The Bruins are "en fuego" right now. They now have a 6 point lead in the Northeast Division, and are only 2 points behind Tampa Bay for 2nd place in the Eastern Conference. You can credit it to the Bruins recent acquisitions, or you could credit it to them playing on the road. It has been well documented that the Bruins are an outstanding road team (21-7-4 on the road, 15-12-3 at home), so I guess we should be thankful they are once again on the road tonight.
Boston will be looking for 6th win in a row, and it sounds like Rask will be in net tonight. I actually really like that, because I want to see him in net more to keep Thomas fresh. Thomas has been playing a lot better since he has gotten more time off. Plus, this is Ottawa and the Bruins should beat them even if Blaine Lacher was in net.
Ottawa has had a real tough year. They are only 21-32-9 on the season, and have already shipped off a good chunk of talent on their roster. Look for any easy victory for the Bruins tonight.
Bruins win 5-3
Player of the Game: Lucic
Game starts at 7:30pm on NESN.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Bruins @ Senators Preview
Most Awkward Commercial Ever
I was watching the Celtics last night and this came on and I was so creeped out.
I'M BACK
The NBA has been insane these past couple of weeks. Obviously we have all been distracted by a move that hit really close to home, sending Perk to the Thunder for Green. I haven't spoken since. I was shocked, mad, confused, betrayed, any negative word you can think of I felt it and more. The ball sack on Danny Ainge.
Now that the smoke has cleared, I've seen two games, I can calmly, and clearly analyze what the hell just happened.
First of all, the down side...Lets all be honest and not biased for two seconds and admit what we lost. We lost maybe the toughest on court presence in the NBA. We lost the best Dwight Howard defender in the NBA. We lost a great rebounder. We lost one of the backbones to our defense. We lost an attitude and approach to the game that can't be defined by statistics. When I think of the Celtics mentality and how they play the game, first I think of Garnett, and then I think of Perk. You cannot and will not replace a guy like that. A lot of the league will fear us less. Let me quote a few people around the NBA. "When our starting five is in tact we've never lost a playoff series." Doc Rivers. "I would have to say Kendrick Perkins is the toughest defender I face in the league." Dwight Howard. "Had they had Perkins in game 7, we'd be talking about banner 18 instead of the LA's 16th." John Barry. I could keep going. but why? We get the picture. I really think this will haunt the Celtics one day for one reason or another. If we don't win it all, what do you think everyone will blame it on? It's a pretty cocky move by Danny Ainge. But lets look at it from a GM's point of view and a guy who has to think about more than just this year.
First of all, and a lot of people don't even know this, Perk was offered a 22 million dollar contract by the C's earlier in the year and rejected it. That means he was leaving after this season anyway. Wanna know how I know that? Well because that was the max amount of money the Celtics could pay him. Why would he change his mind later when other teams will be offering him 15 million more? So Danny Ainge is thinking like he's in a Carmelo situation on a smaller scale. Get what you can get for him right now and don't look back. Smart move Danny, but you need to convey this to the public a little better because more people don't know this, they just think your a heartless prick. Secondly, Perk is starting to be a little injury prone. We have a team already harassed by injuries. Cut the dead weight. Get healthy. Smart.
Thirdly, Perk is an offensive liability in the last 5 minutes of a game. We, because Rondo is as well. We need a center who can shoot the jump shot. We got it. So I'm actually looking at this trade center for center, Perk for Krstic. Your basically trading defense for offense. And for a team defined by defense it didn't make much sense at the time. But when you think about it, it does. If anyone watch the Jazz game last night, I notice Garnett being a littler crazier than usual. He had Al Jefferson on "tilt" at the end of the game. What did big Al do, demand the ball, then traveled. Garnett was inside his head. He's in everyones head. But last night I noticed him turning it up a notch. Before the big 3 era, Ray Allen was a defensive liability, Paul Pierce couldn't even spell defense. Then Garnett came in, and in one offseason these defensively challenged players, are playing all NBA defense. Why? Garnett makes you. Because defense isn't so much a skill as it is an approach. An attitude. So if the land of Celtics fans think Krstic is going to come in, put on the green jersey and stand around on defense, your out of your minds. Garnett would never let that happen. In fact, I bet in 6 weeks people will be saying, "Wow, I never knew Krstic as a defender but he's surprising me." Don't be surprised at all. Expect it. Because I'll tell you one statement you'll never forget, Perkins, is Perkins, because of Kevin Garnett. Before KG, Perk was a fat high school kid who didn't understand the concept of receiving the ball in the post, and going straight up with it. I think Krstic will be just fine. Will he have that attitude like Perk, hell no. But guess what, we were the best team in the NBA without him right...so why not add some low post offense. Nice call Danny, you run your team like this is NBA2k11, and I respect that.
