Big Problem for the "Big Ticket"

The WebMD website has been receiving some unusually heavy traffic from the Boston Celtics coaching staff as of late.  Already dealing with a depleted roster, the Celtics were handed another huge blow last night when Kevin Garnett appeared to injure himself jumping to finish off an alley-oop pass late in the first quarter, dealing the Celtics a monumental loss that hurt them far beyond the loss column.

Luckily, initial reports have claimed that the injury is not related to the knee that has plagued him over the past two seasons and x-rays taken during halftime of last night's contest came back negative.  That is certainly good news, if there is such a thing in this case, especially considering as it happened my PTSD kicked in and I immediately had a Celtic flashback to the '08 season in which KG suffered that season-ending injury on an almost identical play.

So far, despite a number of significant injuries to key players, the Celtics have been able to maintain the top spot in the Eastern Conference.  However, if this injury ends up being serious, that is a loss I don't believe they would be able to absorb.

Combining a unique combination of passion, aggression and intensity on both ends of the court (most notably on defense), KG provides the Celtics with so many intangibles that cannot be measured on the stat sheet.  His presence, experience and leadership on the court instills a certain motivation which demands excellence and accountability.  And besides, he's obviously the best trash talker on the team as well!

If there is anything positive that can be taken from this, Glen Davis, who has played really well this season, will now play an expanded role if Garnett's injury requires him to miss any substantial amount of time, and that might not necessarily be a bad option.  They'll need "Big Baby" to grow up quickly and man up as he steps into a spot that he performed admirably in the last time when KG went down.

So, as the next few days unfold and the exams are administered, let us wish good health upon the Celtics' fearless leader.  Hopefully that collective breath that Celtics fans all held as Garnett weakly limped off the court last night will soon be replaced with a sigh of relief.

Patriots Potential Playoff Preview

Sunday’s NFL results solidified the teams in the AFC who will be participating in the playoffs this season.  With little intrigue remaining for the final week of the year, I thought it might be interesting to project into the second round of the playoffs to see what possible match ups the Patriots might face.

We know the six teams who are in: The Patriots, the Steelers, the Ravens, the Colts, the Jets and the Chiefs.  Seeding is the only detail left to determine.  Cruising to another turnover-free, emphatic victory in Buffalo, the Patriots secured the AFC East division title, a bye in the first round, and clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Now, what sells in the NFL today?  What tends to grab the majority of the front-page headlines?  Drama, intrigue, scandal - it’s just like anything else in the news/media sector.  Keeping that in mind, I believe that there’s a potential match up for the Pats packed with those sorts of storylines.

The Kansas Chiefs may no longer be the household name they once were or a current NFL elite powerhouse, but they are developing into quite the feel-good story this year.  Adding to the appeal of this possible contest is the links that exist between the two organizations.

 

The most significant of these ties is a move that occurred before the ’09-‘10 season.  The Kansas City Chiefs front office made a move that placed Scott Pioli as their new General Manager.  Prior to accepting that position, Pioli was the Vice President of Player Personnel for the New England for nine seasons.  During his tenure he received several nationally recognized accolades, including “Executive of the Year” in 2007 by several media outlets. 

His hiring spurred a number of integral moves that now shape the core of a vastly improved, playoff-bound team, only one year after finishing with just three wins.  This turnaround would probably not have been possible without quarterback Matt Cassel.  This is a name, as Patriots fans, with which we should all be very familiar.  

After three seasons of playing second fiddle to starting QB Tom Brady, Cassel finally got his shot once Brady suffered a season ending injury in 2008.  He led the Patriots to an 11-5 record that year, forcing the Patriots to place the franchise tag on him because of his unexpected success.  Shortly after that, with news that Tom Brady had regained full health, the Patriots traded Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel to the Chiefs for a 2^nd round draft pick.

The similarities don’t stop there.  Many fans would recognize a few other familiar names while fanning through a Kansas City Chiefs program, particularly when they reached the section listing the coaching staff.  Charlie Weis, a Bill Belichick protégé and offensive guru, once held the title of Offensive Coordinator throughout some of New England’s most prolific and successful years (2000-2004) including the three Superbowl champion seasons.

