The Toronto Blue Jays have quietly had a very nice off-season. New manager John Farrell's team just completed the addition of Juan Rivera from the Angels & Frank Francesco from the Rangers. Rivera will replace Vernon Wells in the outfield & Francesco is a closer.
The Blue Jays got out from under 2 major contracts to Alex Rios & Vernon Wells. The Chicago White Sox picked up Rios last year. The Angels just acquired Wells & his $80 million + contract over the next 4 years. These moves should free up cash for new blood over the next few years.
Look for the Blue Jays to replace the Rays as the 3rd team in the 3-team race in the AL East.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Motivation Equals Money
I've said it in past articles that several Red Sox players this year will be "motivated" to have a good year or career year. Just think of Adrian Beltre on his 1-year deal with the Sox in 2010. A career-type year with the Sox landed him a multi-year, big money deal with Texas in 2011. Nuf ced...
Big Papi, Jon Papelbon, J.D. Drew & Jacoby Ellsbury all are "motivated" to have a big year in 2011. The Red Sox picked up a $13 million option for Ortiz who could be a free agent after this season. Crazy Pap needs to rebound after 2 so-so seasons since he will become a free agent at the end of the year. J.D. Drew is at the end of his 4-year deal & rumors are that he may retire, so he may want to go out with a bang. And Jacoby Ellsbury has entered his arbitration period & will be looking to prove he can be an offensive & defensive threat once again.
Motivation in the big leagues really translates to money. Any player in the last year of a contract is playing for the next contract. There are millions at stake which is why the incentive is there to work hard in the off-season, during Spring Training & perform throughout the year.
Whatever the reason it's nice that the Sox will have motivated players this year.
Big Papi, Jon Papelbon, J.D. Drew & Jacoby Ellsbury all are "motivated" to have a big year in 2011. The Red Sox picked up a $13 million option for Ortiz who could be a free agent after this season. Crazy Pap needs to rebound after 2 so-so seasons since he will become a free agent at the end of the year. J.D. Drew is at the end of his 4-year deal & rumors are that he may retire, so he may want to go out with a bang. And Jacoby Ellsbury has entered his arbitration period & will be looking to prove he can be an offensive & defensive threat once again.
Motivation in the big leagues really translates to money. Any player in the last year of a contract is playing for the next contract. There are millions at stake which is why the incentive is there to work hard in the off-season, during Spring Training & perform throughout the year.
Whatever the reason it's nice that the Sox will have motivated players this year.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Can Lackey Rebound?
With all the hype about the Red Sox free agent signings for 2011 I thought yesterday about 2010 & John Lackey. The Red Sox still have a lot of years & a lot of money tied up in him. Can he adjust to life in the AL East & become a #2 or #3 starter?
Lucky for Lackey, Jon Lester & Clay Buchholz can pitch like #1 starters for any other team in the league. If Lackey can get on the bandwagon with control & stops whining after a loss, he & Beckett & Dice-K can give the Sox the best rotation in the majors.
I saw part of the problem in 2010 being Terry Fancona's lack of a dependable bullpen. There were at least a handful of games where Lackey should have come out after 5, 6 or 7 innings. But Tito left him in, trying to get one more inning out of him before going to the pen. With a better bullpen this year Tito won't have to stretch Lackey out so much in his starts. Same with Beckett & Dice-K.
If Lackey can pitch 150 to 160 innings with 15 wins & less than 10 losses, I'd take that.
Lucky for Lackey, Jon Lester & Clay Buchholz can pitch like #1 starters for any other team in the league. If Lackey can get on the bandwagon with control & stops whining after a loss, he & Beckett & Dice-K can give the Sox the best rotation in the majors.
I saw part of the problem in 2010 being Terry Fancona's lack of a dependable bullpen. There were at least a handful of games where Lackey should have come out after 5, 6 or 7 innings. But Tito left him in, trying to get one more inning out of him before going to the pen. With a better bullpen this year Tito won't have to stretch Lackey out so much in his starts. Same with Beckett & Dice-K.
If Lackey can pitch 150 to 160 innings with 15 wins & less than 10 losses, I'd take that.
No More Jets
The New York Jets, the self-proclaimed team of the Super Bowl, fall one win short of reaching the big game for the 2nd year in the row.
No more babble from Rex Ryan.
No more swearing from Antonio Cromartie who has 9 kids with 8 different women & pays no child support.
