That thing is HUGE.
Malcolm Mitchell's Lombardi Trophy tattoo might actually be bigger than the trophy itself, it's going up his entire calf. But I love it. Anytime an athlete on one of your favorite team's is getting a tattoo to commemorate a championship it's a great thing, and when it's typo free (unlike Brad Marchand's) it's even better. After a solid rookie season that included a 6 catch 70 yard performance in the Super Bowl, with most of that coming in the heart of the comeback, Malcolm Mitchell can do whatever the hell he wants. I hope he plays next season with a really loose, diabetic sock so he can show this bad boy off. With training camp 9 days away the season will be here before you know it, and even though there's more mouths to feed than ever in the New England offense, I still expect Malcolm to be a key contributor to the Patriots offense. As a rookie he gained Tom Brady's trust, something no WR has done in New England since Deion Branch. Fuck now I'm fired up for football to start. Blitz for 6 baby.
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Jules tweeted this earlier today and I thought it was pretty cool and worthy of being blogged. It's a picture of letter from a former college professor who doubted his dreams, even mocked them. Saying he should have "realistic" goals. Obviously Edelman proved him and anybody else who didn't believe in him wrong with stuff like this: But I mean at the time could you blame him? Edelman was in community college, plus he was a undersized, run first QB. Not exactly the formula to NFL success, but as he said it through hard work, tenacity, and grit Edelman proved not only this professor wrong, but every other doubter he had along the way. Not to compare myself to the best slot receiver in the NFL, but here I go: I feel very similar to Edelman in the sense that I am being seriously doubted when going after my dream. I know for a fact I have "friends" (and family) who don't support or believe in me. That's fine, it'll make it that much sweeter when it happens. I dream of a day where I'm getting messages like the one Jules received, apologizing for not believing in me. Now I totally get it that wanting to work for Barstool may seem realistic to some, but to me it's all I can see myself doing. I've felt like I wasn't cut out for the "real world" my entire life, that I was meant for something different. I feel like it's what I was made to do. I know I've been slacking lately, and sometimes I have shitty blogs, but not everything is going to be a home run. Plus TBH I've been in a funk lately of self-doubt, and just writer's block in general. I could dive a lot deeper into that, but for the sake of everybody I won't. I know I have plenty of great blogs that I've written over the last year and a half. The talent is there, I know it. I'm just raw and need to get developed a little bit. I created @URIprobs for God's Sake in college and got it up to nearly 6,000 followers while remaining (semi) anonymous, and while in the grand scheme of college life, being a loser. I know I'm funny enough, and knowledgeable enough in a ton of different topics. I know for a fact I can be a valuable asset to Barstool Sports and just need the chance. Maybe drunkenly tweeting stuff at BSS or talking to bloggers in Newport isn't the right path, but I mean I gotta try something. I'm also going to start making videos soon because I think that's more where I'd shine rather than writing. I also think that's how you stand out. Don't get me wrong, I love blogging, but it can be fucking tough. I know people have way harder jobs, I'm not saying that, but when you want to write but have no topic it's the fucking worst. Plus I'm a personality, who happens to write, not the other way around. I know as a writer I have vast room for improvement. While I probably am going to have to pivot in the meantime to get a more traditional job (unless I somehow get hired in the next month) to give my parent's something better to tell their friends about what Ryan's up to, I'm never giving up. But they're the only reason I'm gonna give teaching a try. I just can't see myself doing that for the rest of my life, but I'm 25 and am gonna need health insurance soon, and would like to not live paycheck to paycheck, so at least for the next year that's probably my move. But since I'm 25 years old, and sort of stuck in neutral it's tough, because I haven't been able to fully dedicate myself to this. I think I have to, to make it. I can't be not writing or making content for days at a time. The only way I think to really have something happen is to keep working and truly dedicate myself to my craft. I know I'm funny, but sometimes it fucking hard to write funny. I'm a goofy, awkward dude and a lot of my comedy is from how I act in everyday life, not from behind a keyboard. But for now I can't really do that, because I need to figure out what's next for me in a "traditional" job sense. So as much as I'd love to be able to my content all day, I can't. I don't make any money off this now and need to survive. I'm personally okay with where I am in life right now. Obviously it'd be awesome to have more money and a good job, but I'm going after something I really want. It doesn't happen overnight. I want these to be the days I look back at in decade and know it was all worth it and part of the process. I always say that most people would love to be famous actors, musicians, athletes etc. but those fields are wicked competitive and hard to get a chance in so people don't try. But guess what, people obviously do make it, or else those fields wouldn't exist. Someone has to make it. Why can't it be me? And sure maybe with a lot of stuff it's who you know, and know nobody, but fuck man, I've been negative and doubted myself my entire life and I'm sick of it. I deserve more. In a way it crafted my sense of humor and who I am today, but it is no way to live a life. I want more out of life. I'm sick of hating every aspect of my day. I'm sick of feeling like I'm not as good as other people my age because I still work in a pizza place. I'm sick of being alone. I'm sick of being unsupported by the people I unconditionally support and root for to do well in their lives. I'm sick of worrying about my parents worrying about me. We get one shot at this game called life, and I've seen way too many people from my own family, friends and outsiders who just live some life that they don't want because they wanted security. But I'm not gonna fucking do it, I don't care. I'm not going to like kill myself so please don't freak out, but I would rather be dead than keep living a life I hate. So while I am going to have to pivot, I'm in no way giving up, and I know someday, I too will be able to say I made it and shove down the people who doubted me throats. To all of those who do believe, and have reached out to me (it's been awhile since you have tho) I do appreciate it, and I promise you I'm going to do everything I can to make it.