Another staff member that might catch your eye is the current Defensive Coordinator for the Chiefs, Romeo Crenell.  He also used to don a headset on the Patriots sidelines, where he held the same position from 2001-2004 earning three Superbowl rings as well. 

Both of these former assistants were not only key ingredients that helped form the Patriots championship pedigree, but both also spurned head coach, Bill Belichick, and opted to leave his system for seemingly more glamorous positions elsewhere.  Charlie Weis signed a lucrative contract to coach college football at Notre Dame and Romeo Crenell took a head coaching position with the Cleveland Browns.  Both of their departures were somewhat controversial and both failed miserably.

Despite not having any concrete evidence to support this notion, I don’t doubt for one second that the ultra-competitive, control-freak Bill Belichick, secretly reveled in their demise away from under his sphere of influence.  This inability to let go of these personal grudges and vendettas would only add more fuel to the fire if these foes were to meet in Foxboro.

I know that this may not have quite the allure of a match up that Philadelphia at Atlanta might provide with the whole Michael Vick plot line, but  there’s certainly enough to storylines to generate enough fascination amongst a fan base hungry for another championship, looking to replace that bitter taste from the 2007 Superbowl.  I’m not sure what the likelihood of this imaginary scenario actually coming to fruition is, but I do know that this is what I’ll be rooting for.

All I Want for Christmas is a 15-game Win Streak

Tomorrow afternoon the Celtics will look to add streaking to their list of holiday traditions.  Facing a newly revamped Orlando Magic squad, Boston looks as though they will face one of their biggest challenges during the course of the current streak.

Orlando initially struggled after acquiring an almost entirely new starting lineup, but recently pulled it together, beating the San Antonio Spurs, who owned the best record in the NBA.  Already one of the premier contenders in the Eastern Conference, Orlando added three key pieces to try and surround center, Dwight Howard, with sharpshooters in an attempt to dissuade teams from the temptation of double teaming him with every entry pass into the post.

The only criticism with this move is that the transaction depleted their very capable front court, leaving Dwight Howard as the only legitimate inside threat and low post defender.  This was a rather puzzling strategy, as it seems that the one way to beat the top teams in the league (i.e. Boston, Miami, L.A. Lakers) is to have a mixture of big men to create favorable match ups on both ends of the court.

Regardless of the amount of big bodies being thrown around in this game, it will be one of the littlest guys who could make the biggest difference.  Rajon Rondo has missed the last three games due to an ankle injury, and this will be a very difficult opponent to overcome without his presence on the court.  Therefore, his availability will be critical in the outcome of this game.

Little Nate Robinson has done an adequate job filling in for the the super star point guard, but their styles of play are so drastically different, and they are a much better team with Rondo running the show.  The streak is really incredible when considering all the injuries that Celtics have sustained over that period of time.  JermaineO'neal  has missed each of the 14 games, Shaquille O'neal has missed four games, Rajon Rondo has missed six, Delonte West has missed 12, and, of course, Kendric Perkins has yet to suit up this season at all.

From the stage of the Boston Pops to the basketball court, the Celtics have been orchestrating some beautiful play, so let's just hope that continues as they work through their bumps and bruises on this big Christmas day game.  After all, this will be a good reminder that the calendar still reads "December" and the ultimate gift this year will not actually be unwrapped until June. 

I must admit though, maybe it's just my overtly biased opinion, but a win on Christmas only seems appropriate for the guys dressed in green.  Besides, Orlando has sparkles on their Jersey and no respectable man can lose to a guy whose covered in glitter!

A Christmas MVP Controversy: Who will Santa deliver the trophy to this year?

Ah, the joys of holiday travel.  While sitting in the luxuriously comfortable airport benches for several hours after numerous delays earlier this week, I was provided with ample time to overhear a lengthy, ongoing debate between the two gentlemen seated in the benches directly behind me.  They were engaged in a heated argument trying to determine who the MVP of the NFL is.  With not a whole lot of other options at that moment in time, I decided to ease drop and hear who had the most convincing points.

