings Jabril Peppers and Malcolm Butler will compete for the starting role. Butler hasn’t played in over a year. Replacing Jackson will be the coaching staff’s biggest challenge.

Conclusion

2022 will be one of Bill Belichicks most important. How far will Mack Jones carry them? Can the new-look defense stop the run? Last year the Patriots were third in points allowed with 17.5. Tied for third in takeaways with 30 and tied for eighth in stopping third down conversions. Overall their defense ranked in the NFL’s top ten.

My biggest concern is keeping Mac Jones healthy. Number one pick Cole Strange is expected to start at left guard in 2022. Another issue is finding a capable replacement for Shaq Mason. Mason was dealt to Tampa Bay for a draft pick. I predict the team to go 11=6 in 2022 one game better than 2021.

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Evaluating 3 Area Of Strength For The 2022 Patriots

With, Pre _season a month away, it’s time to evaluate 3 areas of strength for the 2022 Patriots. The team returned to the playoffs in 2021. However,2022 brings new challenges. The organization lost one of the league’s top corners to free agency. In this post, we will review three areas of strength for this year’s New England patriots.

Strong Secondary

Even with the loss of JC Jackson to the Rams, the Patriots still have a respectable secondary. Last season the tandem of Devin McCourty and Andrian Phillips stopped 37 passes for 345 yards against opposing quarterbacks .and had a rating of 71.1 This year the team resigned Malcolm Butler and Jabril Peppers. Plus signed free agent Terrence Mitchell. Safety Devin McCourty ranks 10th in the NFL.

On draft day Bill Belichick added Corberbck Jack Jones from Arizona State and Marcus Jones of Houston. Overall, the secondary ranked 20th in the NFL in 2021.

Coaching

When it comes to coaching, the Patriots have one of the best in NFL history. Overall, Belichick has a 321-156 record for a 673 winning percentage. Only Don Shula has more wins than Belichick with 328 wins. At, 69 years old, he still has a competitive team with a young quarterback on the rise.

In the offseason, the Patriots rehired ex_ Giants coach Joe Judge and still have Matt Patricia. Defensively, the club has promising, Jarod Mayo and Steve Belichick calling the plays. The Patriots did lose long_ time offensive coordinator Josh Mcdaniels to Denver.

Offensive Line

Considering the organization traded Shaq mason, the Patriots still have the best line in the division. The Patriots traded the 21st pick to Kansas City for their 28th pick. With the 28th pick, New England selected Tennessee Chatanoongga guard Cole Strange. Also selected was Chasen Hines of LSU. Third _year tackle Michael Onwenu is the highest graded player by Pro Football Focus. The sad part is that Onwenu was replaced by Trent Brown halfway through the season.

With a younger line, I look for the team to be run_ heavy and much quicker.

Conclusion

With, Mac Jones heading into his sophomore season, fans have reason to be excited. However, there are a lot of questions to be asked. Does Tyquan Thornton have NL potential? Will Trent Brown stay healthy? Can the coaching staff take Mac jones to the next level? These and other questions will take time. My final prediction for the 2022 season 11-6 and one playoff win.

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3 Possibilities For The Red Sox In The 2022 MLB Draft

This weekend is the MLB draft. The three possibilities for the Red Sox in the 2022 MLB draft will be interesting In three Years Chaim Bloom has selected high school infielders. Will this year be any different? My gut feeling is yes. Personally, I would like to see the organization draft starting pitching. Another area of need is a closer. Outfielders with power are always an interesting choice. In this post, we will review three players that may be available with the twenty_fourth Pick.

Dylan Beavers/OF/ California

A towering 6’4″ 295 power hitter. Can play left field, center field, and right field. Would be ideal in Fenway Park. The only issue is will he be available at 24? The team lacks outfield prospects in the system, A native of San Luis Obispo, California.

In two years with the Golden Bears, he has 36 home runs and 107 runs batted in. Plus a 294 batting average. His bonus pool would be over $6,000,000.

Justin Campbell/RHP/ Oklahoma State

A 6’4′ righthander just started to make a name for himself in 2022. Campbell relies on three pitches, a changeup, fastball, and slider. Although he is not known for his velocity, his command deserves respect. He pitched a no_hitter vs Kansas in 2021.

