The Red Sox acquired SP Chris Sale in a trade with the Chicago White Sox in 2016. His time in Boston has ended as the result of a trade sending him to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for 2B Vaughn Grissom. The 2016 Sox swap sent four Red Sox prospects to Chicago to attain Sale. Sale’s value in 2023 was one prospect, along with the Sox agreeing to pay $17 million of his $27.5 million salary for the 2024 season. Sale’s value has dropped because his time in Boston featured the good, the bad, and the injuries as well. He will always be remembered in Boston for his role in the historic 2018 season with a franchise record 108 regular season wins, an AL East title, and the World Series as well.

The Good

In his first two seasons in Boston, Sale was everything that the team could hope for. The games Sale started were must-watch television. He was an All-Star in 2017 and 2018, finishing 2nd and 4th in Cy Young voting. In 2017 Sale became the first Sox pitcher not named SP Pedro Martinez to record over 300 strikeouts in a season.  Speaking of Pedro, Sale also tied him for the most consecutive starts (8) with at least ten strikeouts. 2018 was another strong season, briefly interrupted by a visit to the Injury List (IL), which would become Sale’s home away from home in later years.

The postseason had more mixed results for Sale, but the good included a win against the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the ALDS.  A win against the Yankees is always a sweet one, and even more so in the postseason. Sale had a no decision in the ALCS against the Houston Astros and then started the first game of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The main thing Sale will be remembered for is ending the Series in Game 5 with three strikeouts. The last one was against 3B Manny Machado, who was disliked by many in Boston for his time with the Baltimore Orioles.

2019 did feature a few moments of greatness from Sale. He threw two immaculate innings and struck out a career best 17 in a game against the Colorado Rockies. An immaculate inning is no small feat since it is when a pitcher strikes out three batters in the inning, on three pitches apiece. A rare bright spot in the later Sale years was him throwing his 3rd immaculate inning against the Minnesota Twins in August 2021. These glimmers of the young Sale became few and far between.

The Bad

This article is shaping up to be like something in chronological order. That was not the purpose, but rather a reflection of how Sale’s time in Boston went. Like most movie series, Sale started strong, then fell off in the later editions. 2019 was a good year for Sale’s bank account but less so for his career. The Sox and Sale agreed to an extension that would kick in for the 2020 season, but neither side ended up getting much out of it.  2019 was the first season that Sale did not make the All-Star Game since 2011. 2011 was also Sale’s second season in the league.

The Sox as a team underperformed in 2019, so it was not only Sale’s fault that they missed the playoffs the year after one of the most dominant seasons in Red Sox history. Sale missed the entire shortened 2020 season and the majority of the 2021 season because of something to be elaborated on later. When Sale did return from injuries, he never consistently matched the dominance of his All-Star run. His first healthy start of 2023 featured giving up 7 runs to the Orioles. This began a season of 102.2 innings and a 4.30 ERA, a far cry from his glory days.

The Injuries

Some of the injuries that Sale sustained are common for starting pitchers. Being a pitcher that is 6’6″ and 183 pounds only made these injuries more likely to occur. Tommy John surgery in March 2020 was the costliest one in terms of time missed. There were red flags of an issue in 2019 when Sale ended the season on the IL with elbow inflammation.

Some of the injuries to Sale, though, were flat out odd. Potentially, they were a sign of the Curse of the Betts at work against the Sox. The first occurred in July 2022 when a line drive from OF Aaron Hicks broke his finger. That was unlucky enough, but more was in store for him. Sale broke his wrist after crashing on his bicycle in August, which ended his season. The Braves better hope there are safer bike paths in Atlanta for Sale. Maybe a set of training wheels could help or wrapping him in bubble wrap except when he is pitching.

Sale had a good run in Boston and reflected the Dave Dombrowski years well. He was a valuable part of a win-now juggernaut team in 2018, but then was extended with the joy of 2018 fresh in everyone’s heads. I wish him the best in Atlanta, and hope he gets the chance to start again in Fenway on June 4 or 5 when the Braves come to Boston.

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Barrett gets to return back home to Canada, as he was born in Toronto. This was a bit of a head-scratching trade for the Knicks, as many Knicks fans were shocked and frustrated with Quickley being involved in the deal. Quickley was a solid guard to run the bench unit for the Knicks ever since he was drafted in 2020 and was on the All-Rookie team. Quickley’s role intensified last season, and as a result, he witnessed a career-high year and should have won Sixth Man of the Year.

Why the Trade Happened?

The reason Quickley was part of the trade was that he was a pending free agent and was looking for a contract similar to his former teammate Jalen Brunson‘s. Leon Rose simply did not want to give that large of a contract to a bench player. Also, Rose and the front office have been high on Anunoby for over a season, and they almost acquired him at the trade deadline last season.

Another reason the trade happened was it was time to part ways with Barrett. Recently, since returning to the lineup after a bout with migraines, he has been playing some bad basketball, with the exception of the Christmas Day win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Barrett was drafted third overall in 2019 to be a star and the number one option, but instead is an inconsistent third option.

How Does This Trade Benefit The Knicks?

The Knicks may have actually won this trade in both the short term and long term, as Anunoby is one of the best two-way wing players in the league with his solid defense and shooting ability. Anunoby is averaging 15.1 points per game this season, and he led the league in steals last season. Anunoby is a better player than Barrett, giving the Knicks better defense and more consistent scoring.

Also, the Knicks were not going to give Quickley the payday he wanted, so it was better to trade him and get value back for him. This trade also saves the Knicks a lot of money that they can use to bring in a superstar. Anunoby already said he is willing to take a pay cut for that to happen.

Achiuwa is a solid addition to the Knicks. He replaces Taj Gibson as the backup center to Isaiah Hartenstein with Jericho Sims injured and Mitchell Robinson out for the year. In his five games, Achiuwa has four steals and four blocks, impacting the defensive end.

