Jason Haskins's Blog, page 6

Boise State Broncos: Takeaways from season opening victory against Georgia Southern

 

Running back Ashton Jeanty began his 2024 Heisman campaign with resounding authority on Saturday afternoon.
Behind an offensive line in sync all day, Jeanty ran for 267 yards and six touchdowns, both school records, in helping the Boise State Broncos in a 56-45 victory over the Georgia Southern Eagles.
In a game that featured over 1100 total yards and a back-and-forth second half of huge plays, it was Jeanty whose star shone brightest.
Jeanty started the day with a two-yard loss and from that point on, mostly everything was gravy for the junior running back. Touchdown runs of 77 (in the first quarter) and 75 yards (4th quarter) were among the highlights, with the 75-yard score coming one play after the Eagles had taken a 37-36 lead.
Jeanty showed off speed, balance, and control in running into the record books. The previous school record of five rushing scores was held by three players. And Jeanty's yards broke a single-game record of 261 previously held by Cedric Minter.
In racking up 651 total yards, the offense of Boise State was locked in for most of the game. Helped overcome a defense who struggled and looked lost at times.Boise State Broncos: Light the scoreboardThe spotlight was firmly on Jeanty, and the rest of the Boise State offense did their best to join in on the fun. Including true freshman Sire Gaines.
Aside from a late fumble after a big run (one recovered by Austin Bolt), Gaines played beyond his years in his first college game. Gaines was the primary backup to Jeanty and carried the ball 12 times for 110 yards. He scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. One on a 38-yard run and the other a 17-yard reception.
Quarterback Maddux Madsen was also in the spotlight, winning the camp competition over Malachi Nelson. Madsen showed off his skills, with a little hiccup early in the game.
Madsen started by completing his first five passes but followed that up with a one for six stretch, ending with an interception. But Madsen righted the ship, including back-to-back passes totaling 89 yards to Cameron Camper and Latrell Caples.
Madsen finished 22-31 for 280 yards and one touchdown to go along with the interception.
Eight different receivers caught passes for the Broncos. Caples finished with five for 81 yards and Camper had three for 78.
The offensive line did not allow a sack and paved the way for the Broncos rushing for 371 yards. And while Jeanty had a record-setting day, averaging 13.4 yards per carry, he might have seen more rest had it not been for a defense that had trouble stopping Georgia Southern in the middle quarters.Missing: Defense for Boise StateIt was often a tale of the good, the bad, and the ugly for the Boise State defense throughout the game. Credit can be given to the Eagles for mixing things up. Whether it was the game plan or lack of execution, after week one there is a lot left to be desired for this unit.
Things did not start off so shaky, with the Broncos swarming and creating turnovers. Boise State forced four fumbles on the day, recovering one. Plus, they had four sacks, creating some nice pressure.
But Boise State had trouble getting Georgia Southern off the field. The Eagles were 12 of 19 on third down attempts, with Boise State tightening up in the fourth quarter after the Broncos had retaken the lead.
Penalties, too, were a problem. As a team, Boise State had eight for 90 yards. Not all fingers can be pointed to the defense in this department but a couple of pass interference calls and a roughing the passer kept drives alive for the Eagles.
The secondary, a unit with depth and experience, was one I thought would play better. They were fantastic in run support but had some trouble in the passing game, with Eagles quarterback JC French throwing for 321 yards.
Ty Benefield led the Broncos with nine tackles. Jeremiah Earby was the culprit in the interference calls but had seven tackles, a tackle for loss, and one forced fumble.
Andrew Simpson played well, forcing two fumbles and collecting four tackles and a sack.
The defense certainly had its struggles. With it being the first game, it was a good chance to work out the kinks and the nerves. Especially with a huge game next Saturday. Though not on the same level, the offense of Georgia Southern provided a glimpse of what the Oregon Ducks will do (who are having struggles over their own, leading at the time of this writing only 14-0 midway through the third quarter against Idaho).
In some ways, it was better to be engaged with a game down to the wire in week one, rather than a simple cakewalk. Boise State will be better prepared for next week's huge road game, and I am looking forward to see what Ashton Jeanty (and the rest of the Bronco offense) showcases to the nation. 
More on Boise State Broncos football - 2024 Preview: Dream a little dream

Boston Red Sox 2024 final weeks: Swoon or sail?

 

Meaningful games in September are on the horizon for the Boston Red Sox. Feels spectacular (and a little nerve racking) to watch this unfold for the Red Sox after a couple of seasons without.

Let's hope the action is a lot better than it has been since the All-Star break.

Since the feel-good days of early July, Boston has accumulated its share of struggles. The Red Sox are 16-22, collecting three 4-game losing streaks in this span. They righted the ship by winning a couple against the Toronto Blue Jays, but bats went silent on Thursday night and Boston lost 2-0.

True, Boston has had one of the more difficult schedules the last two months. Winning the A.L. East is likely out of the question, with the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles controlling the division. Boston is nine games out of first, with eyes are more firmly set on a Wild Card spot.

Currently, Boston trails the Minnesota Twins by 3.5 games for the final Wild Card spot in the American League.

Final days of August and the September schedule presents plenty of hurdles for Boston. And the Red Sox are going to need a lot more complete team efforts if they hope to reach the playoffs.

Pitchers slump, batters decent

A lot of Boston's struggles since July point to the pitching staff. The bullpen is the primary culprit, dealing with injuries amidst simply not getting the job done. Kenley Jansen (25 saves) has been mostly solid but Boston has been forced to juggle bullpen pitchers almost daily. In some instances, manager Alex Cora has been forced to utilize an opener every five days.