Campbell finished the 2021 campaign going 7-2 with a 2.57 ERA, The enticing thing about Campbell is he is two_way. He also serves as the team’s DH. This would be awful intriguing for Chaim Bloom to consider at 24.

Sterlin Thompson/OF/ Florida

Thompson is your typical Florida product. A versatile athlete with a wealth of upsides. First, he can play both right field and left. also, has spent some time at third base. With the Red Sox thin at the outfield position Thompson would be perfect. a left _handed hitter with a wide _open stance who can hit.

In two seasons with the Gators, Thompson batted 334 with 16 home runs and 78 runs batted in. He also has some speed. Although he is still raw,, they do not have many corner outfielders on the way up.

Conclusion

In, three years, General manager Chaim Bloom has an excellent track record. Whether he drafts another high school prospect remains to be seen. The organization could use an upgrade in the outfield and catching department. Preferably, candidates with, power.

Other notable candidates on the radar are Logan Tanner C Mississippi State, Kevin P Parada, C Georgia Tech, Blake Tidwell RHP Tennessee, and Peyton Pallette RHP Arkansas.

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Revolution Struggling As the 2022 Season Intensifies

The New England Revolution is struggling as the 2022 MLS season intensifies The New England Revolution is struggling as the 2022 season intensifies. After, two months, the team is ranked fourteenth in the MLS power rankings. With Matt Turner and now Adam Buksa rumored to be leaving, the team needs every point it can get. Currently, the club sits in eleventh place in the MLS East. There is a three _way tie with Charlotte, Columbus, and Atlanta for eighth place. In this post, we will evaluate three areas’ the club needs to focus on as the season advances.

Goalkeeping Issues

This is one area that the Revolution shined in last season. The club will lose star goalkeeper Matt Turner in about a month. Turner is heading to the English Premier League. Last season, Turner was the best goalkeeper in the Jacob Jackson..

Depthwise, the team is OK with Brad Knighton and Earl Edwards. The number one pick Jacob Jackson is a fast learner and will be successful in time. It appears that Knighton has the edge over Edwards as the starting goalkeeper.

In, thirteen games this season Jackson has yet to make an appearance. That will change when Turner departs in about a month.

Scoring Issues

Currently, the Revolution ranks eleventh in the standings in the Eastern Conference. Overall, the club has twenty two_goals. If Buksa, leaves, his absence will be strongly felt. Other contributors are Carlos Gil, Sebastian Lietget, and Brandon Bye. The Revolution will need a total team effort as the season progresses.

Solid Defensive Group

If there is one area of strength it’s the defense. The club is one of the top five teams ranked defensively. Defenders Andrew Farrell, Omar Gonzalez, Henry Kessler, and DeJuan Jones give the goalkeepers plenty of protection. Although they lack offense this department is going to determine the success of the 2022 season.

Conclusion

Considering the losses of Buksa and Turner, the team should be competitive in the future A lot of hinges on the progress of Jacob Jackson. But like any rookie, it will take time. With a solid defensive unit and Bruce Arena at the helm, there is still a lot of potential for a winning season.

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Three Undrafted 2022 Patriots Free Agents To Watch

It’s time to look at three undrafted free agents to watch. Head coach Bill Belichick is u predictable and is a great roster manipulator. With, mini _camp a month away, it’s time to check out the undrafted players. In this post, we will review three payers undrafted that will battle for a roster spot.

Jake Julien/Punter/Eastern Michigan

Jake Julien is a player to watch. In, 2021, Patriots punter Jake Bailey had three punts blocked. Julien will give Bailey a run for his money. In fifty_four games, at Eastern Michigan, Julien made fifty_one punts. Seventy _one was inside the twenty_yard line.

With Bill Belichick always looking to upgrade, Bailey’s days are in jeopardy. Julien, a Canadien born in Ontario, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 Canadien Football League draft.

LaBryan Ray/DL/ Alabama

Injuries prevented LaBryan Ray from being drafted. In four_years with the Crimson Ray missed every season. Ray played in forty_four games, making thirty_seven solo tackles, and thirty-nine assisted tackles, His best season was in 2018, starting in fifteen games.

Ray has the size and frame that NFL coaches love. He specializes in the run and is a decent two _gap player. He fights off double _team coverage consistently. With time, he can contribute to the rotation. Staying healthy will factor in his success.