Grade: B+

How Does This Trade Benefit The Raptors?

Similar to Quickley, the Raptors were not going to re-sign Anunoby, so they made the right move to trade him and get assets back. Barrett and Quickley were too solid additions to the team that can be young staples to build from for many years to come. A change of scenery was much needed for Barrett. He and Quickley now have a much more expanded role—especially Quickley, as he most likely replaces Dennis Schroder in the starting lineup.

Also, the second-round pick is going to be better as it is not the Knicks second-rounder but the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons second-rounder essentially is a late first-rounder due to the Pistons being one of the worst teams in basketball and currently on a 28-game losing streak.

Grade: C-

What the Future Holds For Both Teams

This trade will most likely ignite a rebuild, as the Raptors have already made Pascal Siakam available. Both teams will not be done making trades this season. However, their trajectories are different.

The Knicks will look to finally make their splash and acquire a true number-one superstar to the likes of Donovan Mitchell, Devin Booker, or Joel Embiid, depending on whoever is available. Jalen Brunson is playing like a superstar this year. However, he is most likely a 1a player. After this trade, the odds of the Knicks winning the Eastern Conference increased to +2,400.

On the other hand, the Raptors will look to start rebuilding their rebuild by getting younger, creating cap space, and acquiring draft capital. The Raptor’s next move should be dumping Siakam. A contending team certainly will be interested in Schroder as a veteran point guard. With a few more moves, the Raptors are setting themselves up for a bright future and a successful rebuild after hitting the reset button.

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Image: The Columbus Dispatch

1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina) – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Team Needs: WR, OG, CB, C, OT

Receivers like Harrison don’t come around often. But when they do, no pick is too high for their talents. It isn’t 100% yet that he’ll declare for the draft with how much he’s being offered in NIL sponsorships next year. But if he does, don’t expect him to stay on the board for long. 

Image: Sports Illustrated

2. New England Patriots – Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Team Needs: QB, OT, WR, Edge, CB

The Patriots are in a heap of a mess right now. However, reports surfaced last week that the Patriots and Belichick are mutually going to part ways at the season’s end. If this is the case, it could mean a new era in New England. An era their new HC will probably want to usher in with his own QB. 

Image: Reading Eagle

3. Arizona Cardinals – Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Team Needs: DT,  CB, C, WR, OT

The Cardinals are arguably in more of a mess than the Patriots are. While they have their QB, Murray’s commitment to the game has been in question for the past year. Still, even though they need help all over, it isn’t a bad start to solidify the OL. 

Image: Star Tribune

4. Washington Commanders – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Team Needs: Edge, LB, LG, C, WR

Although a disappointing season has led the Commanders to part ways with key defensive players such as Montez Sweat and Chase Young, it doesn’t appear to be a total wash with how Sam Howell’s been playing. It isn’t guaranteed that he’s the future of the Washington franchise, but it’d be a waste to not give him a fair shot. However, giving him a fair shot would involve having an OL that can protect him which Washington can do by selecting Joe Alt. 

Image: Alabama Athletics

5. Chicago Bears – JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Team Needs: WR, OG, CB, C, OT

Justin Fields is making it very difficult for people to wonder what they’ll do in the draft. Many think they should move on from Fields, but he’s been playing great as of recent. Drake Maye might be a good QB, but with their current makings, JC Latham would do more for the team than a new QB would. 

Image: Oregon State Athletics

6. New York Jets – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

Team Needs: OT, S, WR, IDL, IOL

The Jets have officially sidelined Roders for the remainder of the season further indicating they’re all in on next year. If this is the case, something has to be done about their offensive line. Fuaga is one of the most underrated OTs in this draft. He may not be up there with Alt and Fashanu, but he can still be the cornerstone for a team’s OL. 

Image: Sports Illustrated

7. New York Giants – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Team Needs: IOL, QB, RT, CB, Edge

If this happens, what a strange occurrence that’d be. From what I’m aware of, never has there ever been five OTs selected in a row this high before. Yet, here we are. The Giants could also use Drake Maye, but with the extension Daniel Jones has, it’s too early to move on. Even if they were to move on from Jones, Tommy DeVito has captured the hearts of the Giants faithful despite being benched on Monday.

Image: Fox News

8. Los Angeles Chargers – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Team Needs: CB, IDL, LB, WR, RT

The Chargers have been a hot mess all season which will continue as they go into the offseason with no cap space. Insert Brock Bowers, you get a receiver who’s also a three-down TE. He can block, catch, act the part to sell plays, and is very good after the catch. Normally TEs don’t go this high, but Bowers is different as he’s one of the best overall players in the entire draft. 

Image: 247 Sports

9. Tennessee Titans – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Team Needs: OT, Edge, WR, CB, S

The Titans could give Jeffrey Simmons some help on the defensive front, but as long as Vrabel’s the HC, expect their defense to be stout and physical no matter who’s playing. Their offense, on the other hand, will always be physical as well, but they need to do more to open things up downfield. Malik Nabers might not have the most complete route tree, but it isn’t limited. He’s an extraordinary athlete who can open things up for Chigoziem Okonkwo and Treylon Burks. 

Image: AP News

10. Atlanta Falcons – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Team Needs: QB, Edge, SS, WR, LG

I’m not a huge believer that a QB alone can solve a team’s problems. However, with the Falcons, I could be persuaded. They have the makings of a decent OL and they have the youth and prowess on offense to beat teams. Their defense could use some additional pieces, but it isn’t their defense that’s losing them games. Heinicke is a fine QB that can win you some games, but he isn’t a franchise player. Drake Maye is who the Falcons need to win an already subpar division.