This retweet from 2010 after Paul Pierce signed an extension in Boston went semi-under the radar until Paul Pierce was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2013.
After pit stops in Brooklyn, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, "its official". Paul Pierce has signed a one-day contract to retire as a Boston Celtic.
Normally I'm not a huge fan of players signing honorary contracts with a former team to retire a "fill in the blank". To me, it's kinda corny, it's fake, it's not real (aka fake). To me, you retire with the team you played your final game with, it's that simple. That's where you ended your career. If you really want to retire with your former team, do what KG did and actually go back there. However the one-day honorary contract happens all the time in other sports. To me it has to be with guys who were Hall of Fame caliber, maybe a step below who spent the majority of their career with one franchise and are forever engrained with that franchise, but finished elsewhere. Guys like Donovan McNabb (Eagles), Jerry Rice (49ers), Frank Thomas (White Sox) and Roy Halladay (Blue Jays) have all done it. Guys like David Tyree doing it is a joke. He's a bum with one career highlight. But apparently it hasn't happened in the NBA before, until now. I still don't believe that, but according to www.rsvlts.com/2015/07/28/one-day-contract-in-sports/ it hasn't yet, they even mentioned Paul Pierce two years ago as a potential first to do so in the Association. According to that same article Roger Craig was the first person to sign an honorary one-day contract, way back in 1994 he signed a one-day contract to retire as a 49er. It makes sense that Paul Pierce would be the first to do so in the NBA. Paul Pierce has always done things a little differently. In 2008 when he helped lead the Boston Celtics to the NBA championship he poured out the gatorade cooler on Doc Rivers. A long lasting tradition in the NFL, not NBA. Now he is the first player (unless someone has done it since 2015) in NBA history to sign an honorary contract. Normally I think this is kind of a corny move, but here with Paul Pierce I think it's a little different. Mainly because I don't think he ever wanted to leave Boston, I know I didn't want him to get traded. But we all know "it's a business" and given where the Celtics were headed in the rebuilding process, and how late in Paul's career it was, the move made sense, but still hurt to see him elsewhere. But things have a funny way of working out. In leaving Boston, Paul was able to give Boston a new lease on life. Celtics have been able to draft Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Like Anton on Silicon Valley, or Jesus Christ of Nazareth, he made a sacrifice for the betterment of the team. Given the haul the Celtics received for Paul and Kevin Garnett from the Nets, in a way he did much more for the Celtics by leaving, than he would've by finishing his career there. So because of that I have no issue with him going with this corny ass move, and actually support it. Paul Piece is a Celtic legend whose number will one day by in the rafters, if he wants to sign a bullshit contract to "end his career" as a Celtic, go for it. Plus Paul is a Boston guy through and through. He genuinely supports the other teams. In his final appearance in Boston as a visitor earlier this year, (which happened to be on Super Bowl Sunday) Paul showed up to the Garden decked out in Patriots gear.
The truth has made no secrets about his allegiances to Boston, even after getting traded. He's shown up at Fenway Park in Celtics garbs for ceremonies multiple times while playing in other cities. As a member of the Wizards Paul wore his old Celtics warmup for Derek Jeter's final game in 2014.