The trade deadline acquisitions who were supposed to help stabilize the bullpen did anything but. Luis Garcia, in 11 appearances, posted a 10.32 ERA before right should inflammation landed him on the IL. Lucas Sims is also there with a right Lat strain and made 11 appearances, with an ERA of 8.10.

Starting pitching also slumped, with the top-end who burned so bright in the first half now reaching career highs in innings pitched. Results have been mediocre, with generally only one or two innings doing the starters in.

Tanner Houck (8-9, 3.23 ERA) has been the most consistent but even he ran into some trouble the last six weeks. Despite ups and downs, Houck has pitched six or more innings in his last four starts.

Ace Brayan Bello has been coming along. Bello had his best outing of the season on Wednesday night, pitching eight innings of shutout, two-hit ball while striking out nine. This completed a month where Bello went 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA, pitching 30 innings and striking out 28. (Though issuing walks remains an issue).

On the offense side, the Red Sox are consistent but not overpowering. They do run into problems with runners in scoring position and are hampered by injuries of their own.

Star slugger Rafael Devers has sat out the last couple games due to shoulder injuries that have been hampering him all season.

Jarren Duran continues to have a historic season and the return of two previously injured players have been bright spots.

The return of Triston Casas has been a delight. Before a 0 for 3 performance in Thursday's loss, Casas was hitting .333 in 12 games since coming of the IL. He has picked up hits in nine of those games, with two home runs and seven RBI.

Masataka Yoshida has been back for some time and finally got going in August. Prior to Thursday, Yoshida was hitting .341 in August, raising his average to .297. Yoshida has four games in which he collected three or more hits and has six doubles, four home runs, and an OPS of .935.

Still unknown is the bolster Trevor Story can provide if he makes it back for the stretch run. No matter, the Red Sox will need all at their best to earn their way into the playoffs.

The road ahead

Boston has 28 games remaining on the schedule. Barring a huge slide in the next week, the opportunity for a playoff push will continue until the very end. 

The huge obstacle is playing more road games (16) than home (12), though in a reversal of normal fortune, the Red Sox have been better on the road this season. 

A.L. East opponents comprise over half these games with 16 games on the docket. Included in this group of games is seven straight against the Yankees and Orioles. Opponents that Boston is 8-8 against in 2024.

Boston also has games against the lowly Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers mixed in, with a series against the Minnesota Twins on the docket, too.

A road trip is up next on the agenda, where the Red Sox take on the Tigers and the New York Mets. Back in late-May and early June, Boston went 2-2 against the Tigers. And when they meet with the Mets, it will be the first (and only) series between the teams this season.

This is an immediate opportunity to make up some ground. Winning a series at a time is a must. More importantly, a solid seven-game winning streak or so would do wonders. Not out of the question. And the team needs complete efforts heading into the final month. My guess is the team will need to go at least 18-10 to close out the season to secure a playoff spot. So sail on, dear Red Sox, and leave this post All-Star break swoon far in the past.

photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

5 QBs from 1st round of 2018 NFL Draft: Season seven itch

 

Welcome back to the series chronicling the careers of the five quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Onto season seven!

Embarking on their seventh-year in the league, four quarterbacks drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft will be starting. The fifth quarterback's whereabouts are unknown.

Okay. It is not that ominous for Josh Rosen. But quick searches on the internet do not show him playing football professionally (in any number of leagues). 

The other four quarterbacks - Josh Allen, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and Lamar Jackson - will lead their respective teams as starters to begin the 2024 season. With it, in their seventh season, the quest for a Super Bowl ring.

Who among them will be the first?

To date, this item has eluded these four quarterbacks, despite MVP awards, All-Pro selections, playoff appearances, and comeback stories.

All are wonderful accolades. Certainly to be applauded.  All four have eyes on the big prize, taking snaps for franchises who will contend for division titles, at the very least.

Who among them will take that next step?

Lamar Jackson

Jackson, along with Allen, is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. A lack of a title can be partially attributed to playing in the AFC, where in five of the last six Super Bowls, the conference has been represented by Patrick Mahomes or Tom Brady.

Coming off arguably his best season as a pro, Jackson picked up his second MVP award. Small solace after Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens had another pre-Super Bowl exit from the playoffs.

An AFC North title and first-round bye helped move things along. Baltimore took care of business in the Divisional Round, defeating the Houston Texas 34-10. And then Jackson and company ran into Mahomes and Kansas City in the AFC Championship game.

There, the Ravens offense was flustered, and the defense faltered in falling 17-10.

Jackson completed 36 of 59 passes in two postseason games last season, throwing for 424 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He managed damage in the ground game, rushing for 154 yards and two touchdowns, averaging an impressive 8.1 yards per carry.

It was a better playoff effort for Jackson than in previous seasons. Still, a 2-4 career playoff record is nothing to write home about. In these six games, Jackson completed 57.4 percent of his attempts with 1324 yards, six touchdowns, and six picks. He has run for 521 yards and three scores.

The MVP award for Jackson was warranted, with the quarterback setting career highs in completions (307), attempts (457), percentage (67.2), and yards (3678). Jackson tossed only seven interceptions and had 24 touchdowns.

On the ground, Jackson found the end zone only five times. He had 821 yards and averaged 5.5 yards per carry (the second-lowest average of his career)

Jackson has 58 wins and 19 losses as a starter. The two-time MVP has nearly 16000 yards passing in his career and only once has thrown double digit interceptions in a season.

Help has arrived in the backfield with Derrick Henry. And Zay Flowers will continue to be a threat at wide receiver. Jackson should have the Ravens fighting it out for another division title in a very tough AFC North. Regression from last season is a possibility, but not by much, and Baltimore will be tested right off the bat.