With only two weeks remaining, the consensus among most people is that the candidates seem to be narrowed down to two players:  Michael Vick and Tom Brady.  These were also the individuals being discussed by my two new friends at the Sea/Tac International Airport.

Both are having absolutely tremendous seasons, quarterbacking their teams to records worthy of the lead in their respective divisions.  However, there is one area that I think Tom Brady has a distinct advantage over Vick.  Tom Brady has started each of the Patriots 14 games guiding them to an NFL best 12-2 record.  Michael Vick, on the other hand, has missed out on three full games due to injury.  And, in another game, he was knocked out in the first quarter. 

In the three games that Vick sat out, the Eagles’ record was 2-1.  This statistic, I believe is another indication that Brady is a more viable MVP candidate than Vick.  The supporting cast surrounding Michael Vick is much more talented.  The Patriots do not have a single player on offense at a skilled position that was drafted in the first round.  As a matter of fact, they only have two players who were drafted in the second round: Deion Branch (WR) and Rob Grankowski (TE).

Conversely, the Eagles have a total of five players taken in the first and second round:  Michael Vick (QB and #1 overall pick), Jeremy Maclin (WR, 1^st round), LeSean McCoy (RB, 2^nd round) and DeSean Jackson (WR, 2^nd round).  Even their backup QB, Kevin Kolb, was drafted in the second round, four rounds before Tom Brady was selected.  Therefore, if the Eagles were to lose Michael Vick, they would still be a playoff contender.  But, if New England were to lose Tom Brady, the Patriots would be an entirely different, uncompetitive team.

Despite playing the same position, these players could not have more different styles.  Although, his passing efficiency has improved greatly this year, Michael Vick cannot avoid the tag of a “running quarterback.”  Also, if a poll was anonymously taken, Tom Brady would most likely be voted the most immobile QB in the entire league.  Though, some believe that this aspect of Vick’s game is a reason why he might have an edge over Brady.

Throwing the ball, Vick has amassed 2,755 yards and tossed 20 touchdowns with 5 interceptions.  Brady has racked up 3,561 yards, 31 TDs and only four INTs.  While their completion percentages and QB ratings are similar (Brady: 66.6 and 109.9; Vick: 63.2 and 103.6), Vick has rushed the ball 92 times for a total of 613 yards and 8 TDs, while Brady has scampered out of the pocket 28 times for only 17 yards and managed to find the end zone just once (even though that touchdown was followed by an intensely ferocious ball spike!). 

The bottom line is that Brady has orchestrated one of the most impressive seasons, statistically, that we have seen in a while.  This New England Patriots team has not only exceeded, but greatly surpassed any and all expectations that may have existed prior to the start of the season.  In Sunday night’s game, Brady set a single season record for most consecutive pass attempts without an interception, at 292.  This mentality has had a trickle-down effect as the Patriots, as an entire team, have not committed a single turnover for seven straight games.

For New England, everything starts and ends with Tom Brady.  The Philadelphia Eagles without Vick, as electrifying as he is and has been all year, would still be able to field a really good team.  Place Brian Hoyer at the helm, forget the playoffs, the Patriots would struggle to have a better record than the lowly Detroit Lions.

Realistically, Michael Vick is, hands down, already the recipient in waiting of the Comeback Player of the Year award, and considering the tumultuous path he has journeyed to reach this point in his career, he should take great pride in earning that title.  However, for my money, the best quarterback and Most Valuable Player to his team and in the NFL is none other than Mr. Tom Brady.

So, if you happen to be reading this article this week Santa, go ahead and slide another trophy down Tom’s chimney as you pass by the Boston area this Christmas season.  I know he already has one, but it’s like you say, “The more the merrier!”  Oh, and if it’s not too much to ask, while you’re at it, would you mind slipping in a shiny, new Lombardi Trophy to reward the rest of the team’s hard work for this year.  Thanks!  So, New England fans, on this traditionally holy, silent night, don’t be afraid to let out a ringing Christmas cheer, “Go Pats!”

Big Move for a Big Arm

Add Bobby Jenks to the list of newly acquired players for the upcoming baseball season.  A move that not only adds depth, but some serious width now as well.  A big guy with some baggage, but has the potential of making a big impact.  A former closer with the Chicago White Sox, he possesses a filthy plus 90's fastball and a devastating breaking ball, which allowed him to pile up 167 saves over the previous five seasons.