DeMarcus Mitchell/ Edge/ Purdue

The 6’3″ 265 pounder has great size and athleticism. Playing only in nine games his senior year, he made twenty_ five tackles. In his ultimate game against Tennessee, he recorded four solo tackles. Although he was not present at the combine, he had an exceptional workout in front of scouts at the Purdue Pro day. I look for Mitchell to start off on special teams, working his way into the rotation.

Conclusion

Focusing on offense, it will be interesting to see how the defense plays in 2022. Last season, they were one of the best in the AFC. With a lighter linebacking group, the team is emphasizing speed. As Mac Jones continues to develop, there is always a player undrafted player who makes a statement.

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Bruins Defense Needs To Tighten Up

Once again the Bruins have been stymied. The defense needs to tighten up. Carolina big man Sebastian Aho continues to expose the Bruins. Hurricanes goalie Antti Raanta left the game after a vicious collision with David Pastrnak. The Bruins continue to argue with the referees. In this post, we will review three areas the Bruins need to improve on.

History

Historically, the teams met four times since 2019. In 2019, the Bruins swept the Hurricanes. In 2020 the Bruins won in five games. This year is a different story. Carolina has shut out the Bruins through four periods.

Overall, the Hurricanes dominated the Bruins this year winning all three games. Scoring_ wise, the Bruins cannot score against the Hurricanes. The Canes were the best defensive team in the NHL in 2022. Also, they were the number one penalty kill team in the league.

If the Bruins want to even the series, they need scoring from all four lines. If the Bruins cannot find the net it will be an early exit.

Rejuvenate Brad Marchand

The second area is Brad Marchand needs to wake up. In _game one, Marchand earned a minus 3 in performance. He continues to fight with the referees and makes life easy for Carolina.

The Bruin’s top line is non_existent and the Hurricanes are outplaying the Bruins. The team only scored one goal in the three matches this season. If the Bruins intend to get going it starts with the Marchand line.

Stay With Linus Ullmark

Linus Ullmark does not have one playoff series under his belt. In _game one, the Bruins out shot the Hurricanes. Ullmark made 20 saves out of 24 shots. This is life in the post,_ Tuukka era. Backup Jeremy Swayman has not appeared in a playoff either.

The way Bruce Cassidy breaks up the lines, a goalie switch would not be shocking. Swayman earned the title of number one goaltender midway through the season. Putting Swayman under pressure could backfire on the Bruins. The only hope of a victory is a total team effort.

Conclusion

The scoring drought continues for the Bruins. With only three goals in six periods, the confidence is low. Head coach Bruce Cassidy has some decisions to make. This may be, Hall of Famer Patrice Bergeron’s last appearance in a Bruins uniform. Reshuffling Hampus Lindholm and Matt Grzelcyk are not enough.

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Celtics Defense Will Determine The Outcome

The Celtic’s defense will determine the outcome in the playoffs. Wednesday the Celtics went up 2-0. Boston was down by seventeen. The Celtics are shooting 35% from the three_point range. Brooklyn is shooting47% from the three _point area. Both teams are tied in turnovers and rebounds. In this post, we will review three areas the team needs to focus on.

Durant Struggling

Star player Kevin Durant is struggling. Durant was 8 for 17 from the field in game two. Jayson Tatum’s defense has shut him down and frustrated him. Point guard Kyrie Irving just had ten points. Forward Jaylen Brown had a monster game making clutch shots. In two games, Brown has a total of forty_five points while shooting 300 from three _point land.

In_ game two, Brown had his biggest game as a pro. helping the Celtics overcome a seventeen_ point deficit.

Marcus Smart Shutting Down Opponent

One player frustrating the Nets is Marcus Smart. Smart is having one of the best playoff series of his career. In two games, Smart has forty_five points. he is shooting 333 from the three _point area.

In order to beat the nets, Smart must continue to score. In two games, Kevin Durant is completely frustrated by Smart’s play. Games three and four will be pivotal for Smart and the Celtics.

Play As A _Team

As the series progresses, the Celtics will have to play together. Keeping the turnovers down and rebounding will be significant. The Celtics have committed fourteen turnovers. In the rebounding department, they have a total of 39.5.

Getting big points from the bench has been crucial. Grant Williams, Payton Pritchard, and Daniel Theis have been spectacular. Pritchard especially has been clutch, off the bench.