1st four weeks: @ KC (9/5), vs LV (9/15), @ DAL (9/22), vs BUF (9/29)

Josh Allen

Allen achieved another solid season in 2023, leading the Buffalo Bills to the number two seed. Buffalo took care of business in the Wild Card round, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Then, lo and behold, Allen and the Bills bowed out to, you guessed it, Mahomes and Kansas City.

Changes were afoot in the offseason for Buffalo, especially at the receiver position, where Stefon Diggs (Houston) and Gabe Davis (Jacksonville) both moved on. Allen will have a mix of newcomers and young receivers to throw to, with James Cook looking to build on an impressive '23 at running back.

The turnover bug followed Allen around in '23, where he threw 18 interceptions. Other numbers were in line with other seasons, throwing for 4306 yards and 29 touchdowns. Plus, he completed 66.5 percent of his pass attempts, second-best in Allen's career.

On the ground, Allen rushed for 524 yards and notched a career-high 15 touchdowns.

Allen added three rushing touchdowns in the playoffs and averaged over seven yards per carry. Buffalo was on the cusp of advancing to the AFC Championship game, with Allen mostly solid. Passing yards were on the low end (389) for two games. But he had four touchdown passes and zero interceptions.

In his career, Allen is 5-5 in the playoffs, tossing 21 touchdowns against only four interceptions.

If all goes well this season, Allen will hit 25,000 passing yards and 200 touchdowns in his career.

Getting in sync with the new receivers is a must for Allen, especially since the main security blanket and deep threat are gone. Plus, the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets are lurking, so the AFC East will again be a tough division to navigate.

1st four weeks: vs ARI (9/8), @ MIA (9/12), vs JAX (9/23), @ BAL (9/29)

Baker Mayfield

The 2023 season was the comeback of Mayfield. Not to the upper echelon of quarterbacks, but one who was consistent and steady. Mayfield was handed the heavy burden of replacing Brady and responded with a division title.

Mayfield even managed to sneak in a playoff win to boot.

With the division title, Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted the Philadelphia Eagles. A 32-9 victory was followed up by a Divisional Round loss to the Detroit Lions, 31-23.

Mayfield completed 62.3 percent in the two games, throwing for 686 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. His playoff record now sits at 2-2, with 1153 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three picks.

In returning to prominence, Mayfield posted career-bests in percentage (64.3), yards (4044), and touchdowns (28). Of more importance, he threw only ten interceptions.

There were ups and downs, much like his career, but Mayfield showed that glimmer of why he was the former number one pick. Plus, he crossed over 20,000 career passing yards last season.

With Mike Evans at wide receiver, Mayfield throws to one of the best in the game. Other top players on offense return and this should help Tampa Bay compete in a weak NFC South. How far the Buccaneers go depends on if Mayfield can keep up his play (and maybe get a running game to compliment him). A couple of early measuring sticks await but a 2-2 record to start is a strong possibility.

1st four weeks: vs WAS (9/8), @ DET (9/15), vs DEN (9/22), vs PHI (9/29)

Sam Darnold

Darnold was minutes away from becoming the first of this quarterback group to win a Super Bowl ring. Sure, it would have been as backup to Brock Purdy on the San Francisco 49ers. But still, a ring is a ring.

Of course it was Mahomes who got in the way, with Kansas City picking up a 25-22 victory in overtime.

Darnold spent all the '23 season as the backup in San Francisco, with one start and (mostly) mop-up duty. In 2024, Darnold is with his fourth team, joining the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason. He will be the starting quarterback, partially thanks to season-ending knee injury to J.J. McCarthy, who was selected tenth overall in the 2024 NFL draft.

Darnold will have help with arguably the game's top receiver in Justin Jefferson. The rest of the corps is solid, too, and the Vikings have newcomer Aaron Jones at running back. So, some of the pressure on Darnold should be alleviated.

For his career, Darnold is 21-35 as a starting quarterback. His best seasons as a starter were in year two, where Darnold went 7-6, and in 2022, where he was 4-2.

Darnold has thrown for 12064 yards, tossing over 3000 just once, with 63 touchdowns and 56 interceptions.

Lasting a full season as a starter is Darnold's first goal. He will need to be at his best if Minnesota has a shot, with Detroit and Green Bay the class of the NFC North. Not out of the realm of everything mighty but if Darnold plays well, the Vikings will be right there at the end.

1st four weeks: @ NYG (9/8), vs SF (9/15), vs HOU (9/22), @ GB (9/29)

Josh Rosen

Rosen was last with an NFL team in December 2022, when was signed to the practice squad of the Minnesota Vikings. I am kind of surprised he hasn't appeared in the USFL or XFL or CFL but maybe he has put football behind him. 

The window isn't necessarily closing for these four starting quarterbacks at getting a Super Bowl ring. Jackson and Allen have the best chance in year seven, with Mayfield and Darnold duking it out in a wide-open NFC. 

Unless, that is, Mahomes decides to once again get in the way, and ruin the dreams of these four quarterbacks, one way or another.

Follow along for progress made during the 2024 season, with updates after week 4, week 9, week 13, and week 18. 

PREVIOUS SEASONS:

5 QBs - 2023 season 5 QBs - 2022 season 5 QBs - 2021 season 5 QBs - 2020 season 5 QBs - 2019 season 5 QBS - 2018 season

photo credit: Flickr

QB1 named for Boise State Broncos with offense ready to roll

 

Mad Dog it is.

The answer arrived Sunday afternoon for fans of the Boise State Broncos football team. The question at hand: who will be the starting quarterback to open the 2024 season?

Would it be the highly touted USC transfer Malachi Nelson? He of the big arm but limited college game day experience. Or would it be Maddux Madsen, recovered from an injury suffered late last season?

Madsen it is, as head coach Spencer Danielson . 

For week one, at least.