Even with the Celtic's storied history Paul Pierce is easily a top 10 player in franchise history, some believe he's top 5. If there's anybody who is going to sign a one-day contract to retire with their former team, it's Paul Pierce. Although it did work out, he should've never left. Seeing him in those ugly, boring ass, create a team black and white Nets' jerseys was a crime. After 19 seasons, 10 All Star Appearances, 4 All-NBA teams, over 26,000 points, and of course the 2007-08 NBA Championship & Finals MVP the great career of the Captain anddddddd The Truth is over. Thanks for everything, Paul. Damn now I'm the one being corny. Song: Little of Your Love (Live on SNL) Artist: HAIM Album: Something To Tell You
That's Aaron Judge, (probably drunk) in a Red Sox shirt. This may be my new favorite picture of all time. (at least for today) I hate that someone as awesome and likable as Aaron Judge is on the Yankees. Dude is 25 and just starting to make a name for himself in the bigs. For reference, Bryce Harper is like 6 months older and 6th MLB season. I just can't root for him, I'm sorry. He's incredible, but he's a Yankee, it's that simple. Once the pinstripes come off I can like you, A-rod being the most prime example of that. Hated his guts during his career, but now he's low key my dude. Love what he does with Fox. But what is cool about Judge is that the Yankees drafted him, he didn't chose to go there, so who knows? Maybe when free agency comes around in 2023 for him he'll pull a reverse Wade Boggs/Johnny Damon/Jacoby Ellsbury sign with the Red Sox. Obviously they'll be no room in the outfield for him with Beintendi, Bradley and Betts who I'm sure will all still be with the team by then, I mean there's no way the Red Sox can fuck that outfield up. Judge to the Sox in 2023. A man can dream. P.S. Who do you think is on the back of that shirt? My money is on Pedroia. Concerts and summer go together like There's nothing better than being outside on a beautiful summer night, vibin', drinkin' beers, maybe smoking something (only if you're in a state where it's legal of course), listening to awesome music with your friends/family. If you're going to exclude water based activities, which everybody with a brain knows is the best part of summer, concerts (along with a night at a ballpark) are the best way to spend a summer evening IMO. Despite being a man child, wannabe blogger, who lives in my dad's basement I've been lucky enough to go to some awesome summer concerts; The Black Keys, Dave Matthews Band, Florence + the Machine, Zac Brown Band, and Jimmy Buffett (sort of) just to name a few. With music, just like ice cream or money, you can never have enough. There's still a bunch of artists I'm dying to cross off my concert bucket list. So in the (my favorite filler phrase) dog days of summer, where content is at a premium I figured, what the heck? What better time to do a very specific blog about me and my own musical tastes to push onto others. Here I will try to use my gift of the written word to talk about music in a sense that has you thinking: "You know what, I've been reading DOL for over a year, and this overweight, but handsome man actually has some pretty good shit to say, not only is he funny, and a v knowledge sport fan, but he also has fantastic taste in music, I don't know exactly what he'd do there, but he should be working for barstool, maybe I'll go send an email". Stuff like that. (You totally should send an email to anybody at Barstool, explaining how much you love DOL and why I deserve at the very least, a sit down interview) The only rules with this blog are that I cannot have already seen the artist (so that eliminates Mos Def and Talib Kweli, Kid Cudi, J. Cole, The Black Keys, Flaming Lips, Cage The Elephant, Taking Back Sunday, Of Monsters and Men, Kings of Leon, Zac Brown Band, Jimmy Buffett [although I do need to see him awake], Florence + the Machine, and Dave Matthews Band {probably forgetting someone}) AND they still have to be performing**. I think that's fair. I believe I can speak for all of us when I say seeing the Beatles or Hendrix live would've been pretty cool, but since it's not possible let's not waste time with them. Alrighty, let's get it going. You're about to see a v random assortment of artists. Lady Gaga
Song(s) I Want To Hear Live The Most: "A Million Reason", "Bad Romance", "Just Dance", "Edge of Glory"
Between her performance at the Super Bowl halftime show in February lady-gaga-killed-it-last-night.html, and latest album "Joanne", one thing I've realized recently is how much I truly enjoy Gaga's music. While I'm not the biggest fan in the sense of knowing her entire catalog, I fuck with her hits heavy. I've spoken about how groundbreaking her album "The Fame" was, every single was a smash. One of the biggest albums of my high school years, those songs just make me think about parties in people's basements. Didn't realize it then, but that album was the soundtrack to our lives at the time. I think seeing her perform live would be an incredible experience, and one that I'll have to wait until I have a big boy job, since her tickets are pricey AF (hire me BSS), her shows look like something all music fans need to experience before it's all said and done. No matter what you think about her music or persona, there's no denying that Gaga pulls out all the stops to put on a memorable performance. I need to see that sheer emotion live. I feel like Lady Gaga is the type of performer who could make someone who doesn't know a single one of her songs cry. The actual experience of going to one of her shows to see her perform and does on stage is almost as intriguing as the music itself. Hall and Oates
Song(s) I Want To Hear Live The Most: "She's Gone", "Private Eyes", "One on One"
Fun fact: I am a HUGE Hall and Oates guy. For someone who was born after they had the majority of their commercial success (they haven't had a top 04 hit or an album go gold or platinum in my lifetime) I fucking love these guys. Their sound evolves over the course of their career, they started as a folky, bluesy duo, and by the 80's had adapted to the times including syns in their sound. As a music guy, I have to see these guys and pay my respect to the great career they've had. I don't understand how there's people who dislike these guys as a duo, they are one of the most successful duos in music history with decades of hits. Also John Oates should be legally required to have a mustache until the day he dies.
