I Just Want to Apologize for My Patriots Prediction

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I apologize to anyone that listened to The 300s Podcast last week where I all but promised the Patriots would win by three touchdowns.

They only won by 16. I am truly sorry for that. Just 1-point less than a true three score victory, but we don’t accept moral victories around here. In the blog I tempered that to a 10 point victory, but I’m a man of my word and what I say on the podcast lives on. Now…my other gambling takes are taking a Week 1 beating, which we’ll give the post mortem on tomorrow, but for now lets just bask in that Patriots blowout on Bourbon Street.

Rams and Chargers Combined Attendance Still Lower than USC Last Week

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Yahoo – The Rams, playing in the cavernous L.A. Coliseum, drew just 56,612 people to their game against Washington. The Chargers meanwhile, playing in the 27,000-seat StubHub Center in nearby Carson, had a measly 25,381 patrons watch their loss against Miami. The combined attendance for the Rams and Chargers was 81,993. These numbers are especially low considering that on Saturday night, the USC-Texas game – also played in the Coliseum – had 84,714 fans.

The famously sports crazed and empathetic city of Los Angeles cannot support two NFL franchises, let alone one. Color me shocked.

When you see it side by side like though its got to be startling for the owners. The Rams are bad, but still they are 1/32, an elite group, and they can’t even fill half the stadium. Sure the Coliseum is 100k seats, but jesus christ just give some tickets away to avoid a picture like this:

Bad optics man. Perception is reality. And the perception here is that no one is showing up to watch the NFL in LA. And granted the Chargers are playing in a goddamn MLS stadium that only holds 27,000 fans, but even that they couldn’t sell out. People should be lining up to watch a game there, if for nothing else than the novelty of seeing a real, live NFL team in a tiny stadium that was designed to host soccer players making $100K a year.

I understand the want and maybe the need for the NFL to be in one of, if not the, biggest TV markets in the country, but sometimes you need to step back and see a bad idea for what it is. I’m sure the owners and the league will make their money back on Super Bowls, concerts, bowl games, and everything else that new LA stadium will hold, but I seriously doubt either team will ever have a ravenous fan base.

Maybe if the team is GREAT, which both are far from being, then the fans will come out. But that is the No. 1 problem with LA as a fan base for a franchise; the majority of the city is transplants. So if the team sucks, then why should I come out and spend my money? Its not really *my* team. Being from Boston obviously the teams are usually pretty good, but even when they’re bad we still show up. Its in our blood. We don’t have any other choice and its what we were raised on. Thats what helps build passion. Not shiny new stadiums.

Celtics Prominently Featured in NBA 2K18 Trailer and it Looks FIRE

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As I mentioned on this very blog not too long ago, the Celtics basically backdoored their way onto the cover of the biggest basketball video game in the world with the Kyrie Irving trade. So it should come as no surprise, but its still awesome to see Celtics green prominently featured in another excellent 2K trailer. Seriously, is this the only league that knows how to market a video game with music? Anyways, some of the highlights:

And yea, this one definitely hurt. Gonna suck seeing IT check what time it is with fucking LeBron yucking it up next to him.

Full trailer below:

Johnny Manziel May Be Close to Signing With a Football Team

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Yahoo – Johnny Manziel has officially told the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to squat or get out of the litter box. David William Naylor of TSN reports that Manziel has activated the 10-day window that compels the CFL team that holds Manziel’s negotiating rights to make him a contract offer. The move forces the hand of a franchise that has been slow-playing its flirtation with Manziel in the aftermath of the failed effort to hire Art Briles. Naylor says the Tiger-Cats must sign, trade, or release Manziel within the next 10 days.

LETS GO. Get Johnny Football back in my life. I don’t care if I have to (legally) stream CFL games from some undisclosed bunker, I need Money Manziel back in my life. #FreeJohnny

It seems like Manziel may be back on the (wider) football field sooner than later. I still don’t fully grasp the goofy CFL contract rules because I know random teams still “hold” the rights of guys like Vince Young, Tim Tebow and other NFL flameouts. So thanks to this David Naylor guy for clearing that up for me. Looks like Johnny might have to play on the cheap though if the TiCats try and low ball him

As PFT understands it, however, the Tigers-Cats are required simply to make Manziel a “fair offer,” not sign him. If so, it makes the move a calculated risk for Manziel; the Tiger-Cats may choose to simply serve up a lowball offer, forcing Manziel to either take it or to continue to not play.

Do it Johnny, just play ball, get out there and dominate the CFL and win a few Grey Cups. It worked for Doug Flutie and it can work for you.

Its pretty much Manziel’s only shot of playing football again, ya know, unless the USFL makes a comeback.

Plus I would 10/10 buy a Johnny Manziel Hamilton Tiger-Cats jersey because I am a child. So its a win-win situation really.