Okay, I added the last sentiment.  A gut feeling, strictly as an outsider of the locker room. Heading into fall camp, I had a comfort level with either Madsen or Nelson taking the snaps. Still do. And I believe both will see the field in 2024 and get their shot at being a permanent starter. (Unless Madsen is magically the second coming of Kellen Moore. Or the Broncos are winning with him playing mistake-free football.)

Trust is placed, too, in Danielson and the coaching staff.  Specifically, this points to the man who has 30+ years of coaching experience. Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter knows what's happening on the practice field so much more than us couch commentators. Time will tell if Madsen was the correct call, but it is safe to say Danielson and Koetter know what they're doing in giving the reins to the player who knows the playbook and offense better.

Madsen in '23

Playing in nine games before a knee injury sidelined him, Madsen had moments of hot and cold while dealing with a two-quarterback system.

Prior to the injury, Madsen had taken over as QB1 (officially or not). His play twice earned him Mountain West Freshman of the Week. The game against Fresno State was a highlight for Madsen, where he threw for 258 yards.

Earlier in the season, Madsen led a spirited comeback against UCF before the Broncos lost on a last-second field goal.

Madsen, in his final two games of the '23 season, threw for 466 yards and three touchdowns (with one interception). Completion percentage did take a drop, with Madsen completing a shade over 50 percent (28-53).

For the season, Madsen passed for 1191 yards and nine touchdowns, completing 61.3 percent of his attempts.

Madsen, so it seemed, was going to be the starter to finish out last season, before the injury. Indecision by the staff hampered some of the progress and possibility for Madsen (and Taylen Green) prior. It will be interesting to see if Madsen and Nelson get sucked into some sort of two-quarterback vortex in 2024. Let's hope not, and that one takes control with stellar play.

Whoever it is, they will have plenty of star talent to choose from. Ashton Jeanty and Jambres Dunbar lead an impressive running back room. Plus, a strong offensive line goes a long way in producing success.

It is the wide receiver and tight end group, however, that could put this offense into another stratosphere.

Wide receivers and tight ends

Focus has been on the transfers who arrived this offseason to Boise State. Eager to see what Chris Marshall and Cameron Camper can do, yes. But it is key returnees who I am most looking forward to seeing produce in 2024.

Topping the list is Latrell Caples.

The redshirt senior was poised for a spectacular 2023 before a ended his season before it began. This after leading the team in receptions (51) and receiving yards (549) in 2022.

Caples is at full go and has been the highlight of multiple scrimmages. Plus, with teams no doubt loading up to stop Jeanty and the running game, Caples should find plenty of good matchups.

Marshall, Camper, and Caples could form a terrific trio but three other returnees at the receiver position will also contribute. 

Possibilities are endless with Prince Strachan, Austin Bolt, and Chase Penry. The combined numbers from last season are not wonderful. But all brim with potential and can stretch the field.

Strachan had 12 receptions for 274 yards and two touchdowns. Bolt started five of the last eight games, finishing with six catches for 175 yards and scores, with Penry hauling in five catches for 48 yards.

The tight end position, even as I feel we've been stating this for years, is also poised to make some noise. Matt Lauter closed the season strong with five catches for 80 yards and a touchdown in the final three games (prior to the bowl game). Lauter also had a standout performance earlier in the season against Memphis with three catches for 76 yards.

All told, there is a lot of talent surrounding Madsen and Nelson. On August 31 against Georgia Southern, the ball belongs to Madsen. It will be his to protect, knowing that Nelson likely isn't far behind. 

More on Boise State football 2024:

Dream a little dream in '24

photo credit: Jason Haskins

Boise State Broncos football: Dream a little dream in 2024

 

Fleetwood Mac gave us Dreams. Gary Wright wooed us with Dream Weaver. And Aerosmith yelled at us to Dream On.

For the 2024 football season, the Boise State Broncos football team hopes to deliver on dreams of their own.

An expanded college football playoff arrives in 2024 and the Broncos are on track to seek out an appearance. Accompanied by a formidable schedule and the talent to succeed, Boise State aims to capitalize on being a Group of Five team to crash the party.

A lot needs to be settled before those dreams take hold. The first days of fall practice are in the books, with one scrimmage already taking place. The pieces are in place to repeat as Mountain West Conference champs. Question marks are present but minimal, with the team ready to ride the legs of a Heisman-hopeful to success in 2024.

Keeping the cart behind the horse

Fresh off a resounding end to the 2023 season (discounting a bowl game loss to UCLA) and a newly minted head coach (with no interim tag), 2024 offers plenty of hype.

But one must be mindful to let things play out, letting the hype build at a steady pace with each game and each victory.

Head coach Spencer Danielson took over last season when Andy Avalos and the Broncos parted ways. With two wins to close the regular season and a 44-20 victory over UNLV in the Mountain West title game, Danielson did enough to earn the position.

Now, he has a chance to bring the same type of energy and excitement in 2024, with less chaos. Well, a little chaos (the good kind) would be nice as Boise State pursues their dreams.

Road games to open the season present immediate barricades to navigate, with trips to face Georgia Southern (8/31) and then a top-10 ranked Oregon Ducks squad on 9/7. Other key road games include against UNLV (10/25) and a trip to Laramie to face Wyoming (11/23).

Highlights at home include games with Washington State (9/28) and Oregon State (11/29). Boise State also gets home dates this season with Nevada (11/9) and San Diego State (11/1). 

Danielson will lead this charge on the sideline, with one of the top players in the country in running back Ashton Jeanty leading the charge between the hash marks.

To have the junior running back again wearing blue and orange in 2024 is nothing short of spectacular. While I will let the Heisman hype speak for itself, it is another superstar turn on the field I am looking forward to.