Image: Alabama Athletics

11. Green Bay Packers – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Team Needs: OL, CB, TE, S, WR

Jaire Alexander is the cornerstone of the Packer’s backend but Eric Stokes hasn’t enjoyed the same season he did last year. There’s been a lot of rotating at the top CB spot, and currently it’s Terrion Arnold’s turn to reign supreme. Arnold is a solid cover man who isn’t afraid to be physical in run support. The Lions may have taken the division by storm, but the Packers might not be too far behind.

Image: Pro Football Network

12. Las Vegas Raiders – Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Team Needs: RT, CB, Edge, IDL, QB

Vegas could use a QB, but in Aidan O’Connell they trust. All phases of play seem to be clicking for the Raiders but their defense could still use help. Already featuring a terrific young talents in Nate Hobbs and Trevon Moehrig, McKinstry would add on to what is already a decent secondary. 

Image: Greenville Online

13. Seattle Seahawks – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Team Needs: IOL, OT, S, Edge, NCB

Nate Wiggins has been up and down draft boards this year thanks to his stellar play and defensive versatility. The Seahawks have a need specifically in the slot, and Nate Wiggins, with his length and athleticism, could help Seattle become the best young secondary in the NFL. 

Image: Tallahassee Democrat

14. New Orleans Saints – Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

Team Needs: OG, LT, QB, TE, WR

The Saints need LT help, but there isn’t one available who’s worthy of this selection with the earlier run on OTs. However, Keon Coleman is available which could make for an excellent WR trio along with Olave and Thomas.

Image: Windy City Gridiron

15. Denver Broncos – Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

Team Needs: CB, Edge, IDL, LB, TE

After an abysmal beginning to the season, the Broncos appear to be clicking. While it’s still not likely they make the playoffs, it’s a step in the right direction. While many might have them taking a CB, Cooper DeJean isn’t healthy enough to select here and this would be too much of a reach for any other CB prospect. Nevertheless, Dallas Turner could still transform Denver’s defense into one that terrorizes opposing offenses. 

Image: NBC Sports

16. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jer’Zhan Newton, IDL, Illinois

Team Needs: CB, OT, WR, IDL, RB

Things are coming along well for the Steelers. It might not be the year fans wanted George Pickens, Najee Harris, or Kenny Pickett to have, but the team is playing well in a tough division. The offensive line could use work, but things always seemed to work out best for the Steelers when their defense was second to none. It’d be nice for them to pair someone with Joey Porter, but Jer’Zhan Newton at this pick is too good to pass up. Great at rushing the passer and defending the run, Newton will stall AFC North offenses for years.

Image: The Seattle Times

17. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston) – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Team Needs: DT, CB, C, WR, OT

Missing out on Marvin Harrison, the Cardinals were still fortunate to get the best OT in the draft. While I believe Odunze is the WR2 of this class, the reality is he could fall. Nevertheless, it would be a phenomenal draft for Arizona to get these two talents in the first round. 

Image: University of Texas Athletics

18. Buffalo Bills – Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

Team Needs: Edge, WR, CB, S, IDL

After Gabe Davis didn’t have the breakout year many expected him to have, the Bills turn to the draft to help open things up for Stefon Diggs. Dalton Kincaid performed well as a rookie, but in today’s game TEs can only do so much unless you’re Travis Kelce. With Devonta Smith, Tank Dell, and Jordan Addison, slim receivers are a bit of an “in” right now. The same should be expected of Xavier Worthy.

Image: The Daily Progress

19. Tampa Bay Bucaneers – Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Team Needs: OG, C, CB, TE, SS

Cooper DeJean’s injury might be troublesome, but his talent is still too good to let fall anymore. Before he was sidelined for the season, DeJean was the lifeblood of the Hawkeye team. His presence was felt on both defence and special teams and was the reason their units were so stout. It’ll be interesting to see how he tests at the combine and his pro-day if he can at all. 

Image: Orlando Sentinel

20. Minnesota Vikings – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Team Needs: QB, IDL, RB, RT, CB

Kirk Cousins will hit the free agent market this offseason leaving the Vikings QB-less. Despite picking in the later first round, they’ll still have solid options available in Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr., JJ McCarthey, and Jayden Daniels. While all are good in their own right, it’s difficult to pass up on the Heisman winner. 

Image: 247 Sports

21. Los Angeles Rams – Laitu Latu, Edge, UCLA

Team Needs: CB, LT, Edge, LB, TE

The Rams are clicking at the exact right time. Their offense finally seems to have found its groove and Raheem Morris is showing once again why he should be a HC in the NFL. Still, the Rams defense could be better at the Edge position. Laitu Latu is one of the best Edges in this class. While the Rams will have their options at this pick, I don’t see them passing on someone who’s been playing in their backyard the past few years. 

Image: Orlando Sentinel

22. Indianapolis Colts – Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

Team Needs: CB, S, Edge, TE, WR

The Colts have taken the league by storm as they’re the seventh seed in the AFC playoff race. While Gus Bradley’s scheme benefits from depth in the secondary, it also operates best with a good line. JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones have played good when healthy and Kenny Moore is as reliable as ever. Jared Verse, arguably the best Edge in his class, could take Indy’s defense to another level.

Image: Pro Football Network

23. Jacksonville Jaguars – Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

Team Needs: Edge, IDL, CB, WR, S

Josh Allen is set to be a FA after the season which could prompt Jacksonville to take an Edge here. However, there’s still hope they extend or resign him which is why I give them Lassiter, who’s one of the best CBs this year. An impressive player, Lassiter’s held his own against some of the SEC’s best competition.

Image: ESPN

24. Cincinnati Bengals – Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Team Needs: IDL, TE, WR, IOL, RB

Tee Higgins will be a FA after the season and it doesn’t look like he’ll resign with Cincinnati. Luckily for the Bengals, a good WR should still be on the board which they get here with Mitchell. Should the Longhorn drop to here, he can step into the offense without missing a beat.