Darius Rucker
Song(s) I Want To Hear Live The Most: "Wagon Wheel", "Time", "Only Wanna Be With You", "Comeback Song", " Don't Think I Don't Think About It"
This one is kind of a loophole. While I like a lot of his country hits, to me Darius Rucker will always be Hootie. I'm pretty sure he hates when people say that, but if you're being honest it's okay to make people upset, and that's how I feel. As much as I'd like (don't really care) the original members of Hootie and the Blowfish to be there performing "Let Her Cry" or "Hold My Hand", I really just need Darius and some studio musicians. I couldn't name the other members/blowfish if you gave me the rest of my life and all the money in the world as a reward. So the way I see it, at a Darius Rucker show you're getting the best of both worlds: country Darius, and the best of Hootie and the Blowfish. As one of my favorite voices in all of music, I gotta see Darius perform someday.
Glass Animals
Song(s) I Want To Hear Live The Most: "Pork Soda", "Gooey", "Youth", 'Life Itself", "Season 2 Episode 3", "Hazey"
This British indie rock band has been in my daily rotation since their 2nd record "How to be a Human Being" came out. Their shows look like a blast from what I've seen on youtube and their live performances on talk shows. To put it simply, I fucking love this group, and as one of the few acts on this list who is in the "we're still trying to make a name for ourselves" part of their career, it feels like I'll have plenty of time to see these guys. Their sound is infectious, hard to listen to Glass Animals and be in a bad mood. So many unique sounds in their music that you don't hear a ton in most music. They have songs you can just vibe out to, and songs you can get fired TF up to. If you haven't heard them yet, get out from underneath the rock you're living under and give them a whirl.
Blink 182 **(with Tom Delonge)
Song(s) I Want To Hear Live The Most: "What's My Age Again", "Josie", "Going Away To College", "Every Time I Look For You"
I know I said earlier that the band still had to be performing, and in a way I'm breaking my own rules, but since this is MY blog, I'm going to let it slide. Not going to throw the cuffs on myself here. Everybody loves Blink-182, even if you aren't really into rock. I haven't met someone who hates Blink-182, and I have, fuck that person, they're obviously not smart. If you're around my age and were/are into the pop-punk/alt-rock scene than you probably were raised on Blink-182. I know I was. I can remember the summer of 1999 when I'd be at my friend Kevin's house that Enema of The State would always be in the mix. One of the earliest memories I have of music was that album. So many classic hits, and of course that classic album cover. I know Tom has since been replaced with Matt Skiba, and that Blink has made another album since he left the band, but there have been rumors that maybe, someday things will be able to go back to the way they were. I sure as hell hope so because I really want to be singing along to the pop-punk of my youth with a bunch of people like me who were raised on Blink-182 someday. Nothing against Matt Skiba, but those songs just aren't the same without Tom. How the hell are you going to perform "All The Small Things" without Tom Delonge?