No more foot fetish jokes.
No more J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets cheers.
No Super Bowl appearance.
No Super Bowl victory.
No Super Bowl ring.
There is no prize for coming in 2nd. Ask the Buffalo Bills from the 90's.
Thankfully, end of story for Evil Empire II. All Patriots fans can sleep well.
No more babble from Rex Ryan.
No more swearing from Antonio Cromartie who has 9 kids with 8 different women & pays no child support.
No more foot fetish jokes.
No more J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets cheers.
No Super Bowl appearance.
No Super Bowl victory.
No Super Bowl ring.
There is no prize for coming in 2nd. Ask the Buffalo Bills from the 90's.
Thankfully, end of story for Evil Empire II. All Patriots fans can sleep well.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Big Changes in AL East
Vernon Wells goes from Toronto to the Angels. Mike Napoli & Juan Rivera come back to Toronto in the 3-player deal. LA picks up $80 million plus in salary due Wells over the next 4 years. It's a risky deal, but the Angels were desperate (like the Yankees signing of Soriano) to do something to put people in the stands after a terrible 2010.
Old "friends" & ex-Red Sox players Johnny Damon & Manny Ramirez ink free agent 1-year deals with the Tampa Bay Rays. Damon get $5 million plus as a part-time player & Manny gets $2 million, a far cry from his $20 mil a year each of his last 10 years. Again, Tampa Bay had to do something after their fire sale of 2010 players to get people in the stands - which they couldn't fill when the Rays were a good team. Lucky us, we get to see Damon & Manny return to Fenway 9 more times this year.
My thought is that these are all desperation signings of older players who may or may not contribute during the year. The Angels, by far, have taken the biggest gamble with Wells.
Old "friends" & ex-Red Sox players Johnny Damon & Manny Ramirez ink free agent 1-year deals with the Tampa Bay Rays. Damon get $5 million plus as a part-time player & Manny gets $2 million, a far cry from his $20 mil a year each of his last 10 years. Again, Tampa Bay had to do something after their fire sale of 2010 players to get people in the stands - which they couldn't fill when the Rays were a good team. Lucky us, we get to see Damon & Manny return to Fenway 9 more times this year.
My thought is that these are all desperation signings of older players who may or may not contribute during the year. The Angels, by far, have taken the biggest gamble with Wells.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Yankees GM Not Happy With Soriano
Brian Cashman is speaking out against Hal Steinbrenner's signing of Raphael Soriano as their new Yankees 8th inning set-up man. New managaement is wasting no time making waves.
First, it was the Derek Jeter negotiations that very unprofessionally got out to the public. As Jerry Remy said, knowing Brian Cashman for as long as he has, the Rem Dawg laid the blame on embarassing the Yankees captain of 15 years squarely on the backs of the Steinbrenners.
Then the Yankees got passed up by Cliff Lee. Maybe it was because of the Yankee fan that spit on Cliff Lee's wife during the ALCS playoffs. That guy should become as infamous as Bartmann for the Cubs.
Then the Yankees got declined again by Carl Crawford. The Red Sox brass was coming down the stairs as the Yankee brass was going up to meet with Crawford & his agent. Crawford's agent told the Yankees that they were too late.
It looks like Hal had to sign Soriano to save face & say to his fan base that he accomplished something this off-season. Even though it will cost them a high pick, one that Cashman didn't want to give up, Hal has to save face. Soriano's signing didn't address their need for starting pitching. Look out if CC goes down from years of wear & tear.
The Bronx mystique is changing. It's no longer looked at as the one place to play. Thanks, Hal, & keep up the good work!
First, it was the Derek Jeter negotiations that very unprofessionally got out to the public. As Jerry Remy said, knowing Brian Cashman for as long as he has, the Rem Dawg laid the blame on embarassing the Yankees captain of 15 years squarely on the backs of the Steinbrenners.
Then the Yankees got passed up by Cliff Lee. Maybe it was because of the Yankee fan that spit on Cliff Lee's wife during the ALCS playoffs. That guy should become as infamous as Bartmann for the Cubs.
Then the Yankees got declined again by Carl Crawford. The Red Sox brass was coming down the stairs as the Yankee brass was going up to meet with Crawford & his agent. Crawford's agent told the Yankees that they were too late.