Jeff Green. Haven't liked what I've seen from you so far, but hell, we know the deal. What Jeff Green is, is the future. Because one day Ray Allen, KG, and Paul will be too old to play. Everyone knows we will go through a down period...or will we? In Danny Ainge we trust. I love the Rondo, Green, Big Baby, era getting ready to come up. 2012 pick of the clippers (which will prolly be useless unless Griffen gets hurt next year) and we'll have cap room to sign a big name free agent. I don't wanna start any rumors. But if I'm Dwight Howard I'm either going to LA and being the man, or Boston where I can play with the best set up man in the league.
So when the smoke clears I love the moves by Danny Ainge. One key for this all to work is for Shaq to be healthy, and it would be nice to get Jermaine back. Troy Murphy is a great pick up because he a 6'10 guy who can shoot the 3. But guess what, we're not done. Theres one roster spot left, I'm sure we'll see it filled in the next couple of days.
Patriots Sign Marcus Stroud
"Defensive tackle Marcus Stroud, who was recently released by the Buffalo Bills, reached agreement Tuesday on a two-year deal with the New England Patriots, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter (ESPN)."
I remember him from his days with Jacksonville and he was a hell of a player. He is still only 32 years old, so he could come in and have an impact. He has made the Pro Bowl 3 times in his career. In 3 seasons with Buffalo, he had 7 1/2 sacks in 46 games, which isn't all that impressive, but he is another big body for the defensive line, and the Patriots could use that since I see their defensive line as the weakest part of their defense (other then OLB).
2011 MLB Preview: Chicago Cubs
2010 Record: 75-87
Lineup:
1. RF Kosuke Fukudome
2. SS Starlin Castro
3. CF Marlon Byrd
4. 3B Aramis Ramirez
5. 1B Carlos Pena
6. LF Alfonso Soriano
7. 2B Blake DeWitt
8. C Geovany Soto
There are 3 guys that will make or break this lineup; Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Pena, and Alfonso Soriano. Pena is basically an all or nothing guy. He hit 28 HRs last year, but also only batted .198, if he can bring that average up to .220-.230 area it would be a big help. Soriano averaged 108 runs, 37 homers and 97 RBIs in his 5 seasons before signing an outrageous 8 year, $136 million deal with the Cubs prior to the 2007 season. Since then, he has failed to score 100 runs or drive in 80 runs in a single season and has managed just one 30 HR season (talk about tanking it). Aramis Ramirez is a hell of a player, but can't seem to stay on the field, over the past two season he has only played 206 games. If your lineup is banking on these three guys you are in trouble. I think Ramirez is poised to have a hell of a year, but Pena blows, and Soriano is decent at best, and both strikeout WAY TOO MUCH.
Rotation:
1. RHP Ryan Dempster. 15 Ws, 215 1/3 IP, 208 K's led rotation in 2010
2. RHP Carlos Zambrano. 8-0, 1.41 ERA after rejoining rotation Aug. 9
3. RHP Matt Garza. Career-best 15 Ws, 204 2/3 IP with TB last season
4. RHP Randy Wells. Allowed at least 5 ER in 9 of 32 starts in '10
5. RHP Carlos Silva. 1.76 WHIP with SEA in '09; 1.27 with CHC in '10
CL: RHP Carlos Marmol. 138 K's (77 2/3 innings) led all MLB relievers in '10
Just quickly looking at that rotation something should stick out to you right away... No lefties. Kind of odd, but this is an improved rotation. The big question mark is Carlos Zambrano he is a complete mental case, but did go 8-0 with a 1.41 ERA after rejoining the rotation in Aug. If he can get to be a top of the rotation kind of guy that would be HUGE for this team. Garza is a hell of a pickup, maybe I overrated him because he seemed to destroy the Red Sox every year, but the guy was pretty damn good in the AL East, and that makes me think he will be an absolute stud in the NL. Dempster is good, and Wells is a good #4, but I think Carlos Silva is one of the worst pitchers in the MLB. Their closer Marmol has all the talent in the world (138 K's in 77 2/3 innings), but also walks a ton of guys. If he can take the "next step" he could be one of the best in the game.
Overall:
The struggles of the Cubs has been well documented, but I do have to say I like their rotation and their bullpen. I am not at all sold on their lineup, but their pitching staff is going to make them a much improved team, and I bet Garza has an ERA around 2.60 and between 16-18 wins.
2011 Record: 85-77
Breaking News: Celtics Sign Troy Murphy (UPDATED)
There are conflicting reports going on right now. If you believe ESPN the Troy Murphy is coming to the Celtics, but if you believe Yahoo then he is going to the Heat. I am going to wait to do the writeup until it is confirmed. So, stay tuned!!!
***UPDATED***
Troy Murphy has now confirmed to ESPN that he is going to sign to the Celtics. Great signing for the Celtics, as he is a big body that the Celtics really need right now after losing Perkins, and Shaq/Jermaine still on the shelf. My only concern is whether or not he is in shape. He hasn't played much this year, but he will have plenty of time to get in shape before the playoffs either way.
Like I said he hasn't played much this year, but last he averaged 14.6 ppg, with 10.2 rebs, and 2.1 asts. He also shoots about 40% from 3 point range and could really help spread the floor for the 2nd unit.