Bastille
Song(s) I Want To Hear Live The Most: "Flaws", "Bad Blood", "Pompeii" "Good Grief", "The Currents", "Blame", "Warmth"
Dan Smith's voice makes me believe that someday there can be world peace. The vocals in this group's music separates them from others in rock today. Cannot emphasize enough how incredible Dan Smith's voice is. He could sing a cookbook and I'd buy it. The raw emotion in their songs make it very easy to become a fan of them. Bastille despite being in the middle of this list on the blog, are much closer to the top of acts I need to see. I can listen to "Wild World" front to back without skipping a song, they're all v good.
Paramore
Song(s) I Want To Hear Live The Most: "Misery Business", Ain't It Fun", "Hard Times", "Pool"
Another band that I rediscovered thanks to new music, Paramore has been a fixture in the alt rock scene for a decade now. I don't know their whole backstory like other bands I'm into, I know they've had some turnover recently. But to put it simply; I really enjoy their music and would love to see them live. So much so that they went from off my radar, to on my concert bucket list. Life moves quickly. As a band who has a history of doing cross-genre/era covers I'd love to be in attendance for one. Their "new" 80's sound is fucking incredible, and also great to listen to at the gym.
Coldplay
Song(s) I Want To Hear Live The Most: "The Scientist", "Clocks", "Viva La Vida", "Fix You", "Yellow", "Trouble"
You know how I know you're gay? I've gone through phases with Coldplay. They're not a band I listen to all the time, but as a music fan, they're a band I greatly respect. Chris Martin and the rest of the group have been doing it for over 20 years. To me the event of going to a Coldplay show, with all the lights, colors, and interaction is what makes the prospect of seeing them live so appealing. You start thinking about their career, and it's just hit, after hit. You can make fun of Coldplay all you want, but there's no denying the positive impact they've had on music and the world.
Fleetwood Mac
Song(s) I Want To Hear Live The Most: "Dreams", "Landslide", Go Your Own Way", "Don't Stop"
I've been learning more about Fleetwood Mac from HBO's The Defiant Ones. I don't know a ton about Fleetwood Mac and am not going to try and act like I do. Although as a wannabe hipster, maybe I should? My memories of Lindsey Buckingham are those of Bill Hader playing him on SNL's "What's Up With That?". One of my favorite running gags of recent SNL was Keenan never getting to Lindsey during the sketch. But what I will say about Fleetwood Mac is that they are one of the most important and influential acts in music history. Rumours changed music forever. They're all getting up there in age, the still sexy Stevie Nicks is 69 years old (nice). Her influences on music, style and fashion are well documented. As a historian I'd love to see these guys perform. To me being able to say I saw them perform live would be pretty cool.
Eagles
Song(s) I Want To Hear Live The Most: "Lyin Eyes", "Take It Easy", "Hotel California", "Desperado", "Already Gone" (and pretty much every song they've ever made)
Originally I wasn't going to put them on my list, because I had heard Don Henley say before that with the death of Glenn Frey that the Eagles were done performing. Now with his son, Deacon the show goes on. Last summer I was on a HUGE Eagles kick, and really have never came out of it. Obviously I had heard them growing up, but never really dug deep into their catalog until last summer. I watched their documentary History of the Eagles on netflix (multiple times) as well. They are one of the most successful and important American rock acts of all time. They are the sound of summer, and make me wish I was my parent's age so I could've seen them live in the their hayday. Now I just have to see them before more start passing away.
Mumford and Sons
Song(s) I Want To Hear Live The Most: "Little Lion Man", "The Cave", "Dustbowl Dance", "Rollaway Your Stone", "Babel", "I Will Wait", "Lover of the Light", "Hopeless Wanderer", "Below My Feet", "The Wolf", "Believe"
Mumford and Sons are one of my all time favorite bands. The final 3 spots of this list are the top 3 groups on my bucket list. I've been really into Mumford and Sons since 2012 when I went to Montreal with 5 of my friends and we heard some cover band playing "Little Lion Man". It became the song of the trip, and whenever I hear it it brings back memories. It was a song I knew from the radio, but never really knew about the band. That trip caused me to research them more and more and I became hooked. Later that year they came out with their 2nd album "Babel" which went on to win the 2013 Grammy for Album of the Year. Their sound has evolved from the banjo heavy folk sound of their first two albums, to 2015's "Wilder Mind" which saw the band have a more traditional rock sound. Since they broke onto the scene in 2009 they've been one of the most popular acts in all of music selling out arenas around the world.