Jeanty proved last season what a special player he is. In 2023, Jeanty finished with 1347 rushing yards, 43 receptions for 569 yards, and 19 total touchdowns. 

Expectations are high for Jeanty, with preseason accolades rolling in left and right.  With depth at the position to help keep Jeanty fresh, the highlight reel should be spectacular.  A repeat performance, if not expanded on, is on the table for Jeanty, with consistency at quarterback, a talented group of receivers, and an experienced offensive line to back him up.

Transfers at the wide receiver and tight end position are areas to keep an eye on. So, too, is the secondary on the defensive side. A mixture of returning players and new faces should make this one of the best units in the Mountain West.

The Broncos have a defense ready to rumble. Along with a deep secondary, Andew Simpson (linebacker) and Ahmed Hassanein (defensive end) looking to replicate stellar '23 seasons.

Of course, the huge question lingers as Boise State plows their way through fall camp: Who will be the starting quarterback in 2024?

Malachi Nelson and Maddux Madsen

One of the more heralded transfers in recent memory for the Boise State Broncos is quarterback Malachi Nelson. Arriving as a decorated recruit from USC, Nelson (by some) was immediately anointed this season's starting quarterback.

Returnee Maddux Madsen is going to have something to say about that.

Before a knee injury ended Madsen's season in late-2023, the redshirt sophomore played in nine games. Thrills and spills were among his game action, but Madsen showed definite signs of brilliance, throwing for 1191 yards. 

Madsen tossed nine touchdowns and three interceptions, while also rushing for 120 yards.

Nelson arrives with much fanfare but has seen little gametime action. 

Both have their positive attributes, and I feel comfortable with whoever ends up winning the job. Part of that is due to the acumen and expertise of offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, choosing who will ultimately give the Broncos their best chance at winning.

A lot can happen in the coming three weeks prior to the opening game with Georgia Southern. But for now, in these hot and smoky days of early August, the hope is high. A time where dreams can be envisioned, with hopes they are soon molded into reality.

Until then, we can let the Eurythmics guide the way by serenading us with Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These).

photo credit: Jason Haskins

Boston Red Sox and the post All-Star break blues

 

Coming out of the All-Star break, everyone was aware the Boston Red Sox had one of the most difficult schedules over the season's final 2.5 months.

A fast start was needed, and the Red Sox stumbled.

Finally, in their fourth series since the break, Boston won a series. The Red Sox defeated the Seattle Mariners 3-2 in extra innings, taking two of three from their A.L. West rivals.

Extra innings and blown leads have been a recurring theme in Boston's stretch since the Midsummer Classic. The Red Sox of lost 8 of 12 but easily could have reversed that record if not for a struggling bullpen. 

The good news is plenty of games remain on the docket. Games against teams vying for the Wild Card, where Boston sits two games back of the final spot, and the A.L. East, where the Red Sox are seven games back.

Trade deadline help

In recent seasons, the Red Sox have mostly stood pat when it came to trade deadline decisions. For good reasons, too, because the team had a lot of young talent and were prepping to have sustained success in the future.

This season, however, with the team firmly in the playoff race, the time to act was now. 

Relief pitching was the main target. Craig Breslow and the Red Sox responded with vigor.

In separate trades, Boston acquired help in relievers Lucas Sims and Luis García. Sims was acquired from the Reds and had a 3.57 ERA in 43 appearances. García came to Boston just under the trade deadline, arriving from the Angels with a 3.71 ERA in 45 appearances.

Both bring a veteran presence and should help solidify those later innings. Rest for overworked relievers will help, too, as the Red Sox have played four extra-inning games since the All-Star break.

Starting pitcher James Paxton also returned to the Red Sox after being designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The other major trade for the Red was the acquisition of catcher Danny Jansen from the Toronto Blue Jays. I was a little perplexed at this move at first, considering Jansen and former backup Reese McGuire had similar numbers, with McGuire holding an edge behind the plate. This didn't seem like an upgrade at all, and I knew the team wouldn't keep three catchers on the roster.

Manager Alex Cora explained the move after McGuire was designated for assignment. And Jansen is 4 for 7 in two games with Boston, knocking in the tying run in the sixth inning of today's victory.

Upcoming schedule

Starting Friday (8/2), the Red Sox are on the road for six games before returning home for six.

Three games with the Texas Rangers start off this stretch and three more will bookend the 12 games. The two teams have not played yet in 2024 and it's the same with opponent the Red Sox face when they return home, the Houston Astros.

Boston took two of three from the Kansas City Royals just prior to the All-Star break and could use the same result again on the road.

A tough little stretch. The Rangers are lingering around the playoff hunt, though currently the only one of these three teams under .500. Kansas City is one of the teams ahead of the Red Sox in the Wild Card race. And Houston, despite best hopes of their early season struggles lasting the whole season, are fighting the Mariners for first place in the A.L. West.

Best hopes reside in the Red Sox going 7-5 or better in the upcoming couple of weeks. Do that, and playoff race will only heat up. Struggling through another 4-8 stretch, though, may dampen hopes. Let's keep those fingers crossed for the former and carry this productive season even further.

photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Splash! Jump into the love of the pool at Summer Olympics

 

Believe it or not, world class swimming happens more often than every four years. So, too, does the enthralling world of water polo.

Yet both are favorites when the Summer Olympics swim onto the world's radar. The anticipation and hoopla have been worth the wait in the first two days of swimming at the Paris Games. Events have seen races dominated by swimmers and others where the top-8 were separated by less than a second.

Rivalries swelled, led by a water clash between swimmers from Australia and the United States. Carried on between the lanes, this rivalry has been both friendly and born of fire. The excitement, heartbreak, and drama led to appointment viewing around the world.

All this makes me want to jump into the pool, despite never being a competitive swimmer myself (except in my own mind).