Image: Columbia Missourian

25. Kansas City Chiefs – Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

Team Needs: WR, IDL, OT, Edge, CB

The Chiefs need help at OT desperately. However, their recent success with day two and day three linemen has been impressive. Besides OT, the Chiefs could use another WR to complement Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice. Insert Xavier Legette, and Andy Reid gets an athletic specimen who’s ceiling is sky high.

Image: Auburn Wire

26. Houston Texans (via Cleveland) – DJ James, CB, Auburn

Team Needs: IDL, WR, CB, Edge, S

The Texans are another team who’ve taken the NFL by storm. Even though they might not make the playoffs, they don’t appear to be far from it. Give them DJ James in the draft, and you get a formidable young CB duo between him and Stingley.

Image: Philadelphia Inquirer

27. Dallas Cowboys – Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson

Team Needs: DT, LB, SS, RT, RB

With Leighton Vander Esch’s injury history, it’d be wise for Dallas to invest in depth at the position. Trotter has been amazing this season for Dabo Sweeney’s defense. He plays both downhill but also sideline to sideline in a way most LBs can’t. Letting him roam while Micah Parsons rushes could be the key to Dallas’s defensive success in the future. 

Image: 247 Sports

28. Detroit Lions – Leonard Taylor III, IDL, Miami

Team Needs: DT, CB, S, Edge, LB

The Lions are one of those teams you don’t want to play against. They might not blow you out, but they play a brand of football that’s physically and mentally exhausting. If Detroit spends a draft pick Leonard Taylor, and this style of play is only emphasized further. 

Image: K-State Athletics

29. Miami Dolphins – Cooper Beebe, IOL, Kansas State

Team Needs: LG, Edge, TE, IDL, LB

The Dolphin’s offense is fast and exciting. But their offensive line can stall that at times. Cooper Beebe is one of the smartest and most versatile linemen in this year’s draft. He’s a plug and play guy that could be the missing piece to take the Dolphins to the Super Bowl.

Image: The Columbus Dispatch

30. Philadelphia Eagles – JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State

Team Needs: CB, WR, LB, Edge, RB

You can have too much depth at some positions, but Edge isn’t one of them. Tuimoloau might not have had the season many hoped he’d have, but he’s still a lock to be picked in the first two rounds. Besides, with a defense already boasting Jalen Carter, Fletcher Cox, and Jordan Davis, Tuimoloau should be free in one on one situations.

Image: Deseret News

31. San Francisco 49ers – Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU

Team Needs: OG, RT, S, C, CB

The Niners need help in the backend of their defense. But their RT play has also been abysmal. Suamataia might be a bit more of a project than Niner fans would appreciate, but the makeup is there for a dominant RT. He’s big, strong, athletic, and moves very well for someone of his size. 

Image: Yahoo Sports

32. Baltimore Ravens – Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

Team Needs: CB, OG, WR, IDL, RB

The Ravens could use another CB, but you can feel their offense is almost peaking and I want to see more of it. The top WRs might be gone, but Troy Franklin is an extremely underrated wideout in this year’s draft. Insert Franklin and the Ravens could have the most threatening offense in the NFL.

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Since then, though, the short-handed Cavaliers have put together a bit of a run. Not only that but after winning twice, they also lost their best player in, Mitchell. To put it briefly, since losing Garland and Mobley, they are 5-1, and since losing Mitchell, they are 3-1, including wins against the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks. How have they pulled this off, and who has stepped up?

The Key to Success

When ball-dominant stars go out, ball movement generally increases. This has been true for the Cavaliers as well. Without Garland and Mitchell, who are the best at getting their own shot, the ball is forced to move to get open shots. In the six games since Mobley and Garland have been out, they’ve beaten their average season assists of 26.2 every time. They often beat it by a lot, with 30+ assist games in four of the six. 

The ball moves quickly now, with only Caris LeVert comfortable dribbling the ball for any extended period. It’s great to see in regular-season games. The ball swings from side to side, sometimes multiple times per possession, in search of a better shot. It’d be great to see that implemented when Garland and Mitchell return, both of whom can gun it from deep. It’s not terribly likely, but hey, who knows?

Stepping Up

Kamil Krzackzynski/USA TODAY Sports

Jarrett Allen

Jarrett Allen is the only remaining of the Cavs’ core four these past few games. Allen has stepped up significantly, an often mentioned name in trade talks and seen as the least essential name by far. The offense often runs through him, and he has responded incredibly well. In the six-game run, he’s averaging 18.2 points and 12.5 boards on 66% shooting, with those shooting and rebounding numbers far above his career averages with no drop in efficiency.

His defense has stayed strong, too, doing an admirable job on Luka Doncic when they visited the Mavericks on Wednesday. He held him to 3/13 shooting when switched onto him in the second half, with many of those possessions coming on the perimeter. When everyone comes back, Allen should be a higher priority on offense, but that would hinder Mobley’s growth even further. Whether Mobley has offensive potential worth nurturing is a serious question, but that’s a question for another time. 

Isaac Okoro

When given the chance to start, Isaac Okoro has been quite good. It’s been no different in this run, scoring 14 a game on 53/42/68 splits. Again, those are far beyond his career averages, and the three-point shooting is incredibly encouraging, considering it’s on a healthy five attempts per game. He looks like a very strong piece when starting. The problem is Okoro seems to play much worse coming off the bench, and there’s no room for him when everyone comes back. The recent stretch might increase his trade value, but losing a solid player like Okoro is a shame. 

Craig Porter Jr. 

Finally, Craig Porter Jr. has been an overall revelation this season. After showing a do-it-all game in the Summer League, he played great in the few minutes he got early in the season. J.B. Bickerstaff said he earned his place on the rotation before bafflingly banishing Porter Jr. into DNP land. He’s been forced to play Porter Jr. again, and he’s playing very well. In his 11 starts, he’s averaging 11/6/7, which are really nice numbers for an undrafted rookie. He plugs a lot of holes when he’s in and plays with high energy and intelligence. He has performed pretty well off the bench and earned his minutes again, even when the Cavaliers’ are at full strength. Of course, that was true before, too, but hopefully, this time it sticks.