The terms of the deal appear to be a two-year deal worth $12 million.  This is a relatively inexpensive alternative to a Joaquin Benoit type who signed with Tigers for $16 million over three years.  That's quite a commitment for a journeyman, setup reliever with absolutely no closing experience.

Jenks' stats have, however, been on the decline for the past three years.  Coming off of the poorest season of his career with a 4.44 ERA and 1.37 WHIP, he still managed to collect a respectable 27 saves to go along with four blown saves (just for comparison sake, Papelbon had 37 saves with eight blown saves).

Pitch control issues have not been the only vice that has plagued Jenks in the past few seasons.  At 6'4" and a whopping 275 pounds, he is basically the real life equivalent of Kenny Powers only with a way sweeter goatee (see pic above).  Several baseball scouts believe that his weight control issues effect his performance more than any other factor.  Personally, I think it will be another great little rivalry within the rivalry with the Yankees to see who can field the fattest pitcher... He's definitely going to give old Cheese Cake Sabathia a run for his lunch money.

Seriously, though, with the proper direction and structured dietary plan, he really could play a prominent role in a far less pressure-packed spot in the Boston bullpen.  I still believe that management is searching for one more defining piece to complete this restructuring process, but this was another good move in an effort to separate the Sox even further ahead of the rest of the AL East.

Look for the Red Sox to make a serious offer to reel in Brian Fuentes, another former closer who is widely considered as the premier left-handed bullpen option left on the free agent market.  This void desperately needs to be addressed, especially with the loss of Hideki Okajima.  This could be the finalizing deal that would close out a fantastic off season, or as Bobby Jenks might describe it: The icing on the cake!

Rivalry...???

That was exactly the response from Paul Pierce when reporters asked him about tonight's matchup with the NY Knicks.  Granted, they did hook up for a few intense playoff series back in the 80's, but there is no recent statistical data to support that notion whatsoever.

Since the 2004-2005 season the Knicks have finished ahead of the Celtics in the standings only one time, the '06-'07 season.  Over that stretch the Knicks have never finished higher than 3rd place in the division and have made only a single playoff appearance.  The Celtics have visited the post season 7 times, won 2 Eastern Conference Championships and one NBA Championship.  The closest the Knicks ever got to sniffing that type of success is from their lounge chairs watching the Celtics on their televisions.

Granted, the Knicks have been on a nice little run lately, winning eight straight games, but let's not get too carried away there, champ.  In that eight game win streak they have beaten a total of two teams with a record above .500 (Denver and New Orleans).

This week, however,  will be a good test for the improved Knickerbockers and could be used to gauge the legitimacy of their early season, high hopes.  Tonight they host the Celtics and Friday the Miami Heat will visit Madison Square Garden.

Personally, I think the buzz this game is attracting is a little over-hyped by certain media outlets who stand to profit from the hoopla being generated ( I won't mention any names, but I think you might be able to put two and two together.  Here's a hint... You can often find Stuart Scott's glass eye glaring at you hauntingly on this network).

The Knicks are definitely a few pieces away from being considered serious contenders, not to mention, they play about as much defense as you would see in a MTV Rock 'n Jock game.  Yeah, the one where T.O. shows off his mad skills in an attempt to hog the limelight even more.

So, yes, the game does feature a couple of the hotter teams in the NBA.  And yes, that is enough to spark interest among a few viewers, such as myself.  Just try to temper your expectations and don't get swallowed up in the frenzy that has developed, and don't be surprised if the Celtics cruise to another easy win as they did earlier this season.  Don't worry, New York fans.  It's not all bad news.  At least you're better than the Nets!

Bo Sox Look to Bulk Up the Bullpen

Late last night, reports surfaced that the Red Sox had made their initial move to start repairing their bull pen for the upcoming season.  Matt Albers, formerly of the Baltimore Orioles, is the newest member of the 2011 Boston bullpen.

Albers had somewhat of an unimpressive season statistically playing for a horrendous team.  In just over 75 innings pitched, he posted 5-3 record, with a 4.52 ERA, a 1.48 WHIP while striking out 49 and walking 34. 