For now, here on dry land, chances are given to sit back and simply enjoy the action.

Early races in the pool

Swimming and track & field are fantastic bookends to the Olympic games. Events in the pool have not failed to impress so far.

We have seen some of the most decorated Olympians of all-time hit the water. Katie Ledecky (USA) and Ariarne Titmus (AUS) were set to deliver an epic 400m freestyle. While the showdown never quite materialized, with Titmus taking gold by over three seconds to Ledecky's bronze, the race was still close. This thanks to Summer McIntosh (CAN), who took silver. Even then, Titmus was nearly one second faster than McIntosh.

Titmus is poised for a showdown in the 200m free as well. No less than three swimmers can take the victory over Titmus, including Molly O'Callaghan (AUS), Claire Weinstein (USA), and Siobhán Bernadette Haughey from Hong Kong.

Australia and the U.S. took their rivalry to the 4X100m freestyle relays, too. The United States women could not quite knock the queens off their throne, picking up a silver to Australia's gold. But the men, anchored by Caeleb Dressel, found gold in defeating the team from Australia by over one second.

Adam Peaty (GBR) fell just short in vying for this third-straight gold medal in the 100m breaststroke in what was his first Olympic defeat in an individual race. Peaty tied for silver with Nic Fink (USA), falling by two-hundredths of a second to Italy's Nicolò Martinenghi.

On the women's side of things in the 100m butterfly, two Americans outpaced the others, with Torri Huske nabbing the gold. Huske, who finished a fingernail away from the podium at the Tokyo Games, defeated teammate Gretchen Walsh by .04 seconds.

Walsh is the world record holder in the event and had set the Olympic record on Saturday night in the semifinals.

Water polo fun

Way back in my seventh-grade year (maybe eighth), I was in a class tasked to write out 100 goals for life. One of those on my list was to play a game of water polo.

Still searching to check that one off the list, but I sure do enjoy watching the game.

The stamina required in water polo is something to behold, even as line changes similar to hockey occur. Not only is a player swimming, but they are also constantly churning their legs and getting physical with opponents, all while trying to find the back of the net.

And the U.S.A. is represented well in this sport.

Three-time defending gold medalist, the United States women's team started strong with a 15-6 victory over Greece. Not only is this team the best in the world, they have the top hype man to accompany them: Mr. Flavor Flav himself.

Though I do fail to follow water polo during the "in-between" years, which I swear I want to do, it is nice to see recognizable names like Maggie Steffens and Maddie Musselman still making waves.

On the other side of things, the men's team has been competitive but has not enjoyed quite the same success. The team has a total of six medals, winning three bronze and three silver, the most recent coming in 2008 at the Beijing Games.

This year's edition started off with a loss to Italy, falling 12-8.

The men's team next takes the pool on July 30, where they take on Romania. The women are back in action on July 29, facing Spain.

A love of H2O

The urge to jump in the pool, or any body of water for that matter, stays with me and really digs in during the Summer Olympics. And yet... well, I do not do much about it. When I do, however, find the pool, river, lake, or sea to jump into, I have trouble getting out.

Perhaps that is why I am drawn to swimming and water polo every four years.

Love for swimming likely can be traced back to summers and swimming lessons. Certain summers saw me partaking in these lessons in multiple cities, honing my craft one crawl stroke at a time.

I did find myself regularly swimming again thanks to a gym membership years back, but that stopped almost five years ago. As per usual when the Olympic games take center stage, I find myself yearning to get back into the pool.

Will that jump be taken? Unknown. Until then, I will enjoy the world class athletes doing their thing, and dream of the day I swing my arms to slap my own back, strap on the goggles, and take a dive into my own personal greatness. 

By that, I mean able to swim the length of pool without stopping. And hoping to recapture an ounce of the waterlogged days of my youth.

photo credit: rawpixel

A look back: Summer box office of 2004

 

The arrival of Deadpool & Wolverine on July 26 is a (hopeful) return of the huge, smashing summer blockbuster. Humor, heart, action, cameo appearances, and drama are expected to lure audiences in.

Twenty years ago at the summer box office, the foul-mouthed merc was but an on-screen dream and Wolverine was two years away from appearing in a third X-Men movie.

Back in the summer of 2004, sequels ruled the day, including a superhero film that has been reimagined multiple times since.

In previous years on The Journey of Now blog, the above would serve as an introduction to a tournament of favorite films from the ghosts of box office past. Polls would be posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) and further back, on Facebook, pitting the top-64 box office films in a certain category against one another. The winners were decided by the voters, including the many (May thru August) over the years.

Sadly, the tournament is paused for now. But we shall not bypass the glorious summer box office of 2004 altogether. Quotable comedies, star-making romance films, and plenty of others would have duked it out to claim the top spot.

Top-seeds of each region

Sequels (or films part of a series) ruled the summer box office of 2004, with nearly 25 percent of the top-40 films that summer falling into this category. 

The top film of the summer, and for the whole year, was the animated film Shrek 2. Released in May, this film had a domestic box office total of over 441 million dollars. (And currently sits at over 444 million, placing it as the 30th-highest domestic total of all-time). 

Second best for that summer and year was a little-known vehicle known as Spider-Man 2, which feels like 100 Spider-Man films ago. This film, released in June 2004, is revered by many as the best of the Tobey Maguire trilogy and gave fans the fantastic Alfred Molina as Doc Ock.

The July region was topped by another sequel in The Bourne Supremacy, featuring Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Brian Cox, Karl Urban, and Joan Allen, to name a few. And in August, Collateral took the top spot.

This film often flies under the radar, but it is among my favorites. Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx are phenomenal and director Michael Mann and writer Stuart Beattie draw out the tension from the opening scenes.

