Why Red Sox Fans should be routing for a Craig Kimbrel reunion

 

Over the course of his three year stint with the Boston Red Sox, closer Craig Kimbrel has compiled a 2.44 ERA over 184.1 innings. He converted 108 out of 119 save opportunities during his tenure in Boston. Reports of his demise have been greatly exaggerated as his numbers remain elite, and after all, he has been named to the American League All-Star team all three years he’s been on the Red Sox. Ultimately, there is no denying Craig Kimbrel’s greatness. He truly is one of the best closers not just of our generation, but of all-time.

This is the same man that Red Sox fans across New England have no problem letting walk this winter. While his postseason performances have been shaky, he did not blow a single save in the Red Sox 2018 playoff run. People should not be telling the best closer in baseball to head for the hills.

IF the Red Sox plan to make a legitimate run at back to back World Series Championships in 2019 then they need a bonafide stud closer recording the last three outs of their games.  2019 could be the last year with the Red Sox young core intact. Xander Bogaerts, Chris Sale, and Rick Porcello are all hitting free agency after this season.

In the defense of Red Sox fans, the team does have a few options as to what direction they’re going to go in for the closer role in 2019. Red Sox President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski publicly expressed a great deal of confidence in potential in-house options such as Ryan Brasier and Matt Barnes at the Winter Meeting last month in Las Vegas. The free agent market also includes several relievers who remain unsigned, with the Red Sox being most closely linked to right hander Adam Ottavino. He shined last year in hitter friendly Coors field, posting a 2.43 ERA in 77.2 innings with Colorado. There are also a couple of potential reclamation projects available, as Cody Allen and Greg Holland are two free agent closers who were some of the games best just a few years ago. But, with David Robertson and Andrew Miller coming off the board recently, the Red Sox may be running out of time.

Perhaps one reason why Red Sox Nation isn’t rioting down Jersey Street just yet, is because the last time the Red Sox went into the season unsure of their closer, Koji Uehara emerged as one of the better relievers in the game, posting a miniscule 0.565 WHIP and coming in 7th place in the American League Cy Young voting. Of course, it also didn’t hurt that the Red Sox won the World Series that year (2013) as well. But for every star closer who emerges out of nowhere, one “can’t miss” guy falls flat on his face. Historically, relief pitchers have been the most inconsistent position on a year to year basis. One has to look no further than the year prior (2012), when Daniel Bard failed miserably despite being dubbed the closer of the future after the departure of Jonathan Papelbon. This is why a consistent closer is someone you should want to keep around, as they truly are as rare as it gets in baseball.

Red Sox fans should want Craig Kimbrel back as their closer not just this season, but for years to come. In my opinion, recency bias is very much the biggest factor in why supporters of the team are saying good riddance to Kimbrel. Sox Nation will point to Kimbrel’s 5.90 ERA this past October as their defense as to why letting the 30-year-old go is the right move. They’re so quick to forget that he has  a 1.91 career ERA in nine seasons. The flamethrower is a more than solid bet for an ERA under 3 (his career high is 3.40, a massive outlier) and is a lock for over 30 saves every single year. Craig Kimbrel is a future Hall of Famer, and is about as consistent as it gets in baseball in terms of the closer position. Shouldn’t Red Sox fans want him wearing a Boston hat when that inevitable day in Cooperstown comes for Kimbrel?

Yes, the reports that Kimbrel wanted a six-year-deal north of $100M were almost laughable, but that’s how free agency works. A player and their agents typically shoot for the stars, while owners and general managers lowball. They usually will meet somewhere in the middle. The market for Kimbrel now seems almost non-existent, as the other team with the clearest need for a closer, the Philadelphia Phillies, just inked David Robertson. So the Red Sox now appear to be the only team in the running for Craig Kimbrel, which bodes well for them as a return to Boston for Kimbrel seems more likely with each passing day. It is not impossible that the Red Sox sign Kimbrel to a more team friendly four, or even three-year-deal.

Ultimately, Dave Dombrowski has his job because he’s great at what he does. Just like he did with J.D. Martinez last offseason, he will be patient and wait out the Craig Kimbrel sweepstakes, if you can even call it that. I predict that Kimbrel will return to Boston on a four-year-deal in the $60-$70M range in the coming weeks.