It’s been a fantastic run for the injury-ridden Cavaliers. Coach Bickerstaff has proven excellent at getting a lot out of underdog squads, as seen in 2021-2022. There are still questions about whether he can take a great team to the top, but he’s definitely great at squeezing every last drop out of lesser talent. Unfortunately, that is a trait also shared with the infamous Doc Rivers. Not an amazing company to be in these days. Still, some real revelations have been made in these last few games, and the Cavs are reinserting themselves in the Eastern Conference conversation. 

Patrick Yen is a contributor on Back Sports Page. He has written for NBC, SB Nation, and a few more websites in his four-year sports journalism career. He has been the Back Sports Page beat writer for the Philadelphia 76ers and now the Cleveland Cavaliers. Patrick, a graduate from the Ohio State University, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but moved to Columbus, Ohio early in his life and has lived there ever since. You can find more of Patrick on Twitter @pyen117.

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So much for change. A change in personnel and guard has brought nothing for the New York Mets. Maybe not yet. But yet is a long way off. The Mets 2023 offseason has been a complete disaster for both David Stearns and Steve Cohen. They’ve barely made a splash with any major signings or trades. Doubts are spreading about the moves the Mets have made so far and the loss of players like SP/DH Shohei Ohtani and especially SP Yoshinobu Yamamoto to both the Los Angeles Dodgers has made the Mets not only look foolish but also quite incompetent. This has become the worst offseason in Mets history with just less than three months until Spring Training. For Stearns and Cohen, this has been a no good, very bad, horrible, terrible December offseason.

Winter Failure

Both Stearns and Cohen had made it clear that they wanted to pursue high-end targets to sign to improve the team following the disastrous 2023 season. They have made a push. And that’s about it. The Winter Meetings came and went. Ohtani signed with the Dodgers for a mega deal at ten years, worth $700 million, making it the largest contract in professional sports history. The Mets, like every other team, wished to sign Ohtani. But what have the Mets done? So far, small contracts worth only minor league pay with invites to Spring Training and one or two-year deals. The majority are with pitchers.

Since December 1, the Mets have signed SP Luis Severino, RP Michael Tonkin, RP Jorge López, RP Kyle Crick, RP Andre Scrubb, RP Cole Sulser, RP Cam Robinson, minor league journeyman RP Victor Castaneda, and RP Chad Smith. Trades include RP Yohan Ramírez from the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations, RP Ryan Ammons from the Boston Red Sox for SP Justin Slaten, a Rule Five pick from the Rangers who was acquired and sent away within minutes on December 6, and SP Adrian Houser from Stearns’ previous team, the Milwaukee Brewers, which included OF Tyrone Taylor for minor leaguer SP Colman Crow.

Only one pitcher was signed in November: RP Austin Adams to a one-year deal on the 30th.

Yamamoto Out

The biggest loss for the Mets was Yoshinobu Yamamoto signing with the Dodgers for a twelve-year $325 million contract. Cohen made a big effort to get Yamamoto even by flying to Japan and meeting with him at Yamamoto’s home along with Stearns. This was the biggest move the Mets made and it blew up in their face. And yet, Cohen is happy about the effort. According to a report per the New York Post, Cohen stated, “I think the whole organization tried our hardest, and someone was going to win, and someone was going to lose, and that is the way it goes. I feel good about our efforts, and I left it all on the field.”

While unconfirmed, the Mets made the same offer to Yamamoto which he ended up taking from the Dodgers. Perhaps the only reason Yamamoto spurned the Mets was because of the Ohtani signing. You have to give L.A. credit as they have become the stars of the offseason. Effort means something but Cohen should know that it doesn’t mean anything if it doesn’t produce results. The Mets have nothing to show for it.

The Past is the Future

Maybe there was something else as to why Yamamoto or even Ohtani didn’t sign with the Mets. Past failures may have caught up with them. I’ll let Danielle McCartan from WFAN explain.

I’m worried the #Mets pursuit of Yamamoto has exposed them, in two ways…#LGM#MetsTwitter pic.twitter.com/4Tyw0rwsfZ

— Danielle McCartan from WFAN (@CoachMcCartan) December 24, 2023

Lack of Depth

Outside of the many pitchers, the Mets have not addressed the infield or the outfield. They non-tendered DH/IF Daniel Vogelbach and IF Luis Guillorme on November 15, alongside three relievers, RP Jeff Brigham, RP Sam Coonrod, and RP Trevor Gott. The only person they kept on this day was OF DJ Stewart to a one-year deal. Outside of the Tyrone Taylor deal, the team has either acquired position players on one-year deals, minor league deals, or waivers. IF Joey Wendle signed to a one-year, $2 million contract. Waivers have been C Tyler Heineman from the Toronto Blue Jays and C/OF Cooper Hummel from the Seattle Mariners. Minor league deals with RF Trayce Thompson, 3B Rylan Bannon, LF Taylor Kohlwey, SS Zack Short, and SS José Iglesias all have limited upside.

Now these players are not household names except maybe Wendle and Iglesias. None of these deals are exciting or giving Mets fans much hope. Hope is fading fast for expectations for 2024. And David Stearns is already facing backlash for being what Joe Beningo of WFAN referred to him as a “small market general manager.”

The team hasn’t gotten rid of the rest of the players from last year which is a step forward as the Mets do have plenty of range with both their infield and outfield. More players can’t hurt, and the Mets are in a better position than they have been in previous years in this regard.

Possible Reunion

And then there’s DH Justin Turner. Turner just turned 39 last month in November. He’s not a young man anymore. If the Mets are planning on reuniting with him, he may only end up being a DH. He was okay with the Red Sox hitting .276 with 23 home runs and 96 RBIs in 146 games. Not bad numbers for someone near his forties. The Dodgers declining his $16 million option for 2023 was for a reason. He can’t field as he once could.

