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Articles by Joe McDonald
Bruins Legend Patrice Bergeron Isn't Concerned About Boston's Early-Season Struggles: 'Sometimes It Takes A Little Longer To Adjust' Original
BOSTON – The Boston Bruins, who are 8-8-3 through their first 19 games, have been undergoing some early-season struggles. But former captain Patrice Bergeron said "sometimes it takes a little longer to adjust" for the new players to adjust playing together.The Bruins legend, who remains close with the team even though he retired a year ago after 19 seasons with the Black & Gold, has been paying close attention to his former team, while keeping busy with his dad duties.
Sinead O'Connor and her role in campaigning for justice for justice for abuse survivors in the Church
I would feel today that the death of Catholicism has got worse and the dysfunctionality has got worse since 2017. Sinead O’Connor wasn’t smothered by the bureaucracy in the Church, the language that we use as clerics and the things that we have almost accepted as part of the deal – she didn’t have that. It didn’t suit us of course.
Francisco Alvarez Is Here, Now It's Time To Be Patient
Mets Twitter and those on other social media outlets are a very vocal. And one thing is for certain, the fans on these outlets are very high on the club’s top-rated prospects. If it was up to them, Brett Baty would be starting at third base. Mark Vientos would be the right-handed DH. And of course, top rated prospect Francisco Alvarez would be starting behind the plate every day and remind everyone of the days of Mike Piazza or Gary Carter.
Asian stocks follow Wall St lower amid inflationary pressure – The Denver Post
Kyle Pugh remembers the play that would become just the first leg of an odyssey of repeated heartbreaks, only he didn’t know it at the time. The Northern Illinois linebacker was trying to tackle then-San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny in the fourth quarter of a road game on Sept. 30, 2017, when he tore his left biceps. “Yeah, that Rashaad Penny,” Pugh told the Tribune. “Just shot an open gap and went for a routine tackle.
Horror Movies Coming to HBO Max in September 2022
It’s September, which means that we are that much closer to Halloween! Thankfully, HBO Max, no matter the time of year, is always ready to serve up some scares. This month, the disturbingly inventive Sundance Film Festival selection We’re All Going to the World’s Fair hits the streaming platform. If you want to travel quite a few decades into the past, be sure to check out 1942’s Cat People and 1958’s Frankenstein 1970.
“First Game is Always Big”
Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey addressed the media after practice on Tuesday. Topics included: Josh Allen, the versatility in the running backs, roster spots, James Cook, Reggie Gilliam, OJ Howard, Khalil Shakir, trusting Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott, game day location and his passion for the game. He continues to discuss the outcome of last week’s game and how to get the team back into a rhythm to perform offensively. Mention Sources Can Request us to Edit This Article
Ducey to focus on semiconductors in Taiwan visit
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The Mets Retiring No. 24 Proves The Wilpon Era Is Finally Over
Much like the rest of you, I was floored on Saturday when the Mets held their Old Timer’s Day. Not only did the Mets do it perfect and it was a lot of fun, the organization surprised everyone when they retired No. 24 for Willie Mays, fulfilling a promise owner Joan Payson gave to the Say Hey Kid almost 50 years ago. And this was a promise the Mets were never good at upholding over the years.
Former BYU Player Makes Bold Prediction For Cougar Defense In 2022
PROVO, Utah – Many question marks surrounding BYU football in 2022 appear to be on the defensive side. After a season that saw BYU finish 74th in total defense last season and 102nd in third down conversion rate, the questions are fair. The good news for BYU football is that they have nearly everyone from last year’s two-deep on defense returning.
Now That No. 17 Is Retired, The Mets Should Retire Gary Carter's No. 8 Next
Another sign that the Steve Cohen era has the Mets turning the corner was the professional celebration of Keith Hernandez on Saturday. Sure the Mets have done nice ceremonies in the past, but this had a different feel. It was something you would expect in the Bronx from the Yankees, who in all honesty have plenty of experience with number retirements. Or from the New York Rangers, who seem to do it the best. But this was in Flushing and the Mets did it right.
With next deal in sight, timing is everything in Seven’s latest crack at cricket
Loading Next year it will negotiate a fresh collective agreement with the Australian Cricketers Association, in which centrally contracted players are expected to be formally required to play in the BBL for the first time since the competition’s 2011 inception. All this is to say that the Australian summer of cricket does need a lot of work to find its optimum configuration, with Test cricket and the BBL tournament as clear priorities for coming years and the next rights cycle.
Mets To Honor Johan Santana's No Hitter
AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek Continuing with the “Honoring the Past” theme the Mets have followed under Steve Cohen regime, the club announced today they will be having a pre-game ceremony honoring the 10th anniversary Johan Santana’s no hitter on May 31st. “I still remember how I felt that night,” said Santana, who gutted through 134 pitches. “I knew how much it meant to New York Mets fans. I was very proud to be a part of the first no-hitter and I can’t wait to celebrate with the fans on May 31.