It looks like Hal had to sign Soriano to save face & say to his fan base that he accomplished something this off-season. Even though it will cost them a high pick, one that Cashman didn't want to give up, Hal has to save face. Soriano's signing didn't address their need for starting pitching. Look out if CC goes down from years of wear & tear.
The Bronx mystique is changing. It's no longer looked at as the one place to play. Thanks, Hal, & keep up the good work!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Sox Avoid Arbitration With Pap, Ells
The Red Sox avoided arbitration with 2 key players & signed one-year deals with Jonathan Papelbon & Jacoby Ellsbury.
Pap gets a bump from $9 + million last year to $12 million. Since 2011 is his last year of arbitration Papelbon will be a free agent next year. Given his large salary, the probability is that this is #58's last season as the Red Sox closer. Pap will no doubt be a focal point early in the season since Theo has loaded the bullpen with other arms who can close. If he fails, there are options.
Jacoby Ellsbury, even though injured for the bulk of 2010, get a nice bump in salary from $400,000 + to $2.4 million plus incentives. Ells will be looking to stay on the field this year & put up numbers similar to 2009 where he stole 70 bases. Given the lineup behind him, he should see a lot of good pitches to hit.
Two more pieces to the 2011 roster are finalized. Can't wait for Spring Training in 1 more month.
Pap gets a bump from $9 + million last year to $12 million. Since 2011 is his last year of arbitration Papelbon will be a free agent next year. Given his large salary, the probability is that this is #58's last season as the Red Sox closer. Pap will no doubt be a focal point early in the season since Theo has loaded the bullpen with other arms who can close. If he fails, there are options.
Jacoby Ellsbury, even though injured for the bulk of 2010, get a nice bump in salary from $400,000 + to $2.4 million plus incentives. Ells will be looking to stay on the field this year & put up numbers similar to 2009 where he stole 70 bases. Given the lineup behind him, he should see a lot of good pitches to hit.
Two more pieces to the 2011 roster are finalized. Can't wait for Spring Training in 1 more month.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Can Lowrie Stay Healthy This Year?
Jed Lowrie has a chance to be more than a utility infielder this year. In a small sampling of games in 2010 he showed much more power than Marco Scutaro. He is also a switch hitter.
But can he stay healthy? Lowrie has been plagued by the injury bug in each of his last several years. I saw him play a rehab game for Double-A Portland a few years ago. Taking ground balls before the game, he was very fluid in the field. He also went 4-for-5 that day at the plate.
Maybe 2011 is a year that Lowrie challenges an older Scutaro for more playing time at shortstop.
But can he stay healthy? Lowrie has been plagued by the injury bug in each of his last several years. I saw him play a rehab game for Double-A Portland a few years ago. Taking ground balls before the game, he was very fluid in the field. He also went 4-for-5 that day at the plate.
Maybe 2011 is a year that Lowrie challenges an older Scutaro for more playing time at shortstop.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Patriots Lay An Egg
Tom Brady had a poor game. He was intrercepted & took too many sacks.
The defensive line had a poor game. Other than Vince Wilfork stuffing the middle, both defensive ends gave up big running plays.
Special teams play was poor. Patrick Cheung fumbled a trick punt play. The Jets were given good field position on runbacks due to poor coverage of kick-offs & punts throughout the game.
Like other tops seeds, the Patriots were not sharp & they paid the price. Maybe having a bye week is not such a good thing. Both Atlanta & New England - the #1 seeds - are done.
As a player, there is nothing worse than having a bad day during a playoff game. It happens & it's not fun to carry around during the off-season.
The Patriots may have peaked too early this season.
The defensive line had a poor game. Other than Vince Wilfork stuffing the middle, both defensive ends gave up big running plays.
Special teams play was poor. Patrick Cheung fumbled a trick punt play. The Jets were given good field position on runbacks due to poor coverage of kick-offs & punts throughout the game.
Like other tops seeds, the Patriots were not sharp & they paid the price. Maybe having a bye week is not such a good thing. Both Atlanta & New England - the #1 seeds - are done.
As a player, there is nothing worse than having a bad day during a playoff game. It happens & it's not fun to carry around during the off-season.
The Patriots may have peaked too early this season.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Soriano, Balfour Exit Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay Rays fire sale continued with the exodus of Raphael Soriano to the New York Yankees & Grant Balfour to the Oakland A's.