Danny Salguero – Contributor – WTF Sports

Editor – Scott Neville

Steal or Bad Deal: NBA Off-season Transactions

Major League Baseball has been, for many years, the undisputed king of the summer sporting world. Recently however, the NBA offseason has stolen some of that spotlight. Blockbuster deals that sent superstar Lebron James to Miami, back home to Cleveland, and now most recently to LA flood the newspaper headlines, television broadcasts, and talk radio agendas for weeks, usually months. The last three summers in particular saw many All-Star caliber players, former MVPs, and potential future Hall of Famer’s change squads. They have been as action-packed and captivating as any fan could hope for. The summer of 2018 has not disappointed thus far, and with over 3 months until the opening tip-off, a lot can change.

Here of some of the best (and worst) deals of the summer:

1. DeAndre Jordan

One would think that in today’s NBA, you would need a consistent mid-range or three ball to remain relevant, let alone elite. Yet Jordan has proven that he still is elite, and like an old school Center, has concentrated his game around post defense and rebounding. He signed with the Dallas Maverick for 1 year, $ 22.9 M.

Verdict: Steal

Extra points for not trying to tank for multiple seasons for the Mavs. A starting lineup that will most likely consist of Dennis Smith Jr., Doncic, Barnes, Dirk, and Jordan are likely to make some noise amongst the mediocre/8th seed seeking Western Conference teams.

Jordan Signs with Mavericks

2. Lebron James

The biggest story of the NBA season was by far where Lebron James would go in Free Agency. Would he return to hometown team the Cleveland Cavaliers? Would he shift conferences and play for Houston? The Lakers? Heck, the Clippers?

He answered our questions and Lakers’ fans prayers on July 1st by signing a 4 year /$153,328,212 with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Verdict: Steal

Anytime you get the best player in the sport, it’s hard to argue with the signing and the Lakers have just won the Lebron sweepstakes. It’s up to Magic Johnson & crew to find other willing stars, because by signing the 33-year-old you automatically go into win now mode. Will they trade away their young pieces to attract established All-Stars? Will they rely upon their youth and upside to bring home a championship? We will see in the ensuing months.

 

Lebron James to L.A.

 

3. DeMarcus Cousins

Cousins shocked the NBA world by signing a 1 year, $5.3 M deal with the Golden State Warriors. Easily one of the best big men in the Association today, this signing is considered by many to have extended the Warrior’s Dynasty for another season.

Verdict: Steal

The only real weak spot in this Warrior team has been their lack of a dominating big man presence. A team that has relied on finesse and three-point shooting has just gained a tough physical big man to round out their roster. Questions have been raised about Boogie’s ability to come back from that devastating ankle injury last year, but even so, for a relatively cheap $5.3 million you can roll the dice if you’re the Warriors.

 

Cousins Joins the Western All-Star Team

 

4. Paul George

Paul George put up yet another impressive season last year, but Oklahoma City’s season ended with yet another disappointing first-round exit. With George’s supposed departure after this season, I would have expected Oklahoma City to reboot and find new pieces to build for their future when perhaps the other Western powerhouses are showing a chink in the armor.

Verdict: Bad Deal

Paul George would have been a perfect fit in several other NBA systems with a legitimate shot at a ring, or at least a Conference Finals appearance. Why he chose to sign with the Thunder who have built around Westbrook (who is hard to play with) puzzles me. As for the Thunder, by signing George, they have now placed themselves in a situation where they need to find another star (not named Carmelo Anthony) if they want to stay relevant. That may be hard to do considering that they are well over the salary cap.

 

George to stay in OKC

 

5. Chris Paul

Chris Paul posted an impressive season with the Rockets, and if not for an injury in the Conference Finals, many believe, including myself that the Rockets would have defeated the Warriors in 7 games or less. So signing Paul to another 4 years at $160 million makes sense, right?

Verdict: Bad Deal

Wrong. Paul is entering his mid-thirties and has shown signs of slowing already. He is coming off yet another bad injury, and what’s to say that he won’t get hurt again? Not only that, by signing Paul to a max contract, the Rockets have lost out on Trevor Ariza and Mbah a Moute, two Forwards that were vital to the Rockets success last year. I doubt that the Rockets will be able to repeat the success of last year after this deal.

 

Paul staying in Houston

 

6. Rajon Rondo

Like many players who have left Boston, Rondo has struggled to find real success elsewhere. He’s a ball-dominate, undersized and poor-shooting guard who is by all means “over the hill”. Tie this together with a myriad of on and off-the-court issues and it becomes clear to see why he’s on his sixth team in six years. This offseason, he signed with the LA Lakers, which raises several questions about how he and other Lakers’ point guard Lonzo Ball will mesh.