Tame Impala
Song(s) I Want To Hear Live The Most: "Feels Like We Only Go Backward", "The Moment", "New Person, Same Old Mistakes", "Be Above It", "Elephant", "The Less I Know The Better", "Eventually", "Let It Happen", "Yes I'm Changing"
Tame Impala is one of my favorite acts in all of music right now, and I hate that it took me so long to fall in love with their music. I feel like I'd be a better man (foreshadowing the final artist on my list) had I known about them earlier. Last year, one of my best friends in the world (you know who you are) recommended them to me, and it's one of the greatest gifts I've ever received. The work of Kevin Parker has changed my life, for the better. This psychedelic band from Australia is the brainchild of Kevin Parker. Who writes, performs and produces all their music, then has the band perform it live. Very similar to what Brian Wilson did with Pet Sounds in the mid 60's, except Parker has done this with all of Tame's work (I think). Currents helped me deal with so many issues that had been haunting me for years. It's an album that is so good that I bought the actual CD, and have never taken it out of my car. Tame Impala is probably the most unfamiliar act on this list to the average person I know. I highly recommend them.
Pearl Jam
Song(s) I Want To Hear Live The Most: "Better Man", "Alive", "Last Kiss", "Dissident", "Even Flow", "Black", "Daughter", "Sirens", "Elderly Woman Behind a Counter in a Small Town", "Yellow Ledbetter", "Once", "Animal"
They've been doing it for literally my entire life. I was born on December 15th, 1991 and Pearl Jam's legendary debut album "Ten" came out a few months earlier in late August. Ever since they've taken on Ticketmaster and said fuck you to regular marketing strategies. Pearl Jam has been making truly important music for a quarter century and counting. So many stories throughout the lyrics of one Edward Louis Severson III. IMO, Eddie Vedder has the greatest voice in rock history. He could give me goosebump singing a receipt. There is nothing quite like him, and between the vocals, the emotion, and passion displayed by him it's easy to become a fan. Plus if you mix in all the good Pearl Jam has done for the world with their platform it's not hard to root for these guys. Recently I kind of had an epiphany and realized how big of a fan of theirs I am. Kind of like in a romantic comedy when the girl realizes she's been in love with the guy all along. I've been in love with Pearl Jam since the first time I heard them, I just didn't realize it at the time. I guess just because so much of their great music is older, that I kind of overlooked it. Like it's always been there for me, and at times I've listened, but I never truly realized how many masterpieces this group has created. Songs like Even Flow and Jeremy I've listened to since as long as I can remember. When I first started to learn about music and the culture, they were one of the first bands I learned about because of the impact they and other grunge groups had on an entire generation. They've stood the test of time, unlike their "competition" at the time. If I do not get to see Pearl Jam and Eddie Vedder perform at some point during my lifetime I will be very upset. That pretty much wraps up the Official DOL Summer Concert Bucket List. While honestly it doesn't matter what time of year I eventually see all these acts, all that matters is being their to hear their music. Who is on your Concert Bucket List? Feel free to share! Thanks for reading!
**Sorry for the lame Judge pun, but everybody is doing it, and if I know anything about life, it's if you just use the excuse, "everybody is doing it", you actually can't get in trouble.**
Throughout the 4 game series at Fenway Red Sox pitching kept Yankees monster outfield (emphasis on monster) Aaron Judge pretty quiet offensively. Although he's the new Gary Sheffield, in the sense that I'm terrified he's going to hit a ball 800 feet every time he swings the bat, for the most part, the Red Sox pitching staff kept him at bay. Only one hit in the four game set (and it was a shitty infield single). Then in the top of the 8th inning there was a 94% chance of that changing. David Price pitched very well all night, in a few spots he got in some trouble but he kept the Yanks off the scoreboard. Leading 3-0 in the top of the 8th with a man on first base, and 1 out David Price was at 103 pitches. In the broadcast the discussion was about whether or not Price should've been left in to face Aaron Judge. First pitch, Aaron Judge gets a hold of it and takes the ball for a ride to the triangle in CF, the deepest part of Fenway. From that crack off the bat it looked like Judge just made this ballgame a hell of a lot more interesting, and gave critics a reason to pick apart David Price's otherwise brilliant start. Then JBJ happened.
My immediate reaction after that play.