With a lot better and more experienced, proven options still available, it's easy to believe this move will hopefully be the beginning of a flurry of signings aimed at bolstering an abysmal bullpen which ranked last in several categories in the AL last season.

Supposedly there are rumors surrounding several other middle relief/setup men that Boston is targeting.  Among those names are:  Brian Fuentes (L), Matt Guerrier (R), Kevin Gregg (R), and Jesse Crain.  Not exactly names that will ignite ticket sales.  But, as we saw last season, a stockpile of quality arms can be the difference between an 89 win season or a 96 win season.

I'd like to hear what you guys think though.  What rumors have you heard and which names are on your Christmas wish list to help restock the last glaring problem this Red Sox squad needs to address prior to reporting to spring training?

Here's a link to a list of all free agents available for the 2011 season.

http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2001/05/potential-free-agents-for-2011.html

Give it a look and I look forward to hearing your comments/suggestions/opinions.

Re-Lee-ved

Shhh... quiet.  I think you can still hear it.  "What is that?" you might be wondering.  That, my friend, is the collective cheer still echoing throughout the Northeast as Red Sox fans awoke this morning to the news that Cliff Lee would be joining the Philadelphia Phillies, not the New York Yankees!

For all of us Yankee haters, this situation could not have played out any better.  Not only does he spurn the beguiled "Evil Empire," turning down much more money, but this decision absolutely crushes the Bronx Bombers spirit and places them light years behind the Red Sox for the upcoming season.

I think this decision is a really significant indictment on the fact that the opinion of the New York Yankees is beginning to shift.  Their once "bully" mentality and invincible persona has been damaged, and the perception is now more of the idea that they are an aging group of overpaid players on the decline.

This move sent painful shock waves throughout the Yankee fan base.  Placing all of their eggs in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes basket was a dire miscalculation.  There was no apparent contingency plan in place if and when this deal fell through.  They operated under the mindset of "Hey, we're the Yankees.  We'll just throw a crazy amount of money at him (i.e. C.C. Sabbathia, Texiera) and there's no way he will turn our offer down."

The reality of the situation, for Yankees fans, is that this scenario was devastating in a number of ways.  The length of time it took for Cliff Lee to make this decision completely hand-cuffed the whole organization.  They were not able to pursue any other big name free agents prior to finalizing a commitment from Lee.  Secondly, it was imperative, to the Yankees fan base, for management to counter the sensational moves made by the Red Sox front office.

This decision will have a paralyzing domino effect on the Yankees.  This most likely means that Andy Pettitte will lean more towards retirement, seeing that the Yankees are less likely to repeat their success of this past season.  Also, Brian Cashman will be under enormous pressure to trade for another starting pitcher.

This desperate attempt to save face and appease a cantankerous fan base will come at great cost though.  Teams with viable trade pieces will sense their vulnerability and place exorbitant price tags on any players, knowing that the Yankees almost have to overpay now that they've missed out on Cliff Lee.  This will deplete what is considered to be a quality farm system, and damage their long term blueprint for years to come.

As great as this feels today, I would issue a warning before we all start to text our Yankee buddies with painful jabs to their bruised egos.  Don't count them out just yet. Maybe this unsettling feeling subtly lurking in the pit of my stomach is just a byproduct of several years of Boston sports disappointments and failures, but they always seem to have something hidden up their sleeve that brings us back down to earth before we're able to get too high.

So, enjoy it for what it is right now.  Opening Day is a long ways off.  Wallow in the Yankee misery while you can, but just try not to get too carried away in your premature celebrations.  Because, as we all know too well, the tables can turn very quickly, and whatever blows you choose to dish out will almost certainly be returned with twice the force.

Visions of Grandeur

Shortly after watching the Celtics finish off an eight game win streak (which has now been extended to ten) last Tuesday night, I saw a newsflash run across the bottom of the TV screen stating that Carl Crawford agreed to sign with the Boston Red Sox.  After the initial shock and excitement wore off, I remember thinking in my blissful frame of mind, “What an amazing time to be a Boston sports fan!” 