These four films were tops that summer and they were accompanied by plenty of memorable (and not so memorable) films that year.

Top-ten from each region

A new era of comedy, spanning roughly 10 years, was ushered in early in 2003 with the film Old School. And in 2004, the coals were burning hot with Anchorman and Dodgeball (to name two). Anchorman is still heavily quoted, thanks to memes and gifs, and a consistently funny movie, even today. 

Recently, I caught the last 30 minutes of Dodgeball and remembered how funny it was, even if not as quotable. Though Rip Torn's "If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball" is still used regularly among my group of friends. 

White Chicks is adored by a subset of film fans, though I would be hard pressed to say the same about Without a Paddle.

Epic films were supposed to carry the box office that summer. While films like Troy, The Village, King Arthur, and I, Robot brought in decent money, I feel like none lived up to the pre-release billing. Catwoman with Halle Berry was deemed a bust and The Village saw the early signs of M. Night Shyamalan's downfall, though he has been able to resurrect his career in recent years.

Star-launching vehicles were also part of the 2004 summer. Rachel McAdams, fresh off Mean Girls (just outside the summer window with an April 30 release), cemented her status with the success of The Notebook. 

This film also saw Ryan Gosling move into a new tax bracket with those early building blocks of success.

Zach Braff was already a television star but his directorial debut Garden State struck a chorus with fans that summer. And fans were treated to pre-superstar turns from Anne Hathaway and Chris Pine (Princess Diaries 2)

These were but a few of the stars still making quality films, blockbusters among them, in 2024. Here are the top ten box office earners from each month in the summer of 2004:

May 

1- Shrek 22- Day After Tomorrow3- Troy4- Van Helsing5- Raising Helen6- Soul Plane7- New York Minute8- Breakin' All the Rules9- Super Size Me10- Saved!

June 

1- Spider-Man 22- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban3- Fahrenheit 9/114- Dodgeball5-The Notebook6- The Terminal7- Garfield8- White Chicks9- Stepford Wives10- Chronicles of Riddick

July

1- The Bourne Supremacy2- I, Robot3- The Village4- Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy5- The Manchurian Candidate6- King Arthur7- Cinderella Story8- Catwoman9- Garden State10- Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle

August 

1- Collateral2- The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement3- Alien vs Predator4- Without a Paddle5- Hero6- Exorcist: The Beginning7- Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid8- Open Water9- Little Black Book10- Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light

A wide range of movies touched the summer of 2004, bringing forth the good and the bad. Some launched a series (Harold and Kumar) and another gave us the last film Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen starred in together (New York Minute).

And one, a small independent film, will likely live on forever in the hearts of filmgoers.

Napoleon Dynamite

Here's the honest truth: I have never been the biggest fan of Napoleon Dynamite.

Now, I will say it's not a bad film. And I certainly laughed at moments and identified with certain scenes. But overall, I did not think it was the masterpiece many believe it to be.

But in the summer of 2004, this film took the world by storm and earned enough money at the domestic box office to place no. 11 in the June region. I have a feeling if this were a tournament, the film would have reached the final eight for sure.

This film entered the zeitgeist and has refused to leave. I do believe I suffered from not seeing the film until far later in the year (or early 2005), after it had been hyped and quoted beyond belief.

In some ways, however, it provided that slice of hope for aspiring filmmakers everywhere they, too, might achieve great success. To see a little-film-that-could make it to the big time and provide opportunities for cast and crew alike.

Thanks for stopping by for this look back at the summer box of 2004. Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to go eat some tater tots and try to throw a football over the mountains.

photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Trip down memory lane: Part 303

 

What do you choose to hold onto?

What do you choose to let go of?

A trip to my childhood home again brought forth the rummaging through closets and digging into boxes of a lifetime past.  I have written about this prior, with a great unboxing post or two, and am often left to ponder the above questions.

A quandary I believe I have done better at answering over the years, while thinking about to why this stuff held importance in the first place. Thinking about why to hold onto such items, who they are eventually shared with, and passing down stories of youth (and beyond).

One box, torn from use, storage, and multiple moves, unveiling the world of the 1990's.

To begin, I have no idea why I kept my retainer. Best left to the trash; a decision in present day that took less than five seconds to cement.

From there, though, the world was my oyster.

Digging into joy

Letter writing played a huge part in those days, and letters were saved from across an entire decade. Letters from my cousin. Letters from high school friends. A handful of notes passed in Junior High, though less than I expected, which leads me to believe at one point I did a purging.

Letters from a girl I met at a FBLA National Conference in Anaheim, in which we stayed pen pals for about year, communicating coast-to-coast.

More FBLA mementos, notably a scorecard from a mini-golf game shared among a group of four at a different conference a year prior. Plus, programs from conferences and other simple collectibles to remember the time.

What do you choose to hold onto?

What do you choose to let go of?

Yearbooks from the seventh grade, and grades 9 through 11. Separated from grades 8 and 12, which were already with me. Now, reunited after all these years.

Brackets from high school state championship tournaments. Clippings from those early years of high school sports and team photos from over the years. Plus, a newspaper snapshot that captured scoring a goal in a youth soccer game.

Snapshots in time

Photos, loose and in a pocket-sized album. A Science Club trip in Junior High to Death Valley, plus a news clipping from the local paper with the entire group. A trip where I forgot most of the science, but a trip to Scotty's Castle and an epic game of Capture the Flag both live fresh in my mind.

Of course, a good box of mementos contains a random assortment of items. A Coke bottle. Programs from theater student showcases in college and the American College Theater Festival. A collection of pins because hey, a D.A.R.E. pin and "Senior Pride is Contagious: Catch It" will never go out of style (which I suppose I will hold onto the latter because in 15 years or so, the slogan will take on a new meaning).