Soriano got the biggest check - $35 million for 3 years - to be the bridge, or the Daniel Bard, for the Yankees. Soriano gets the 8th inning duty so Joe Girardi can get to Mariano Rivera in the 9th. It's amazing was one good year can buy you in a contract year.
Grant Balfour gets exiled to Oakland for $8.1 million, 2 years. Balfour was a stabilizing force for the Rays & can be a 7th, 8th or multiple-inning guy out of the pen.
Given to break-up of the Rays this off-season, the Toronto Blue Jays & John Farrell may be the 3rd team in the east to contend with the Sox & Yankees in 2011.
Soriano got the biggest check - $35 million for 3 years - to be the bridge, or the Daniel Bard, for the Yankees. Soriano gets the 8th inning duty so Joe Girardi can get to Mariano Rivera in the 9th. It's amazing was one good year can buy you in a contract year.
Grant Balfour gets exiled to Oakland for $8.1 million, 2 years. Balfour was a stabilizing force for the Rays & can be a 7th, 8th or multiple-inning guy out of the pen.
Given to break-up of the Rays this off-season, the Toronto Blue Jays & John Farrell may be the 3rd team in the east to contend with the Sox & Yankees in 2011.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Youk/Gonzo Versus A-Rod/Tex
The Red Sox website has an article about Youk & Adrian Gonzalez playing the corner infield positions at 1B & 3B this year. The next logical question by sportswriters will be to measure their performance against the Yankee corners of A-Rod & Teixeira. It should be an interersting comparison as we go through the 2011 season.
The Yankee corners are older. A-Rod & Teixeira had good years, but not great years, in 2010. Question - Are their best years behind them?
Youk is in his prime & should be well rested after missing the last 3 months of 2010 with his thumb injury. Gonzalez is just coming into his prime & has already put up big offensive numbers in a pitcher's park.
Let the Red Sox - Yankees corners dispute begin.
The Yankee corners are older. A-Rod & Teixeira had good years, but not great years, in 2010. Question - Are their best years behind them?
Youk is in his prime & should be well rested after missing the last 3 months of 2010 with his thumb injury. Gonzalez is just coming into his prime & has already put up big offensive numbers in a pitcher's park.
Let the Red Sox - Yankees corners dispute begin.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Jets Afraid?
I read & read about the the verbal warfare on Tom Brady by Rex Ryan & now Cromartie. Do they think that this is going to get them anywhere? Personally, I'm tired of it.
Here's a trivia question for you. Do you remember the movie "Walking Tall?" In it the hero, Sheriff Buford Pusser, has almost been killed by the bad guys. In court he makes a simple statement. "Those who have the most to hide talk the most." Needless to say, the bad guys lost.
The Jets are non-stop talk this week to hide the fact that they are AFRAID of being embarassed by the New England Patriots - again. In a huge Monday night game the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets were totally embarassed by a superior Pats team 45-3. What happens to sexy Rexy if his team is embarassed again??
"Those who have the most to hide talk the most."
Here's a trivia question for you. Do you remember the movie "Walking Tall?" In it the hero, Sheriff Buford Pusser, has almost been killed by the bad guys. In court he makes a simple statement. "Those who have the most to hide talk the most." Needless to say, the bad guys lost.
The Jets are non-stop talk this week to hide the fact that they are AFRAID of being embarassed by the New England Patriots - again. In a huge Monday night game the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets were totally embarassed by a superior Pats team 45-3. What happens to sexy Rexy if his team is embarassed again??
"Those who have the most to hide talk the most."
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Oki, Renteria Sign for 2011
Hideki Okajima returns to the Red Sox as part of the bullpen in 2011. Perhaps the Sox can limit his role to getting out lefties in key situations. Power-hitting right-handers figured him out pretty well last year. It was like watching watermelons be served up for BP or home run derby.
Edgar Renteria, the MVP of the 2010 World Series, was not re-signed by the Giants. He got the "thanks & see you later" routine. Renteria did sign a new contract with the Cincinnati Reds. He may be a good fit there, staying in the National League & providing a little pop to the Reds offense. Sox fans will remember Renteria for an error-filled season at shortstop a few years back.
Other than Oki & Renteria, it's pretty quiet on the Hot Stove.
Edgar Renteria, the MVP of the 2010 World Series, was not re-signed by the Giants. He got the "thanks & see you later" routine. Renteria did sign a new contract with the Cincinnati Reds. He may be a good fit there, staying in the National League & providing a little pop to the Reds offense. Sox fans will remember Renteria for an error-filled season at shortstop a few years back.