Missing Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai reappears in Beijing after Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams raised concerns ahead of Olympics
The post by the China Open on the Weibo social media service made no mention of Peng's disappearance or her accusation. The three-time Olympian and former Wimbledon champion was shown standing beside a court, waving and signing oversize commemorative tennis balls for children.
Missing Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai reappears in Beijing after Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams raised concerns ahead of Olympics
The post by the China Open on the Weibo social media service made no mention of Peng's disappearance or her accusation. The three-time Olympian and former Wimbledon champion was shown standing beside a court, waving and signing oversize commemorative tennis balls for children.
Missing Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai reappears in Beijing after Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams raised concerns ahead of Olympics
The post by the China Open on the Weibo social media service made no mention of Peng's disappearance or her accusation. The three-time Olympian and former Wimbledon champion was shown standing beside a court, waving and signing oversize commemorative tennis balls for children.
Missing Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai reappears in Beijing after Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams raised concerns ahead of Olympics
The post by the China Open on the Weibo social media service made no mention of Peng's disappearance or her accusation. The three-time Olympian and former Wimbledon champion was shown standing beside a court, waving and signing oversize commemorative tennis balls for children.
Missing Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai reappears in Beijing after Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams raise concerns ahead of Olympics
The post by the China Open on the Weibo social media service made no mention of Peng's disappearance or her accusation. The three-time Olympian and former Wimbledon champion was shown standing beside a court, waving and signing oversize commemorative tennis balls for children.
Mets Need To Get Billy Beane At All Costs
Larry Goren/Icon Sportswire To no one surprise, the Mets declined Luis Rojas’s option yesterday, making the Mets a team in search of a manager. However, don’t expect that search to begin anytime soon, because Steve Cohen and Sandy Alderson will have to fill several other front office jobs, including – and especially – the President of Baseball Operations (PBO).
This Week Should Be The Last Of The Luis Rojas Era
David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire Sandy Alderson is someone who picks his words carefully and although he seemed more free and open answering to Steve Cohen, rather than Jeff Wilpon. But Alderson is still careful with what he says and today with his end of the season presser, especially when it came to manger Luis Rojas.
As The Mets Count Down The Days, The Mets Face A Crucial Off-Season
Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire Another day and another one run loss. Tonight was 4-3 to the Phillies. Thanks to old friend Zack Wheeler. It’s the Brodie gift that keeps on giving. Someone should tell these Mets, the season didn’t end on September 12th, because it sure looks like they are just playing out the schedule. And maybe, after everything that happened, the Mets want this season to end, because Year 1 in the Steve Cohen Era, sure was pretty rocky.
The Mets Were At Their Best After 9/11
Chuck Solomon/Icon Sportswire The day started out nice. In fact it was a great day to walk my new puppy. As many dog owners know, once a puppy gets its shots you need to walk it until it does its business outside. Some days it took five minutes and sometimes it took considerably longer. On September 11, 2011, it took my new dog, Isabella, 45 minutes to… well, you know, and by the time I got back to my apartment in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, the World Trade Center was already on fire.
The Thumb's Down Crisis Highlights The Mets Biggest Problem
Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire Just another few days in Flushing. And it makes you wonder why it always happens to the Mets? No matter what this organization shoots itself in the foot. Fortunately, the currently crisis seems to be over after Javy Baez apologized for suggesting the Mets should give the fans the ‘Thumbs Down” to combat the booing from their poor play. “I didn’t mean to offend anybody,” he said before the Mets comeback 6-5 win over the Miami Marlins.
A Great Sweep, But Now The Varsity Comes To Town
Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire First the good news Met fans. The depleted Nationals will be back in two weeks for three more against the Amazin’s. And now the bad. To get there, the Mets will have to play the Dodgers and Giants over the next 13 games. Oh sure, wins are wins and even though the Nats really only have Juan Soto and a bunch of Triple-A players on it, the Mets need to feel good about this sweep.
Red Sox ace Chris Sale's progress continues at Polar Park
WORCESTER — After a brief session of long toss Wednesday at Polar Park, Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale walked off the field and gave the trainer the thumbs up. The left-hander was all smiles, and he understands he’s getting closer to his ultimate goal of returning to the Red Sox rotation. He underwent Tommy John surgery 14 months ago, and the last time he pitched in a game was Aug. 13, 2019. “It feels good,” he said after playing long toss with WooSox pitching coach Paul Abbott.
Tuukka Rask deserves his due as one of the all-time greats in Bruins history
BOSTON — Tuukka Rask doesn’t deserve to be criticized. The veteran goalie for the Boston Bruins deserves to hoist the Stanley Cup. The Bruins fell short again this season and it didn’t help that Rask played nearly the entire 2021 season with a torn labrum in his hip. The 34-year-old netminder will have surgery to repair the damage as a result of 14 seasons as one of the top players at his position in the NHL.