JJ Watt May Be Wanted for Murder After This Hit Last Night

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So on the final play of the game last night, Bengals lineman Russell Bodine nearly got cut in half by JJ Watt after a goddamn buddy pass from Andy Dalton.

Pretty sure a Center isn’t the greatest guy to get the ball to in a last second, desperation, lateral play, but hey to each his own. Unfortunately for Bodine, he was right on the motherfucking train tracks and JJ Watt SMOKED him.

Just to put this into perspective Bodine, an NFL lineman, is 6’3″ 308 lbs and JJ Watt wrapped him up like a goddamn Christmas present.

Man just one time I’d love ESPN to bring back our favorite CTE inducing segment. He got…….JACKED UP!

Lets Gamble! NFL Week 2

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All our betting lines are courtesy of CBS Sports so blame them if the numbers change. Anyways its time to start playing fast and loose with our paychecks now that the NFL season is here. Introducing our new weekly NFL gambling column, LETS GO!

Texans (0-1) at Bengals (0-1), Thursday
Opening line: Bengals, -3 points

I expect a bounce back game from the Bengals, especially with so many Texans players getting hurt on Sunday and of course Brian Cushing will miss the game as he got popped for PEDs again. Not to mention the Texans have a rookie making his first career start on a short week. Take the Bengals and take the points.

Jets (0-1) at Raiders (1-0)
Opening line: Raiders, -14 points

14 points is a TON of points to cover and I just don’t feel confident laying my hard earned cash on the line betting the Raiders win by more than TDs. Look for the Raiders to get ahead and then hand off to Marshawn Lynch all game. Take the Jets to cover.

Browns (0-1) at Ravens (1-0)
Opening line: Ravens, -7.5 points

The Browns actually looked surprisingly competent last week, nearly upsetting the Steelers. Did the Ravens look good last week or did the Bengals really play that bad? Hard to say, especially with the Ravens losing Danny Woodhead last week. I would bet against the Browns putting up solid games in back to back weeks until I see it happen so I’m going with the Ravens to cover here.

Cardinals (0-1) at Colts (0-1)
Opening line: Cardinals, -7.5 points

Holy shit the Colts are even worse than we though and may even be starting former Pats 3rd string QB Jacoby Brissett in this one. The Colts are a full blown disaster without Andrew Luck. Take the Cardinals and enjoy your winnings.

Patriots (0-1) at Saints (0-0)
Opening line: Patriots, -4.5 points

-4.5 points? I would HAMMER the Patriots in this game, there’s no way the Pats don’t win by at least a touchdown coming off that shit show in Week 1 against the Chiefs. Bet the house on it.

Vikings (1-0) at Steelers (1-0)
Opening line: Steelers, -7 points

This is probably the toughest game of the week. Minnesota looked excellent on Monday night and so did Sam Bradford. I think the Vikings keep it close and cover.

Dolphins (0-0) at Chargers (0-1)
Opening line: Chargers, -4 points

Chargers are coming off a 3-point loss to a top defense in Denver while the Dolphins are opening the season with their new QB Jay Cutler. I think Cutler is better than people give him credit for, but its his first game on a new team, lets go with the Chargers to cover.

Titans (0-1) at Jaguars (1-0)
Opening line: Titans, -1 point

I think the Titans and Marcus Mariota in particular bounce back this week, plus with a -1 point spread I’m taking the Titans. The Jags want to play a ball control offense and run it with Leonard Fournette, but I got the Duck this week.

Eagles (1-0) at Chiefs (1-0)
Opening line: Chiefs, -4 points

Nelson Agholor and Carson Wentz both looked to finally be on the same page and had a big week together last week, but after watching the Chiefs stomp the Patriots I’m taking Kansas City here. Alex Smith is not gonna throw for 300+ yards and 4 TDs again, but Kareem Hunt is the real deal. KC covers.

Bears (0-1) at Buccaneers (0-0)
Opening line: Buccaneers, -6 points

The Bears nearly topped the defending Super Bowl loser in the Atlanta Falcons, boosted by rookie Tarik Cohen’s explosive game. -6 points is a lot, but I like the Bucs behind Jameis Winston, Mike Evans and new toy Desean Jackson. Lets go with the Bucs to cover.

Redskins (0-1) at Rams (1-0)
Opening line: Rams, -2.5 points

The Rams looked like a competent offense in Sean McVay’s debut, but they also were playing the god awful Colts in Week 1. The R-words bumbled their way to a loss against the Eagles so I anticipate a bounce back game from them and a big game from Terrell Pryor. R-words cover.

Cowboys (1-0) at Broncos (0-0)
Opening line: Cowboys, -2.5 points

Another tough game to pick, but as long as Zeke keeps dodging that suspension I’m riding the Boys. The Broncos had to eke one out against San Diego last week, so I think the Cowboys cover here.

49ers (0-1) at Seahawks (0-1)
Opening line: Seahawks, -12.5 points

This is gonna be a long season for the 49ers as they embark on a long rebuild. The Seahawks did not look great last week as the offensive line is still a disaster and the musical chairs at RB continue. I think Seattle gets on track this week but 13 points is a big spread, so I’m taking San Fran to cover.