Other than Oki & Renteria, it's pretty quiet on the Hot Stove.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
It's Sexy Rexy & the Jets
Who's coming to Foxborough? None other than Rex Ryan with his mouth, his foot fetish & his Jets team next weekend.
It was hard to cheer for either the Jets or Colts last night since I dislike both. However, it's good not to have a Manning in the playoffs any longer. No Drew Brees either for that matter. And the Jets inability to score points with a hot & cold Sanchez bodes well for the Patriots.
This is the 3rd match-up of the year between the Pats & Jets with each team winning at home during the regular season. Next weekend should be a better game than the blowout win by the Patriots at home several weeks ago.
Go Pats! Can't wait for Rex's comments this week.
It was hard to cheer for either the Jets or Colts last night since I dislike both. However, it's good not to have a Manning in the playoffs any longer. No Drew Brees either for that matter. And the Jets inability to score points with a hot & cold Sanchez bodes well for the Patriots.
This is the 3rd match-up of the year between the Pats & Jets with each team winning at home during the regular season. Next weekend should be a better game than the blowout win by the Patriots at home several weeks ago.
Go Pats! Can't wait for Rex's comments this week.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Two Minor Moves
The Boston Red Sox added 2 more names to their farm system for 2011 - Catcher Max Ramirez & RHP Tony Armas, Jr.
Ramirez was the other player from Texas that was coming to Boston in the Mike Lowell trade. Obviously, that trade didn't happen & Lowell got to retire as a Red Sox. Put that under the category of everything happens for a reason. Ramirez is another catcher that the Sox can evaluate in their mix of backstop resources.
Tony Pena, Jr. is the son of former Red Sox catcher Tony Pena, Sr. Pena was an infielder until he converted to become a relief pitcher last year. He brings another young arm to evaluate into the system.
As most coaches know, you can never have enough pitching & catching. We'll see if either kid makes an impact in the Sox future.
Ramirez was the other player from Texas that was coming to Boston in the Mike Lowell trade. Obviously, that trade didn't happen & Lowell got to retire as a Red Sox. Put that under the category of everything happens for a reason. Ramirez is another catcher that the Sox can evaluate in their mix of backstop resources.
Tony Pena, Jr. is the son of former Red Sox catcher Tony Pena, Sr. Pena was an infielder until he converted to become a relief pitcher last year. He brings another young arm to evaluate into the system.
As most coaches know, you can never have enough pitching & catching. We'll see if either kid makes an impact in the Sox future.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Beltre Now A Ranger
Adrian Beltre signed a 6-year, $96 million contract with the Texas Rangers. He will replace Michael Young as their everyday third-baseman while Young transitions into a DH role. Scot Boras strikes again.
Beltre was rumored to be working out a multi-year deal with the Angels. No doubt Boras played each team against each other. The Angels end up on the losing end again, just like they did with Carl Crawford. Even without Cliff Lee, the Rangers will be the favorites to win the AL West again this year.
It's a pretty amazing contract for Beltre who has a history of disappearing until a contract year arrives. He signed for 4 years in Seattle after one big season with the Dodgers. Beltre never materialized into an offensive force in Seattle during his 4 years there. Now, after one big year with the Sox, he signs a monster deal with the Rangers at $16 million a year.
I think the Rangers have taken a big risk. Reminds me of the J.D. Drew deal.
Beltre was rumored to be working out a multi-year deal with the Angels. No doubt Boras played each team against each other. The Angels end up on the losing end again, just like they did with Carl Crawford. Even without Cliff Lee, the Rangers will be the favorites to win the AL West again this year.
It's a pretty amazing contract for Beltre who has a history of disappearing until a contract year arrives. He signed for 4 years in Seattle after one big season with the Dodgers. Beltre never materialized into an offensive force in Seattle during his 4 years there. Now, after one big year with the Sox, he signs a monster deal with the Rangers at $16 million a year.
I think the Rangers have taken a big risk. Reminds me of the J.D. Drew deal.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Francona Has New Toys
NESN had an interview with Terry Francona yesterday as part of their Hot Stove program. Francona described an effective reliever, like Daniel Bard, as similar to having a new toy. Like a new toy, you want to use an effective guy all the time.