 

Frantically rummaging through my desk drawers, I scrambled to find a pad of paper and pen to scratch out a preliminary lineup card for Terry Francona. The list of players at his disposal is astounding.  Easily one of the most dynamic, exciting and talented players in the entire major leagues, Crawford will join a star-studded lineup that has to be considered as the most formidable and dangerous offensive attack in the game.  This report came just a few days after the news that Theo Epstein had corralled Adrian Gonzalez in a trade with the San Diego Padres.  Gonzalez is considered by many to be the best young first baseman both offensively and defensively.  Provided that the Sox can avoid the health pitfalls that doomed them last year, there seems to be an overwhelming opinion that they will bear the label of “the team to be beat” heading into next season.

Possessing the best record in the Eastern Conference at 18-4, the Celtics have put together an impressive ten game win streak and are deserved of just as much championship talk and expectation.  Consider the Celtics last two wins.  Both came on the road, which is difficult to do no matter who the competition. They were also minus their top three options at the center position.  Kendric Perkins (who has been out all year recovering from knee surgery), Jermaine O’Neal and Shaquille O’Neal were all nursing various injuries, aches and pains.  Yet, they managed to grind out two important road games on back-to-back nights, something that has proved challenging for an older, veteran team such as the Celtics.  These sorts of signs are proof that the championship aspirations associated with this squad are definitely legitimate.

Continuing the championship quality team theme, the Boston Bruins are experiencing some success in the early stages of the season, led by the stellar goal tending of Tim Thomas, who boasts an incredible 14-3-2 record, allowing a meager 1.51 goals per game, and posting a ridiculous .954 save percentage.  Both of those statistics rank #1 in the NHL collecting five shutouts along the way, most in the league, and establishing himself as the early favorite to bring home the Vezina Trophy, an award he won in 2009.  Barring a monumental collapse in the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the Bruins would’ve competed in the Stanley Cup Finals rather than the Philadelphia Flyers.  Seemingly motivated by the huge disappointment of giving up that 3-0 games lead, they appear poised to make another deep push into the playoffs and avenge that heartbreaking defeat.

Well, another week, another win and it wouldn’t be a complete conversation without including the perennial championship contenders of the NFL, the New England Patriots.  They also find themselves as a team in possession of the best record in the league (11-2).  Ever since Bill Belichick and Tom Brady united to form one of the most successful coach/quarterback combinations of all time, the Patriots are in the discussion every year as possible world champions.  As if the Patriots needed to make any other statements, their assault in the snow of the Chicago Bears cleared any doubts remaining in the minds of people questioning their stature as the top team in the NFL.  

Despite the limited visibility on Sunday, The Patriots message could not have been more clear: “We’re on a snow-blown path to our fourth Lombardi Trophy, and not even Mother Nature can stop us!” Santa himself could not have guided his trusty sleigh through that blizzard better than the way Tom Brady guided that Patriots’ offense up and down the field.  It was a complete thrashing in every possible facet of the game and another impressive step towards clinching the best record and the highly coveted home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

For New England sports fans, this universal success is not an entirely new concept.  Think back not too long ago to the 2007-2008 season.  During that time period the Red Sox blazed through their opponents and claimed their second World Championship in four years. The Celtics regained their championship form after assembling their version of the “Big 3,” spelling a 22 year drought without hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy.  And, after an unprecedented 18-0 start to the NFL season, if the Patriots could have somehow avoided a desperate Hail Mary pass and catch from Eli Manning to David Tyree, then they would have also been crowned champions of their respective league, which would have been their fourth in 7 seasons. 

Let’s also not forget that this was not always the way it was for the New England area.  We’ve almost become spoiled at this point.  Fans of my age may not ever fully understand the great despair that regularly accompanied Boston sports fans far before our time, particularly with the Red Sox and Patriots.  It’s important to have some sort of historical perspective so we don’t lose sight of how fortunate we, as sports fans, are during these times of unmitigated success. Like everything, these types of things are cyclical.  So, cherish these moments and do not take them for granted, for it won’t be too long before we’ll be recalling them to help pull us through the great depths of depression only a true sports fan can understand.