Both sides have been talking for now. If Turner comes back to Queens, it would be great just for the memories that Turner provided for those three and a half years when he was with the team from 2010 to 2013. He was a fan favorite and the Mets letting him go at the end of 2013 has ended up as one of their worst moves of all time. At least they defeated him and the Dodgers during the 2015 NLDS.

Future Plans

SP Shōta Imanaga is being looked at by the Mets after losing Yamamoto. According to reports, Imanaga plans on visiting the U.S. after the start of 2024. Several teams are eying him and if the Mets get him, this can salvage the offseason before pitchers and catchers report to Florida. The Mets need to add to their starting rotation which has been weak since they traded away SP Max Scherzer and SP Justin Verlander.

The Mets are reported to be interested in SP Lucas Giolito. Giolito can provide depth in the rotation, however, 2023 was a bad year for him. After six starts, he had a 6.89 ERA with the Los Angeles Angels before he was waived and acquired by the Cleveland Guardians in August. He wasn’t any better with Cleveland only pitching in another six games with a 7.50 ERA.

Whatever the Mets do in response to 3B Ronny Mauricio’s injury, one thing is certain. The biggest payment the Mets have made has been to the biggest luxury tax in history.

The post Steve Cohen’s No Good, Very Bad, Horrible, Terrible December appeared first on Back Sports Page.

Image – Sherdog

Song just faced an interesting stylistic challenge in Gutierrez.  Chris’s reach and versatile kicking game make it difficult to close the distance on him.  As a result, Song struggled at times to enter the pocket safely.  However, Song adjusted masterfully and used his grappling to control several rounds.  On the feet, he absorbed Chris’s strikes without issue and took advantage of his few opportunities to rock Gutierrez.  

As Song continues to rise the ranks, he will face far tougher challenges.  In his fight with Cory Sandhagen, Song performed admirably, but lost via doctor’s stoppage.  Yadong has rebounded nicely since then, but he will have to be at his best to continue winning.   His speed and power might be unmatched in this division.  However, he does tend to leave himself open to strikes.  While his chin has remained solid thus far, he will want to minimize his defensive openings moving forward.  He could take another slicing elbow, seen in the Sandhagen fight, or worse, get knocked out. 

Image – Asian MMA

After the fight, Song called out Petr Yan, a former champion.  It’s certainly an exciting call-out and would be an action-packed fight.  Based on trends alone, one might favor Song.  Yadong now carries significant momentum with wins over Gutierrez and Ricky Simon.  Yan, on the other hand, has suffered three consecutive losses.  A close inquiry, however, casts doubt on this narrative.  Yan’s losses against former champion Aljamain Sterling and current champion Sean’O Malley were both razor close, controversial decisions.  And while Yan lost a lopsided contest against Merab Dvalishvili on the scorecards, he successfully defended the vast majority of Merab’s takedown attempts in a nonstop 25 minute affair. 

Stylistically, both Yan and Song prefer to box in the pocket.  While Song likely has the edge in pure athleticism, Yan appears to be the more technically and fundamentally sound striker.  Both have shown to be well versed in the grappling realm as well.  

Interestingly, Song also boasts a win over current title challenger Chito Vera.  There is no doubt that on paper, Yadong can compete with anyone.  Still just 26 years of age, he could potentially improve even more over the coming years.  With his sharp fighting skills and improving English, he could become one of the UFC’s most exciting international superstars.

The post Song Yadong: China’s Rising Tide appeared first on Back Sports Page.

Injury Update: Daboll kept it concise, stating that the team would assess the players after practice to determine their status. This cautious approach suggests a wait-and-see strategy regarding the injury concerns.

Craig Fitzgerald’s Departure: Confirming the departure of Director of Strength and Performance Craig Fitzgerald to Florida, Daboll acknowledged the significance of Fitzgerald’s role within the team and wished him well in his future endeavors. However, he hinted at addressing the vacancy post-season.

Darren Waller’s Condition: Responding to queries about tight end Darren Waller’s late-game injury, Daboll assured that Waller is alright despite taking a hit to the back. He acknowledged Waller’s progress throughout the week, focusing on the preparations for the upcoming game against the Rams.

Tyrod Taylor’s Influence: Daboll praised quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s professionalism and character, highlighting his positive impact on teammates and coaches due to his exemplary work ethic and demeanor. Taylor’s resilience and leadership qualities were acknowledged as invaluable assets to the team.

Evan Neal’s Positional Change: When asked about the potential shift of Evan Neal to guard following the end of his season, Daboll kept the focus on the immediate task at hand, emphasizing the team’s concentration on the upcoming Rams game before evaluating future lineup changes.

Assessment of the Offensive Line: Daboll provided a general comment on the team’s collective effort to improve, steering clear of detailed evaluations. He hinted at ongoing efforts to enhance the offensive line’s performance for the upcoming game.

Transitioning Players between Tackle and Guard: Regarding the skill set needed for players to transition between tackle and guard positions, Daboll hinted at the complexity of such moves, noting that each player and scenario demands a unique assessment.

Daboll’s responses showcased a blend of caution, focus on the immediate game, and a willingness to address future team developments at the appropriate time. With the Bills gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Rams, Daboll’s pragmatic approach aims to maintain the team’s concentration on the task at hand while keeping an eye on future adjustments.

The post Big Blue Daily: Daboll Speaks To The Media appeared first on Back Sports Page.

The Boston Red Sox have made numerous bad Betts over the years. As time goes on, the OF Mookie Betts deal continues to look worse and worse, similar to the trade of OF Babe Ruth. When investigating these two trades, there are similarities but also some differences. In a nutshell, the similarities are the quality of player, the motives to trade, and the success (or lack thereof) of the Boston Red Sox. The differences are marginal and, for the sake of argument, we’ll say irrelevant.