Packers (1-0) at Falcons (1-0)
Opening line: Falcons, -2.5 points

I’m taking the Packers all day on this. Green Bay’s offense looked great in the second half against Seattle last week and the Falcons look primed for a Super Bowl hangover.

Lions (1-0) at Giants (0-1), Monday
Opening line: Giants, -5 points

This all depends on ODB availability. If he’s in the game I’m taking the Giants to cover, but if he’s not I’m taking the Lions to win outright. The G-Men looked hapless without their blonde burner so keep close tabs on that.

American Diplomats Are Being Attacked by Russian X-Men in Cuba

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AP – The blaring, grinding noise jolted the American diplomat from his bed in a Havana hotel. He moved just a few feet, and there was silence. He climbed back into bed. Inexplicably, the agonizing sound hit him again. It was as if he’d walked through some invisible wall cutting straight through his room. Soon came the hearing loss, and the speech problems, symptoms both similar and altogether different from others among at least 21 U.S. victims in an astonishing international mystery still unfolding in Cuba.

So American diplomats are seemingly being targeted with, what the government is terming “health attacks,” of unidentified audio/sonic attacks. If my pop culture and comic book riddled brain could take a guess as to what this is, its simple; covert Russian mutant spies are looking to stir up the Cold War once again. Russian X-Men basically. Why mutants?

“Some of the incidents were confined to specific rooms or even parts of rooms with laser-like specificity, baffling U.S. officials who say the facts and the physics don’t add up.

Physics don’t add up? Mutants.

I mean has no one seen X-Men First Class? Like half that movie revolves around Cuba and the Cold War.

“None of this has a reasonable explanation,” said Fulton Armstrong, a former CIA official who served in Havana long before America re-opened an embassy there. “It’s just mystery after mystery after mystery.”Suspicion initially focused on a sonic weapon.

A sonic weapon you say? Now is probably a good time to mention one of the main characters in that movie is a mutant named Banshee with this exact power.

“A mutant capable of emitting incredibly strong ultrasonic screams, sonic blasts, sonic bursts, and sonic waves used in various ways.”

Add all that up with the fact that these victims are now having “problems concentrating or recalling specific words” and it just screams espionage.

“Brain damage and concussions, it’s not possible,” said Joseph Pompei, a former MIT researcher and psychoacoustics expert. 

Not possible says a psychoacoustics expert? Meet my friend, Charles.

Yup…mutants. And I know I mentioned X-Men First Class back there, but fuck that, Sir Patrick Stewart will always be the GOAT Professor X.

“FBI investigators swept the rooms, looking for devices. They found nothing, several officials briefed on the investigation said.”

Thats because the X-Men are the ultimate weapon. Come on FBI, read a book for me one time. Now if pieces of metal start bending and flying around and shit then we’ve got a real problem. God damn Russkies, while we’ve been sitting here arguing about Donnie Trump, Putin’s built his own X-Men squad.

 

 

Sox Land $30M Mop-Up Man For Stretch Run

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CBS Boston – David Price is off of the disabled list and heading to the Boston bullpen.

The Red Sox activated the 32-year-old lefty on Thursday after a seven-week stay on the disabled list with left elbow inflammation. He threw a three-inning simulated game at Fenway Park on Wednesday, and Boston manager John Farrell hopes to have Price available out of the bullpen on Sunday or Monday.

David Price hasn’t made an appearance out of the bullpen in a regular season game since 2010, but the bullpen is actually where he’s found most of his success in the postseason. Price’s postseason woes are well known, but he’s actually been pretty good out of the bullpen in October. Both of his playoff wins were out of the bullpen.

Price pitched exclusively out of the bullpen in 2008 and was 1-0 with a save in five appearances. He posted a 1.59 ERA over 5.2 innings, struck out 8 of the 24 batters he faced, and allowed just two hits. His sole relief appearance as a Blue Jay in 2015 against the Rangers wasn’t as impressive, but he did manage to get a win out of it.

It’ll be interesting to see how John Farrell chooses to use Price going forward. Will he be used a lefty specialist, as an eighth-inning guy, or a as a general fireman? Also interesting  to see will be Price’s reaction to being placed in the bullpen. I know he’s coming back from an injury and has to work his arm strength back up, which is difficult to do this late in the season, but it still feels like a demotion. Even after his rough outing last night, I’d still rather give the ball to Doug Fister in game three or four of the playoffs than David Price.

Regardless of what happens down the stretch, it’s hard not view year two of David Price in Boston as a disappointment. A strong late-season run would help make this deal look less like the Pablo Sandoval disaster, but this is not the guy the Red Sox thought they were getting. The Red Sox thought they were getting a guy who could drive the bus, not a guy who would yell at the team broadcaster on the bus.