JBJ saves the day yet again. If he doesn't make that play the Red Sox 3-0 lead is a 3-2 lead, and this game is faaaar from over. The reaction from David Price is how do you say, priceless? (I'm a fucking loser)
I say this all the time and I'm sure being a Red Sox fan gives me a huge bias, but Jackie Bradley Jr is the best defensive outfielder in all of baseball. I don't even need to watch other teams to know that, there's no way another man can replicate what he does on a nightly basis. Even with this outstanding catch, given the circumstances in the game, he's still cool and collected AF, which to me makes what he does even more impressive. Anytime a fly ball is hit, if it isn't a HR it's probably an out with Benny, Mookie and JBJ. Together they cover a ton of ground. (Sound analysis by Ole Dozie, there) Jackie, covering the most. I know I just showed a highlight of the catch, but check it out again with all the sabermetric nerd, statcast shit. Look at how Jackie handles this ball. (lol)
If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times, the fact that Jackie Bradley Jr has never won a gold glove shows how irrelevant that award is. JBJ having 0 career Gold Gloves is like how Led Zeppelin has 0 Grammys. When you watch this guy play center every night you'd think it'd make what he does routine, but it just makes you appreciate it more. You almost never see Jackie mess up on a play. I feel like his only errors are ever throwing errors. I swear every game I go to he makes at least one spectacular catch. He had a great sliding grab against the Tigers earlier this year at a game I was at, and a few years ago against the White Sox he made one of the best plays I've ever seen live, I was in the bleachers that game so I had a great view on this one. There isn't a better defensive centerfielder in the majors than Jackie Bradley Jr. Maybe this will be the year he finally gets recognized for it. Given the circumstances of the previous two games, the Red Sox needed it last night. The difference between a split and losing 3 out 4 is huge, especially when it would've been three straight losses. JBJ made sure the Yankees weren't getting on the scoreboard. With the shutout by Red Sox pitching, the Yankees are the last team to get shut out this season. It should've happened Saturday during when Sale pitched 7 and 2/3 scoreless. As for the game itself and series as a whole, despite just getting the split, I feel very confident going forward. You could say it was the Yankees pitching that kept the Red Sox in check, but I feel like it was a lot more of the entire offense being in a slump at the same times, the Sox are having one of the worst stretches of situational hitting in baseball history. They were like 2 for their last 53 with runners in scoring position. We all know this offense has it's limitations and has been really suspect all year, even against the worst pitching. Earlier this season they faced this pitcher on the Mariners, Christian Bergman who in his previous start gave up 10 earned runs in 4 innings, then he shutout out the Sox for 7 innings. Red Sox starters as a whole actually pitched very well this series against one of the better lineups in the American League. That's why I think the Red Sox have just a good of chance as anybody in the A.L. to make it to the Fall Classic. Best pitching in the American League. While it hurts to lose two of those games, especially with a start like the one Chris Sale had, if this offense can just be average those games are going to be wins more often than not. Jackie Bradley Jr is the best defensive CF I've ever seen and you know what? Let's end the blog with that catch from last night one final time.
Song: Doolin Dalton Artist: Eagles Album: Desperado
Call that ball Gwen Stefani because it's a NO DOUBTER!
Remember when everybody was scratching their heads when the Mets moved Tebow up in the minors? Check out his numbers since:
He is (has) risen to the occasion since getting promoted.
They say history repeats itself and I think Tim Tebow knows that more than most. After performing miracles in the NFL, now he's just doing it at a different level, but miracles nonetheless. They say all sin is the same so I think the same goes for miracles right? I would think so like inverse operations, ya know? Many doubting Tebow's baseball acumen, but there's no denying this man's pure power. If you don't believe in Tim Tebow I feel sorry for you. He is the closest thing the world has seen to JC in 2000 years, and I'm like 48% sure he may be the 2nd coming. If you don't think he is going to play for the Mets this season you are outside of your mind, just like those Romans. Many thought this all was just going to be a publicity stunt, but I'm starting to think maybe Tebow could make it in baseball. He's going to get called up off his talent. I mean he has a .972 OPS. Sabermetric nerds' dicks get hard over numbers like that. The dude is straight mashing (High single A) pitching right now. Hitting over .300 right on par with his completion percentage. There's no hiding how much I love Tim Tebow, and while he should still be in the NFL, I'll take another run of him proving doubters wrong by performing miracles on a daily basis (like this other guy I know). Tebow probably turned that gatorade into wine as it poured out of that cooler. Don't be surprised when he's playing AA baseball by the end of the month, and hitting somewhere in the Mets lineup come September.