Francona has many new toys this year. Jenks, Wheeler, Albers & company give Francona more toys to try this year. The Red Sox bullpen was one of the worst in 2010. As Tito said, it was difficult to see leads disappear in the 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th innings last year. Multiple new arms should make the 2011 bullpen one of the best this year.
On paper the Sox have all the pieces to compete for another World Series ring. The bullpen was a major priority to fix. Theo did.
Francona has many new toys this year. Jenks, Wheeler, Albers & company give Francona more toys to try this year. The Red Sox bullpen was one of the worst in 2010. As Tito said, it was difficult to see leads disappear in the 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th innings last year. Multiple new arms should make the 2011 bullpen one of the best this year.
On paper the Sox have all the pieces to compete for another World Series ring. The bullpen was a major priority to fix. Theo did.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Contract Years for Pap, Papi & Drew
There are several Red Sox players in the final year of their contracts. That could bode well for the 2011 season.
The most talked-about is Cinco Ocho. Papelbon had his worst season as a closer in 2010, but still managed over 25 saves for the 6th season in a row. His arbitration number will equate to $10 - $11 million in salary for the 2011 season. He has many reasons to excel this year while playing for a multi-year contract in 2012.
Big Papi signed a 1-year extension, even though he was looking for a multi-year deal. He too has many reasons to excel this year. With Gonzalez & Crawford coming on board Big Papi is projected to hit 5th or 6th in the lineup. If he can produce in his new role, maybe the Sox do bring him back for less money in 2012.
J.D. Drew is finally in the last year of his 5-year deal. Drew's history is one of injuries & his inability to stay on the field keeps him from putting up numbers like he did in LA prior to joining the Sox. The Red Sox website indicates that Drew will probably retire after the 2011 season.
Big years from Pap & Big Papi can only help the Sox run into the playoffs in 2011. Don't forget that we are also counting on turn-around years from Beckett & Lackey as well.
The most talked-about is Cinco Ocho. Papelbon had his worst season as a closer in 2010, but still managed over 25 saves for the 6th season in a row. His arbitration number will equate to $10 - $11 million in salary for the 2011 season. He has many reasons to excel this year while playing for a multi-year contract in 2012.
Big Papi signed a 1-year extension, even though he was looking for a multi-year deal. He too has many reasons to excel this year. With Gonzalez & Crawford coming on board Big Papi is projected to hit 5th or 6th in the lineup. If he can produce in his new role, maybe the Sox do bring him back for less money in 2012.
J.D. Drew is finally in the last year of his 5-year deal. Drew's history is one of injuries & his inability to stay on the field keeps him from putting up numbers like he did in LA prior to joining the Sox. The Red Sox website indicates that Drew will probably retire after the 2011 season.
Big years from Pap & Big Papi can only help the Sox run into the playoffs in 2011. Don't forget that we are also counting on turn-around years from Beckett & Lackey as well.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Patriots Finish With 14 Wins
Remember Curt Schilling's saying of "why not us" in 2004? You could say the same about the Patriots after finishing their regular season with a 14-2 record.
They have all the pieces to go far into the playoffs -- an all-pro quarterback in Tom Brady, a 1,000 yard rusher in Green Ellis, an opportunistic defense & a good mix of youth & veterans. Why not the Patriots in 2011?
With a first round bye the team gets to heal & scheme for their next opponent. Other than Kansas City the Pats have beaten everyone else in the playoffs. But we know that anything can happen.
Good luck to the Patriots in the playoffs. I hope they are the first of the 4 pro sports teams to bring home another championship.
They have all the pieces to go far into the playoffs -- an all-pro quarterback in Tom Brady, a 1,000 yard rusher in Green Ellis, an opportunistic defense & a good mix of youth & veterans. Why not the Patriots in 2011?
With a first round bye the team gets to heal & scheme for their next opponent. Other than Kansas City the Pats have beaten everyone else in the playoffs. But we know that anything can happen.
Good luck to the Patriots in the playoffs. I hope they are the first of the 4 pro sports teams to bring home another championship.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Oki Back In Boston
Hideki Okajima is rejoining the Red Sox for another year. The Sox signed the lefty reliever to a 1-year contract. Hopefully Oki can regain the form that made him an above-average 7th & 8th inning guy in his first few years.
You can never have enough lefties out of the pen for 1 or 2 big outs.
You can never have enough lefties out of the pen for 1 or 2 big outs.
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