Bears Release Tommie Harris
Harris, the 14th overall selection in the 2004 draft, made three Pro Bowls with the Bears. He started 90 of 104 career games for the Bears in seven seasons, but was released in part because of underperformance in 2010, finishing with just 18 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries in six starts. Harris was due a $2.5 million roster bonus in June.
Yes he had a bad year, but would be an excellent fit into any team in need of a DT. Maybe the Jets who just cut Kris Jenkins? May be the Saints where he can join his former battery mate Alex Brown. He's still 27 and has a lot of gas in the tank and any defensively challenged team should be willing to not only take a chance on him but get ready for him to be one of the best defensive players on their team. It kind of doesn't make much sense why your team would do it K.
Breaking News: Perkins Signs Extension (UPDATED)
I don't know how much, but here is a piece from Sham Sports:
By simultaneously acquiring cap space with the underpaid Kenny Perk, OKC can now do a Baltche with him. OKC can use their cap space to renegotiate Perkins's current $4,640,208 salary up to as much $6,696,720. From there, they can concurrently offer a new four year extension totalling a a maximum of $33,818,436, or any number below that that they feel happier with.
Add in the extra negotiated salary, and that's over $35 million for four years that OKC can theoretically offer him, as-near-as-is $9 million per. In contrast, Boston could only offer circa $6 million per. It's a significant difference.
I mean we don't know the full details of the deal yet, but if this were the case all the Celtics could have offered him around 6 million a year with the CBA while OKC gave him what he was expecting in the open market. (maybe a bit of a hometown discount)
This kills the chances of us resigning. Oh well.
***UPDATE***
"Kendrick Perkins' contract extension with Oklahoma City pays him $34.8 million over four years, league source tells Y! Sports (Celticsblog)."
That works out to be an average of $8.7 million a year.
Yankees Aggressively Going After Francisco Liriano
Liriano, 27, was 14-10 with a 3.62 ERA with 205 Ks and if you were the Yankees this is a must for them. They are currently going into the season with CC Sabathia, un proven Phil Hughes, erratic AJ Burnett, Ivan Nova or Bartolo Colon, Freddy Garcia or Serge Mitre. Gross. Liriano would automatically make them 5 or 6 wins better.
They said they would be unwilling to give up top prospect Jesus Montero or Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances but would be willing to give up Ivan Nova and Joba Chamberlain. I don't understand why the Twins would be interested in it figuring they have him for this year and next year and certainly the offer doesn't blow you away, but the Twins like playing moneyball sometimes. They say they are uninterested, but sometimes when there is smoke there is fire.
Injury Updates and Waiver Updates
Center Shaquille O’Neal is likely to miss one to two more weeks because of an inflamed Achilles’ tendon, and center Jermaine O’Neal is likely out another three to four weeks after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in January. "We have every reason to believe and continue to believe that Shaq and J.O. will be healthy,’’ president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said. Globe
Call me a conspiracy theorist but I think this is a way to convince bought out big men to think that their role will be bigger than it will be. I have all the faith in the world in Shaq being ready for the playoffs and for Jermaine O'Neal to a lesser degree. I'm fine with Danny playing these games if we keep winning but I do want to see Shaq back in action somewhat soon.
As for the waiver Market it looks like Mike Bibby will head to Miami, which I'm fine with. He's overrated, washed up and I didn't want to see him in green. He once questioned Boston fans and I would have hated to cheer for him. They are also saying that Troy Murphy could be leaning toward Miami over Boston, which I'm skeptical about.
Either way there are some good names that could be released in TJ Ford, Josh Howard and Samuel Dalembert.
107 Celtics, 102 Jazz
The Utah Jazz may have lost Deron Williams and have an identity crisis in crunch time of games, but boy are they a fun team and have a ton of potential. It was an awesome but frustrating game as the bigs ate us alive like I was previously concerned about in the preview. Old friend Al Jefferson 28 points and 19 boards, Paul Millsap had 17 and Derek Favors had 9. A lot of that can be credited to Big Baby who had one of the worst games of his career. He was late on defense, had a rough game shooting going 2-8, 5 fouls and just things weren't going great for him. I questioned Doc for not giving Nenad Krstic more burn down the stretch. Speaking of Krstic I have been nothing but impressed by him so far, he hustles, rebounds and is a really good offensive player and knows where to position himself, he finished with 11 points and 5 boards. But so far he's been more impressive than Jeff Green who seems to not have grasped the offense and defense yet. Hopefully that will happen sooner then later because I don't want to make excuses for him all year.
Rajon(18 points, 11 assists) had a hell of a game finding everyone and being aggressive. He hit the dagger jumper at the end of the game which I love. The more confident he gets with that jumper the more that will benefit us down the stretch. Ray Allen was the catalyst for this win, drilling difficult shot after difficult shot.
Great win, and 3-1 on the road trip and only loss coming to Denver after the trade.