The Red Sox designated third baseman Pablo Sandoval for assignment prior to Friday's series opener against the Yankees at Fenway Park, the team announced.
Sandoval has been on the disabled list since June 20 with an inner-ear infection and had been rehabbing at Triple-A Pawtucket. He was hitting .212 with four home runs and 12 RBIs in 32 games with the Red Sox this season, his third in Boston. The 30-year-old is signed through 2019 to a five-year, $95 million deal, with a club option for 2020. His 2017 salary is $17.5 million, and $18.6 million in 2018 and '19. His buyout for 2020 would be $5 million, so the Red Sox would owe him over $42 million after this year. Sandoval has played 161 games for the Red Sox after signing with the team in November 2014, hitting .237 with 14 home runs. Yo Panda
As much as it sucks that the Red Sox have to eat so much money on this move, it's the right one. It was time to get this lazy, fat slob off the fucking team.
After the Red Sox hit lightning in a bottle and won a World Series in 2013; largely in part to smart, lower risk free agent signings. A dismal 71 win 2014 caused the Red Sox front office to panic, and they reverted back to their old ways handing out huge free agent contracts to who at the time were the "best" bats available in Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez. Pablo got 5 years 95 million dollars, and Hanley got 88 mil over 4. Right away things were alright, Hanley hit like 10 HR in April of 2015, it was still early but the Red Sox went 12-10 to start the 2015 season. They weren't setting the world on fire, but at least it was technically above .500 baseball, and a winning month, something they didn't accomplish once in 2014. Then from there things went straight down hill, Hanley got hurt in the outfield (remember when he played LF?) and Pablo was just horrible. In 126 games he hit .247 with 10 HR and statistically was one of the worst defensive 3rd basemen in the entire league. The biggest "highlight" of the season for Sandoval came off the field, when it came out he was liking "diva legacy" instagram pictures during the middle of a game.
Then in 2016 Travis Shaw ended up winning the starting 3B job in Spring Training over Sandoval. Pablo ended up playing just three games in 2016. His final stats were 0 hits, 0 hrs, 0 rbi, 1 broken belt.
Despite a solid, promising 2016 the Red Sox ended up making another horrible decision and traded Travis Shaw after the 2016 season to the Milwaukee Brewers for reliever Tyler Thornburg. It appeared with all the money the Red Sox owned Pablo still, they wanted to give him one last chance. So far the Brewers have won that trade, as Thornburg is out for the entire season with a shoulder injury, and Travis Shaw is hit .299 with 19 HR 65 RBI. Sandoval this year .212 with 4 HR and had 5 errors at 3rd. After burying him in Pawtucket for nearly a month, today the Red Sox finally did what they had to do and designated Pablo Sandoval for assignment, which means they'll more than likely end up eating the remaining, I've read up to 49.5 million dollars left on his deal. In parts of 3 seasons with the Red Sox Sandoval played 161 games batted .237 with 14 HR and 59 RBI. It's absolutely sickening that they owe this fat slob a single cent. He is the textbook cautionary tale. They fucked up big time with this signing, right away when they didn't have a weight clause in Sandoval's contract. That's the reason he came here, because every other team wanted one. In a way I'm glad the Red Sox finally bit the bullet and got rid of this bum. They cannot waste a roster spot on this piece of shit. Not on a team with legit World Series aspirations, even with getting little to nothing from the 3rd base spot, you'd rather take your chances with Merraro or Lin, at least they can field a ground ball. Pablo can't hit, can't field, can't run, and can't throw. All he did during his time in Boston was eat, like instagram pictures and break belts. I cannot think of one positive moment from his days in Boston, that's because there were none. People who lost loved ones to murder, have more admiration for the murderers, than Red Sox fans have for Pablo Sandoval. He is without a doubt one of the worst decisions the Red Sox have made during my lifetime, and that is saying something. It really sucks Ben Cherington fucked this team so badly with horrible contracts. The Red Sox owe Sandoval, Rusney Castillo and Allen Craig over 100 million dollars combined over the next 3 years, and none of them will ever play another inning with the Red Sox. It worries me because a lot of their good, home grown talent is going to need to get paid soon, and the Red Sox decided to allocate over 100 million bucks to three bums who literally never earned a dollar of their contracts. If Xander Bogaerts ends up on the Yankees because Ben Cherington decided to pay a Cuban who didn't play baseball for 2 years over 70 million dollars I may jump off a bridge. But, hey at least we're in first place. |
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