Verdict: Bad Deal

Rondo has been a locker room disturbance several teams at this point in his career. With a young team, throwing a wily vet into the lineup could cause some problems. Can Rondo prove doubters wrong, and perhaps motivate and mentor Ball? History says this is unlikely.

 

Rondo follows Lebron to L.A.

 

Danny Lovell – Basketball Contributor – WTF Sports

Edited by Scott Neville

 

 

 

Bruins Top Priority: Move on from David Krejci

I feel this should have been their top priority for the past 5 years but it seems no one has truly made it heard in writing. So I am here to do so now! If the Bruins were to move on from David Krejci, the team would be able to better themselves largely moving forward.

I don’t know what it is about Krejci and why he seems to be a continuous favorite of the front office, but if he wasn’t a Bruin tomorrow, I would be like the reindeers and misfit toys and elves from Rudolph and celebrate with glee. I am thankful for all he did in effort to help bring the Cup to Boston in 2011, but I have grown sick more and more hearing the excuses everyone gives him.

“Well if we give him a winger that can score he would be back to the same old Krejci.” How many wingers do we have to give this guy to continuously be let down? I hear that Debrusk guy is pretty good. And the amount of times they put Pastrnak on that line just to realize maybe Nathan Horton and Milan Lucic made Krejci what he was, not the other way around. He needed the too rough and tough bodies to protect him. If you remember, we didn’t have to be be accustomed to “David Krejci will be out with an undisclosed injury”. Maybe it’s because those two beat the snot out of everyone and got in perfect position to score on a Krejci pass.

Now I’m not saying Krejci has zero skill or anything. He has great offensive abilities, mostly passing since his dumb ass never takes a shot when he’s wide open, but the man gets paid too much to be hurt and never put it all together every god forsaken year. The fact that he will be getting paid 7.5, 7.0, and 7.0 for the next three years irks me to no end. His point totals are not nearly close to what the should and could be. His injuries continue to rack up, and that is what scares me more and more when thinking we have to pay him the next three years. Everyone use to celebrate how he was so good in the playoffs, well guess what, 27 games, 14 points since the end of the 2013 Playoff run. If there is an opportunity to move on, DO IT.

Especially with the fact that earlier in the summer, there was very quiet rumors that someone may be interested in this overpaid, underperforming, sensitive Czech. I have come to the point that if we could get any value, I’d be happy. The Panthers have given interest, if somehow we could steal C Vincent Trocheck and they’d take on his contract, you can make me the number one fan on that bandwagon. I think we have hit the point where no one will disagree with me, and if they do, please explain.

Getting to the point where you are not shocked or concerned of a Krejci injury because they happen all the time should be the boiling point. Or maybe the fact that during the playoffs this past year, he made the top line do everything. Clearly I am just sick of Krejci, the one that should have been moved at his highest five years ago instead of got signed to a contract that he probably was like “you kidding? No? Okay deal 100%.” Sorry for the rant, but it is time to move on from Krejci. P.S. While I think he contains value, I’ve considered pushing for the buyout. I just don’t like this guy.

So, I ask, what are your feelings toward Krejci? Are you able to accept his underperformance on a yearly basis for the amount he’s paid? Or are you on the wagon that hopefully sends him to somewhere that isn’t Boston like I am?

Let me know!!!

– Scott Edwards, Creator of WTF Sports

Report: Montreal’s Pacioretty to be dealt; Deal Imminent

Ha. Haha. Hahaha. Ha. Hahahahaha. HA.

First PK Subban, now Max Pacioretty.

 

According to the Athletic, the Habs have informed Captain F Max Pacioretty that they will no longer look to extend him and prefer to trade him and will look to do so ASAP. Oh, boo who, the Canadiens don’t want to sign Pacioretty anymore because he wants money that he deserves. Oh, I am so hurt and sad to hear that. Pacioretty didn’t fit too well in Claude’s system, how am I not surprised. Maybe because the game is changing, and you have to adjust rather than continuously use the same system that got you fired from a team that is a lot better off without you, while you get to Montreal and ruin them. Don’t get me wrong, Julien did a lot of good here, he really did, but clearly there has to be something wrong with your system to make a consistent 60 plus point scorer who excels on both sides of the ice become a player that a franchise no longer wants to keep. A player they made their CAPTAIN.