And of course, a trip down memory lane is not complete without a stuffed animal that has seen better days. (One called Simba, long before hit the airwaves).

Stories are associated with each item in the box, whether a long one or short, joyous or sad. In a way, choosing to hang on is about legacy and where and how these stories about said items are shared. Instances when a deep connection to the past helped shape the present or perhaps, even a trinket reminding you of friends made along the way.

What do you choose to hold onto?

What do you choose to let go of?

Easy to decide. Difficult to execute. But hopefully done with a little luck, a smile. And a story to tell.

Boston Red Sox: Checking in midway through 2024 regular season

 

The back half of the 2024 regular season began for the Boston Red Sox over the weekend. And while Boston lost two of three to the San Diego Padres, the Red Sox enjoyed quite the first half.

At 44-39, the Red Sox looked better than expected. Plenty of holes are present with this young club and a handful of players played beyond their (usual) capabilities. But Boston is 8.5 games out of first and only 1.5 games back in the Wild Card race.

Injuries plagued this team and one could imagine where they would be sitting if the team had been healthier. Might they be closer to 50 wins? Or by being forced to use so many players, did the team overperform thanks to perseverance and contributions from the unexpected?

Both, in some regards, and occurrences that should help the Red Sox the final months.

Boston is once again in position to make a playoff push. The Red Sox could be in a spot where they have to make a choice in either pursuing more starting pitching and a bat, simply trade assets, or stay put, and hope the team continues to improve in the coming months.

Boston Red Sox at the plate

The offense was a faucet throughout the first half. Not pouring out runs like water but running hot and cold from game to game.

Boston is seventh in the American League in runs scored. Sitting in the middle makes sense, considering inconsistent efforts. In the three-game set with the Padres, the Red Sox plated a total of seven runs. But in a recent 15-game stretch, where the team went 11-4, the team was much better. In the 11 wins, Boston scored 4+ runs while in the four losses, totaled only eight.

Part of the issue is lack of consistent power. The Red Sox have been creative and have a combination of players delivering when needed. Helping is having seven players with at least 10 doubles.

Only two players, however, have entered double digits with home runs. Tyler O'Neill was swatting them left and right early, battling some injuries, and has slowed. O'Neill is second on the team with 16 home runs (but with only 28 RBI).

It is Rafael Devers who sits atop the team leaderboard with 18. Devers has 45 RBI and is hitting .286, coming on as of late.

First half team MVP goes to Jarren Duran, who is enjoying an All-Star worthy season. Duran enters the first week of July hitting .288 with 99 hits and 10 triples.

Ceddanne Rafaela got off to a slow start but has found better production in June and Connor Wong has been solid all season. Rafaela is hitting .240 with 8 home runs and 41 RBI. Though Rafaela slumped a bit to end the month of June, he hit .303 during the month. Five times he collected three or more hits in a game, including a four for six effort with 4 RBI in a June 6 Boston victory over the White Sox.

Wong is hitting .326 in 59 games.

The rest of the lineup, however it shakes out each week, has been steady. Four players have between 20 and 29 RBI and someone new seems to step up in a variety of ways. Strikeouts do remain a problem and more consistency is needed from the five to eight hitters in the lineup.

The return of Triston Casas should help stabilize things and the Red Sox, to stay healthy, could get a good look at what a solid core can do. If this really gets going in July, Boston will find themselves in true contender status if other aspects of the game get back to good.

Pitching and defense for the Red Sox

After surprising the league through the middle-to-end of May, the starting pitchers for the Red Sox returned to Earth in June.

Into the season, the question marks of the staff belonged to the starting rotation, with the strength given to the bullpen. These were flipped to start the season but reverted to original expectations in recent weeks.

Tanner Houck was the most recent to be bitten by the "bad game" bug. In his start against the Padres, Houck lasted 4.1 innings, surrendering nine hits and eight runs (seven earned). In the game, Houck allowed three home runs, after allowing only two all season prior.

Houck is 7-6 with a 2.67 ERA and 105 strikeouts.

Nick Pivetta has been off and on and Kutter Crawford has declined. Crawford has sort of reverted to form of recent seasons, where he gives the team five or six innings but there is at least one horrible inning mixed in.

Overall, Crawford is 3-7 with a 3.59 ERA.

Most disappointing of the bunch has been Brayan Bello. Signed to a nice extension prior to the season, Bello started off well. And he tossed the occasional strong outing but overall, it's been a struggle for the young pitcher.

Bello is 7-5 with a 5.55 ERA and 64 strikeouts. In five June starts, Bello totaled 24 innings, posting a 1-2 record with a 8.25 ERA. During this span, Bello walked 14 and struck out 20.

While Bello and the rotation had their hiccups, the bullpen is doing well. Standouts include Brennan Bernardino (1.20 ERA in 30 innings), Zach Kelly (1.53 ERA in 29.1 innings), and Kenley Jansen (16 saves, 2.22 ERA).

Defense, like the last couple of seasons, remains a problem for the Red Sox. Miscues and errors played into multiple losses for the Red Sox. Boston's 65 errors are the most in Major League Baseball and their fielding percentage is dead last at .978.

One positive is Devers, who only has six errors. Compared to other seasons, Devers is on pace to post the lowest number of his career. Previous low was 14, last done in 2022.

Twelve games remain for the Red Sox until the All-Star break, with the next six coming on the road. A lot of work is left to be done for any sort of real playoff push. A better picture will shape up in the coming weeks in determining exactly what Boston does closer to the trade deadline. A 7-5 record or better prior to the break should mean a push towards being buyers. Less than .500 during that span? Well, it could mean standing pat or finding the right veterans to use as trade chips. Either way, the Red Sox winning record has provided some first half hope, and in the end, some good baseball.

photo credit: Wikimedia Commons