Here are some of the trade basics: The Sox traded Babe Ruth in January 1920. They traded Mookie Betts in February 2020. Both were the best player on a Red Sox team that won a title in ‘18 (1918 and 2018). Both men played in the outfield. Betts was 27 when he was traded and Ruth was 25, meaning both men were in their primes. Betts was the AL MVP in 2018, and Ruth likely would have been an MVP if the award had existed. 

Ownership Situation

Harry Frazee bought the Red Sox in 1917. When he traded Babe Ruth, he had one World Series title. The current Red Sox ownership group- Fenway Sports Group (FSG), lead by John Henry and Tom Werner- bought the Sox in 2002. They now have four World Series to their name. Complacency could be a cause for having agreed to trade a blossoming star, but the main cause for both seems to be a lack, or loss, of interest in the Red Sox. Frazee had an established career producing plays on Broadway and continued to do so while owning the Sox. FSG bought Liverpool F.C. in 2010 and then the Pittsburgh Penguins in November 2021. This last deal added the wrong black and yellow hockey team to the portfolio of an ownership group with a Boston landmark as its namesake. 

It is business 101 to have a diversified portfolio, but sports are not a typical business. This becomes a concerning thing for fans when investment in one area coincides with less investment in other areas. For a team to be competitive, there has to be buy-in throughout the organization, from top to bottom. This is something Frazee and FSG ceased to do when they made their trades.

The Motive

Money. One may argue that American business is the king of capitalism, so if the bottom line ain’t fine, you gotta whine. In Harry Frazee’s very literal case, Ruth was traded for $100,000. What was done with this money is up for debate, but a common Sox fan myth is that it was used to fund Frazee’s fledging investments in the theater world. Betts was traded along with SP David Price to get the Red Sox below the luxury tax threshold of $208 million for the 2020 season.

I’ll briefly play devil’s advocate and mention that Ruth and Betts were both clamoring for money since they were nearing the end of their contracts. Thus, both men are responsible, to a degree, for their leaving Boston.  However, hindsight makes any justification attempt seem foolish. One could even argue the trading of Betts was in the moment a more foolish move than the trade of Babe. At the time of the trade, Babe’s hitting was not fully established because he had one season of full-time hitting under his belt. Obviously, he went on to re-write the record books, but was not as known of an entity as Betts. Also, Babe was a headache off the field in a way that Betts never was.

It is unlikely that Betts will ever match the fame and reputation of Babe Ruth. Will anyone? Either way, the trade will still live in infamy in Boston. The fact that two of the three players traded for Betts–OF Alex Verdugo and INF Jeter Downs–are no longer with the Sox adds to the hurt and reinforces the idea that the trade was about money.

Baseball Karma

The main concerning parallel between the two trades is what it meant about the direction of the franchises involved. In both cases, Boston began losing and the other team began or continued to win. When Ruth was traded, the Sox became mired in an 86-year World Series drought, while the Yankees began their quest of winning the most World Series of any team in Major League Baseball. This was after they never made an appearance in the World Series prior to the trade for the Bambino.

Fast forward to today, the Dodgers were a contending team but not able to break through and win the Series until Betts arrived. The Dodgers have continued to be one of the most consistent teams in baseball the last five years and continue to spend money to maintain their winning ways. The Red Sox have finished last in the AL East three out of the last four years and have avoided spending money to return to their winning ways of earlier in the 21st century. 

Final Thoughts

The Yankees prioritized winning in a competitive league. The Yankees gambled on Ruth and were rewarded. I hate to admit it, but winning is a habit that they often continue to do. The OF Juan Soto trade means they are still willing to gamble as well. The Red Sox prioritized money over winning in a business where winning is all that really matters. The baseball gods frowned upon this act, jinxing the team. They also created a stigma around a franchise that took too long to reverse, going from the team to beat in the American League to loveable losers, at best, for the remainder of the 20th century. 

I know this may seem like the complaints of a spoiled sports fan. Some of this is exactly that but is it also necessary to acknowledge the problem in the franchise. You cannot solve a problem if you don’t acknowledge it. The Sox as a franchise must return to the more aggressive ways of the past. Fortune favors the bold, and the further removed the Sox get from the trade of Betts the more obvious it becomes that the trade was not made with 20/20 vision. Only time will tell if the franchise takes 86 years to atone for this mistake too. 

The post The Curse of the Betts? appeared first on Back Sports Page.

FOCO, a powerhouse in the realm of officially licensed sports collectibles, has once again set the bar high with its latest announcement: the release of the highly anticipated Jayson Tatum Boston Celtics 2024 City Jersey Edition Bobblehead. As a frontrunner in crafting exquisite sports merchandise, FOCO continues to excite fans and collectors alike with their dedication to detail and innovation.

This limited-edition gem showcases the Celtics’ star player, Jayson Tatum, adorned in the dynamic 2024 Celtics City Edition uniform. Frozen in a dunking action pose, Tatum is captured mid-flight, a ball poised in his right hand, ready to unleash a thunderous slam over any challenger. This meticulously crafted bobblehead is not just a tribute to the player but an electrifying homage to the team and its legacy.

Standing proudly on a vivid green Celtics court base, Tatum’s figure is set against the iconic team name backdrop, invoking the essence of the Celtics’ storied history. A standout feature of this collectible is the prominent display of Jayson Tatum’s name on the front decal, accompanied by a plaque that holds special significance. Etched with “Springfield Mass, 1891,” it pays homage to Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, who birthed the sport in Springfield in the late 19th century.

This carefully curated bobblehead not only celebrates Tatum’s prowess on the court but also honors the roots and history of basketball itself, making it a must-have for ardent collectors and Celtics faithful alike. The thoughtful incorporation of details, from Tatum’s dunking pose to the acknowledgment of basketball’s birthplace, amplifies the significance of this limited-edition masterpiece.