Conclusion

Head coach Ime Udoka has the Celtics believing in themselves. It’s only two games but the team is playing together. Believing in one another is the key to beating any team. personally, i like the Celtics in six. Boston has a deeper bench and is better defensively than Brooklyn.

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Three Bargains For The Bruins At The 2022 Deadline

The NHL trade deadline is in one week. Three bargains for the Bruins at the 2022 deadline are thin. My issue is, with nineteen games left after the deadline, is it worth giving up a draft pick or quality player. At this stage, the organization needs a second_ line center and defense. In this post, we will review three players who would be a bargain for the Bruin.

Zdeno Chara/ Defenseman /Islanders

The towering defenseman is available. For the right price, he would be a logical solution with Charlie McAvoy. With a cap hit of 750,000, the Bruins would be a perfect fit. He would add a physical presence and bring toughness to a passive team.

At thirty_ eight years old, he is still productive. In 48 games he has 0 goals and 9 assists. The Bruins need more muscle on defense and his experience would be welcomed. The Bruins need a big body heading into the playoffs and Chara would be the perfect fit.

Mark Giordano/Defenseman/Seattle

Another valuable piece that could help a team down the stretch. Has a ton of playoff experience and brings a needed toughness. Would be a great addition to a young defensive group.

At thirty _eight, he is still productive. In forty_four games he has 4goals and 17 assists. A hard_ nosed player who would be an immediate upgrade. With a cap hit of 6.75 million, he would cost you a low_round draft pick. A valuable player for any team.if they have the right player in return.

Jakob ChyChrun/D/Arizona

This player will not be a free agent until after the 2025 season. That means a team can have his services for two years. For 4.6 million dollars, he is the best deal on the market.

This player brings a toughness that the Bruins lack. A left_ shot defenseman he would be a home run in a trade. The Bruins are front runners to land his services. In 47 games this year, he has 7 goals and 14 assists. With decent size 6’2″ 215 pounds, Chychrun would be a welcomed addition in Boston.

Conclusion

With the season winding down, the Bruins are sitting in fourth place in the NHL Atlantic Division. As of late, the club has been getting balanced scoring from all four lines The team lacks toughness. Surviving in the playoffs requires patience and toughness. Any of the players mentioned above would be a valuable acquisition to the roster.

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Three Prospects That Could Help The 2022 Red Sox

With opening day slated for April seventh, the Red Sox will begin spring training on Monday. Three prospects that could crack the 2022 opening day roster. Presently, there are several prospects to keep a close watch on. In this post, we will review potential opening day surprises.

Triston Casas/First Baseman

This prospect has risen through the system. This prospect has risen through the system. Drafted in 2018, Casas stands 6’4″ and weighs 252 pounds. What makes Casas stand out is his ability to hit all fields, Only, 22 he has great length. A gifted athlete is he can impress in spring training, he will be the starting first baseman.

If the team fails to resign, Kyle Schwarber Casas does not have much competition. With the strike over, first base is an area the organization needs to address. I look for General manager Chaim Bloom to keep the payroll thin and go with the young players.

Durbin Feltman/ Righthanded Pitcher

The Red Sox bullpen needs an upgrade in 2022. One prospect who may fill that role is Durbin Feltman. Selected in the third round in 2018 by the Red Sox, Feltman had his best season in 2021.

Splitting time between Worcester and Lowell, Feltman compiled a 6-0 3.29 and 2-1 2.59 record respectively. If Feltman can stay on the pace, he will be a big help for the organization. His arsenal includes a slider, curveball, and fastball.

Jay Groome/ Lefthanded Pitcher

Jay Groome has been in the Red Sox organization since 2016. Injuries have hindered his career. Only 23 he is finally healthy and ready to take a step forward. His massive 6 6′ 262 _pound frame makes him the perfect power pitcher.

He had a successful season in 2021 while at Portland. If he can stay healthy, and regain his confidence, he is a long shot to be in the team’s starting rotation in 2022. The key variable for Groome is staying healthy. With Eduardo Rodriguez signing with Detroit, Groome could be the perfect replacement.

Conclusion

With the strike over, the club has several holes to fill. With the tax threshold at 230 million, the Sox stands at 206 million. They are still paying David Price’s salary. Do not expect Chaim Bloom to be generous with his payroll.