Tuukka Rask deserves his due as one of the all-time greats in Bruins history
BOSTON — Tuukka Rask doesn’t deserve to be criticized. The veteran goalie for the Boston Bruins deserves to hoist the Stanley Cup. The Bruins fell short again this season and it didn’t help that Rask played nearly the entire 2021 season with a torn labrum in his hip. The 34-year-old netminder will have surgery to repair the damage as a result of 14 seasons as one of the top players at his position in the NHL.
Manny Familia’s son throws 1st pitch, writes dad's badge number into mound at Polar Park
WORCESTER — Jovan Familia stood on the mound at Polar Park and delivered a perfect strike. His mother, Jennifer, and sister, Jayla, along with extended family and members of the Worcester Police Department stood behind him. In the background, just over the batter’s eye in center field, the steeple of St. John Church on Temple Street, where his father’s funeral will be held Thursday, was visible.
Patrice Bergeron's underrated physical play can tilt the ice for Bruins against Islanders
BOSTON — Just about every aspect of Patrice Bergeron’s game and career has been written, talked about and dissected. Anyone would be hard pressed to find any flaws in his entire makeup both on and off the ice. If there’s one aspect of his game that is underappreciated, or underrated is his ability to play the physical game. His ability to regain possession is one of his strengths, and yes, that comes with being strong on the puck.
Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, Stanley Cup playoffs, Tuukka Rask, Bruce Cassidy
BOSTON — Let’s start with this point: There is no goalie debate. Tuukka Rask has not played his last game with the Bruins. No 40 should, and will, start Game 6 against the New York Islanders Wednesday at Nassau Coliseum Yes, Jeremy Swayman is the future between the pipes for the Bruins, but Rask is the No. 1 and Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy should not make a change in an attempt to stave off elimination from the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs. Barring a massive injury, Rask will get the nod.
Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, Stanley Cup playoffs, Tuukka Rask, Bruce Cassidy
BOSTON — Let’s start with this point: There is no goalie debate. Tuukka Rask has not played his last game with the Bruins. No 40 should, and will, start Game 6 against the New York Islanders Wednesday at Nassau Coliseum Yes, Jeremy Swayman is the future between the pipes for the Bruins, but Rask is the No. 1 and Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy should not make a change in an attempt to stave off elimination from the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs. Barring a massive injury, Rask will get the nod.
Patrice Bergeron's underrated physical play can tilt the ice for Bruins against Islanders
BOSTON — Just about every aspect of Patrice Bergeron’s game and career has been written, talked about and dissected. Anyone would be hard pressed to find any flaws in his entire makeup both on and off the ice. If there’s one aspect of his game that is underappreciated, or underrated is his ability to play the physical game. His ability to regain possession is one of his strengths, and yes, that comes with being strong on the puck.
Honoring 267: Fallen officer's son throws 1st pitch, writes dad's badge number into mound at Polar Park
WORCESTER — Jovan Familia stood on the mound at Polar Park and delivered a perfect strike. His mother, Jennifer, and sister, Jayla, along with extended family and members of the Worcester Police Department stood behind him. In the background, just over the batter’s eye in center field, the steeple of St. John Church on Temple Street, where his father’s funeral will be held Thursday, was visible.
Picked over Papi: Rochester manager Matt LeCroy looks back on Twins history with David Ortiz
WORCESTER — When the Boston Red Sox earned a playoff berth during the 2000s Matt LeCroy made sure his blinds were closed. The current manager of the Rochester Red Wings, and former big leaguer for the Minnesota Twins, didn’t want his neighbors knowing he was rooting for the Red Sox. Actually, he was fist pumping every time David Ortiz stepped to the plate.
If Tuukka Rask needs rest, Bruins confident Jeremy Swayman can do job in net against Islanders
BOSTON — If the Bruins win Game 3 and take a 2-1 series lead over the New York Islanders in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, there's a very possible scenario for rookie goalie Jeremy Swayman to start for Boston in Game 4. Here’s why: Even if Bruins veteran starter Tuukka Rask stands on his head in Game 3, he's been dealing with a season-long nagging injury and that was evident in Game 2 of this series.
5 things to know from the WooSox' 3-1 win over Rochester on Thursday night
WORCESTER — The WooSox and Red Wings players must be hockey fans. On a night when the Boston Bruins were facing the New York Islanders in Game 3 of their second-round Stanley Cup playoff series, the WooSox finished with a 3-1 win in a brisk 2 hours, 16 minutes, which is the quickest game of Worcester’s inaugural season. WooSox starter Raynel Espinal earned his fourth win of the season. The right-hander was dialed in and worked seven scoreless innings and allowed only two hits.