 

In no way to I hate to see the fall of the Habs, who already stunk hard last season and have entered a point where they must rebuild with Carey Price in his prime, but now they look to move on from a player who the Habs faithful have learned to love. Watching a rival team fall like this is, well kinda great. What stinks on this one however is the idea that there is no way the Bruins can get him because I don’t think the Canadiens could swallow Pacioretty thriving on the Bruins.

 

Despite reports are that the Penguins could be the team, recent reports have stated they do not want to pursue him as of now. The four time 30+ goal scorer is now the second captain on the market following Erik Karlsson, giving two big time options after the initial beginning of the offseason. I am expecting teams who have missed out on C John Tavares and other free agents to try and acquire the winger.

 

The Sharks, Islanders, and Blues are all expected to be interested in getting Pacioretty’s talents.

 

Where do you think the Canadiens captain will go?

 

Let me know!

 

– Scott Edwards, Creator of WTF Sports

Something Bruin? – Possible Offseason Moves for the B’s

So far this offseason, teams in the Atlantic Division has been making all the moves including the big signing of John Tavares and the Maple Leafs, the Lightning being all in on acquiring Erik Karlsson, and the Sabres drafting Rasmus Dahlin with the first pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. And while teams in the Atlantic continue to improve, the Boston Bruins remain quiet and don’t seem imminent to make a move any time soon. However, as a writer, it is fun to think of possible moves that the Bruins could/should make before next season. Let us dig in:

 

Bruins acquire F Wayne Simmonds, Flyers acquire C David Backes, D Jakub Zboril, and a draft pick.

Why: The Bruins have been missing the Power Forward winger that they have possessed for such a long time on a lot of winning teams. Names like Milan Lucic and Cam Neely come to mind as dominant power forwards who grabbed the hearts of the Bruins faithful. Simmonds has been known for his gritty play and ability to also light the lamp while throwing fists around. Five times Simmonds has scored 25+ goals in a season, making him a possible solid edition and almost too good to be true for the Bruins roster. However, he will be approaching his age 30 season and that may not be something the Bruins can fully accept. But if they were able to send Backes’ contract, sweetening the deal with former first round pick Zboril, and possibly a draft pick, this deal may be the perfect one for the Bruins to make.

 

Bruins acquire D Oscar Klefbom and F Milan Lucic, Oilers acquire D Torey Krug

Why: It seems more and more obvious that Torey Krug will not be a Bruin come the 2018-19 season. He seems to be the main trade target in almost any deal possibility, and the Oilers have been the team most connected to Krug, offering Klefbom in a lot of prospective deals. Klefbom, 24, still has potential to grow if he was acquired by the Bruins in a deal involving Krug. This would not only free up money, but also bring back an old friend that the Oilers are looking to move on from in Milan Lucic. Of course, the Oilers would have to take most of the money if they want to just move on from Lucic and acquire a puck moving D-Man like Krug. Lucic coming back to Boston could firmly be in the cards, and a welcoming one to prove he still has something left in the tank. This deal may be the most likely to occur.

 

Bruins acquire F Artemi Panarin, Blue Jackets acquire D Torey Krug, F Danton Heinen, and a draft pick

Why: This deal would bring the Bruins the best offensive player on the market, while moving on from an underperforming, inconsistent player in Heinen and move on from Krug like they have been waiting to do for a while now. The Bruins have seemingly chosen D Matt Grzelcyk as the lefty, shifty defenseman for their future. Simply because he is cheaper and simply may be a better defensive defenseman in the future, while having the offensive prowess as well. Trading for Artemi Panarin brings everything to the team while keeping most of the young talent on your roster. You could slot Panarin in with Krejci and Debrusk to finally make another line that can do some damage this season. In three seasons, Panarin’s scoring totals have been 77, 74, and 82. He proved that he can be a game changer no matter where he plays and has a talent to score in any situation. He would come to Boston on the last year of his contract, making the only problem him resigning or not. He should be in line to sign a big contract as he is just 26 right now, but this is the best counter to Tavares and make the Bruins a serious threat for this season especially.

 

What do you guys think? Would you be interested in any of these deals? Or do you see another possible target that you can see as a legitimate chance of being in black and gold next season. Hopefully the Bruins are not done this offseason, and as a Bruins fan, these deals would 100% be acceptable to me.

 

Let me know what you are thinking!!

 

– Scott Edwards, Creator of WTF Sports