FOCO doesn’t stop there, adding further excitement with the release of bobbleheads featuring other basketball sensations—Luka Dončić and Jalen Brunson—cementing their commitment to delivering diverse and captivating collectibles for sports enthusiasts.

For fans eager to elevate their collection or capture the essence of the Celtics’ legacy, the Jayson Tatum Boston Celtics 2024 City Jersey Edition Bobblehead stands as a testament to FOCO’s dedication to quality, innovation, and paying tribute to basketball’s rich history. Prepare to witness Tatum’s dunking prowess immortalized in this intricately designed collectible, capturing the essence of Celtics pride and basketball heritage in a stunning display.

As FOCO continues to redefine the landscape of sports collectibles, this limited-edition Jayson Tatum bobblehead serves as a shining example of their commitment to excellence, precision, and celebrating the sports legends who inspire us all.

The post FOCO Releasing a Jayson Tatum Boston Celtics 2024 City Jersey Bobblehead appeared first on Back Sports Page.

Amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the 2023 Colorado Rockies season unfolded as a challenging odyssey, culminating in a sobering 59-103 record. From the hopeful opening pitches to the final echoes of disappointment, the Rockies grappled with formidable adversaries on the diamond, navigating a landscape fraught with setbacks.

In the thin air of Coors Field, where dreams often soar, the Rockies faced a harsh reality. Early optimism yielded to a series of setbacks, and the promise of the season dwindled beneath the weight of losses. The campaign, once filled with aspirations of contention, metamorphosed into a stark chapter in the franchise’s annals.

Within this tale of adversity, however, whispers of potential renewal linger. The Rockies now find themselves at a crossroads, where the echoes of disappointment reverberate alongside the promise of redemption. As the sun sets on the 2023 season, the Rockies stand poised to rewrite their narrative, emerging from the shadows with newfound determination and a quest for resurgence.

Month By Month

Spring Training and March

The Rockies compiled a 13-19 record across Spring Training while working to build growth in the farm system. Colorado got off to an exciting 2-0 start to the season with a pair of opening wins over the San Diego Padres to finish out March.

April: A Rocky Start (7-20)

April marked a rocky start for the Colorado Rockies. With a dismal 7-20 record, their hopes plummeted fast as injuries piled up, including to SP German Marquez and 2B Brendan Rodgers. The promise of spring gave way to harsh realities, leaving fans and players in uncertainty about the long season ahead.

May: Fleeting Hopes (15-13)

May brought fleeting hopes. A 15-13 record teased resilience. Yet, inconsistency persisted, tempering optimism. Peaks and valleys defined the Rockies’ journey.

June: Ebb and Flow (11-15)

June showcased an ebb and flow. An 11-15 record revealed progress and struggle. Questions lingered about sustaining momentum, emphasizing a season in flux.

A Slow Grind to the End

July: Midsummer Struggles (9-13)

July saw midsummer struggles. With a 9-13 record, vulnerabilities emerged. A critical juncture tested the Rockies’ resolve amid pitching and hitting challenges.

August: Escalating Woes (7-20)

August brought escalating woes. A 7-20 record intensified struggles. A crucible moment pushed the Rockies to confront a slipping season, with a visit from the Atlanta Braves to pour salt into the open wound.

September: Lingering Shadows (9-19)

September cast lingering shadows. Despite a 9-19 record, late hopes flickered. The challenge: finish strong, salvaging a tumultuous campaign.

In reflection, the 2023 Colorado Rockies season became a tale of trials and tribulations, each month revealing its narrative. From a rocky April to fleeting hopes in May, the Rockies faced peaks and valleys. Midsummer struggles in July, escalating woes in August, and lingering shadows in September underscored challenges. As the season closed, the Rockies stood at a crossroads, contemplating lessons learned and the path ahead.

Analysis

The Rockies never expected to contend in the 2023 season. A division featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers and Padres looked too tall a task to compete with. Only this time it was the Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks, but the point still stands. Even so, they did not come close to owner Dick Monfort’s comments about playing “.500 ball”.

Colorado is in the midst of a lingering rebuild, with very little franchise results since the mid 2000’s. Denver is not exactly a baseball-first town and winning a World Series seems more like a pipe dream than anything right now.

The smaller-market teams are going to have their work cut out for them in the era of super contracts. As the Athletics move to Las Vegas, the task of retaining fans in the mountain time zone is only going to become more difficult.

You have to feel for Colorado, a team which continues to ride the basement of the stacked NL West. Things are only going to get tougher from here, as Arizona and Los Angeles retool and reload their juggernaut rosters.

However, I am fascinated by the Rockies’ unique home-field advantage.

Park Factors

At high altitudes, Coors Field wields a distinct and debated advantage. The thin air alters the dynamics of the game, creating an environment where baseballs travel farther and pitches behave differently. This elevation-induced effect is colloquially known as the “Coors Field Factor.”

Batters relish the opportunity to play at Coors Field, where the ball sails through the thin atmosphere, often turning routine fly balls into home runs. The expansive outfield becomes a playground for hitters, and the scoreboard reflects the high-scoring nature of games at this venue. Pitchers, on the other hand, face considerable challenges. Breaking balls may not break as sharply, and the lack of air resistance can turn routine pitches into long-distance targets for hitters.

The debate over the fairness of this ballpark advantage continues within the baseball community. While it undoubtedly benefits the Rockies at home, critics argue that it distorts statistical comparisons and makes evaluating player performance more challenging.

I predict slight improvement in 2024 for Colorado but have no true expectations for the team. To reach the 70-win mark would be an accomplishment after winning just 59 games in 2023.

With more consistency in the division, the Rockies can start to show life.

Prediction: Colorado Rockies (68-94)

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