Former Red Sox star Blake Swihart relishes reception by Worcester fans
WORCESTER — Blake Swihart received one of the loudest ovations Tuesday night at Polar Park. Yes, even though he now plays for the Rochester Red Wings (Washington Nationals), Boston fans remember and appreciate his contributions as a member of the Red Sox organization for eight seasons. The former catching prospect for the Red Sox, played right field for the Red Wings Tuesday night and stood in front of the Worcester Wall where local fans could look down and either cheer or jeer Swihart.
Worcester Red Sox play to first full capacity crowd at Polar park
WORCESTER — Now this is how baseball in the Canal District is supposed to feel like. The Worcester Red Sox welcomed full capacity Tuesday for the first time at Polar Park since the COVID-19 global pandemic arrived in March 2020. WooSox players, staff and coaches are thrilled for an opportunity to entertain the fans for the remainder of the inaugural 2021 season. “A game changer. All the guys are talking about it,” WooSox pitching coach Paul Abbott said about 100% capacity.
Worcester Red Sox, Rochester Red Wings, Polar Park, Kyle Hart, Marcus Wilson, Josh Ockimey, Chris Hermann
WORCESTER — It was a beautiful night for baseball at Polar Park. Unfortunately for the Worcester Red Sox, they had their four-game winning streak snapped in a 6-4 loss to the Rochester Red Wings to begin this homestand. However, it was also the first time a full-capacity crowd was allowed post-pandemic at Polar Park and 6,422 were in attendance. It felt normal at the ballpark.
Polar Park goes to 100% capacity Tuesday, masks not required for those fully vaccinated
WORCESTER — While most enjoyed and observed Memorial Day, the Worcester Red Sox were hard at work, preparing for 100% capacity Tuesday at Polar Park. Social distancing measures were removed and the ballpark was shined once more to welcome fans as the WooSox host the Rochester Red Wings in a six-game series. “This is really the beginning of the full-go season,” said WooSox Executive Vice President and General Manager Dan Rea.
In Debt to a Vet Worcester Boston Red Sox honor veterans Polar Park
WORCESTER — It was 76 years ago when Perry Sacco was in the midst of the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. He was 22 and served as an Army T-5 Two Stripe Corporal technician. The lifelong Worcester native, now 98, recently stood on the field at Polar Park. It was a bright, sunny day May 11, and while more than a few thousands fans were in attendance for the first-ever Worcester Red Sox game, it was Sacco who received the loudest ovation for his service. “Oh, my God. I was walking on air.
5 things to know about the WooSox' 4-0 win over Buffalo Sunday to finish homestand
WORCESTER — WooSox manager Billy McMillon has continually said he can’t wait for the team to complete all the “firsts” during its inaugural season. Well, he no longer needs to be concerned with the outside noise as the WooSox completed their first homestand in franchise history with a 4-0 victory over the Buffalo Bisons Sunday at Polar Park. After all the pomp and circumstance, the team posted a 9-3 record during its 12-game stint at home. “It was fun,” said WooSox catcher Jett Bandy.
5 things to know about the WooSox' 7-4 victory over Buffalo on Saturday
WORCESTER — Jarren Duran makes it look easy. Obviously it’s not, but Polar Park can’t contain his powerful swing. The Red Sox prospect went 5 for 5, including a pair of home runs, a single, double, three RBIs and three runs. The left-handed hitter crushed solo homers of 480 and 475 feet, both well struck over the Worcester Wall in right field to help the WooSox to a 7-4 win over the Buffalo Bisons Saturday. It was Duran’s fifth multi-hit game of the season.
5 things to know about the WooSox' 4-1 win over Buffalo on Thursday night
WORCESTER — Danny Santana is on his way to Boston. After a five-game stint with the Worcester Red Sox, the 30-year-old utility man will join the Red Sox Friday in Philadelphia. The Red Sox signed Santana to a minor-league deal in March, but he suffered an infection in his foot, needed surgery and missed all of spring training. Since arriving in Worcester May 11, he has shown no ill effects. In five games for the WooSox, he hit .450 with 9 hits, 2 doubles, 2 homers, 4 RBIs, 3 walks and 4 strikeouts.
When Ted Williams spoke, WooSox hitting coach Rich Gedman listened red sox worcester
WORCESTER — Imagine being within earshot of Ted Williams when he would stand around the batting cage and talk about hitting. Listening to the stories, lessons, questions and answers from the greatest hitter of all-time must have been incredible for players. Rich Gedman was one of them. During his major league career with the Boston Red Sox, Gedman would be a sponge of information anytime Williams was around during spring training, or the regular season.
5 things to know about WooSox' 9-4 victory over Buffalo Tuesday night
WORCESTER — The Worcester Red Sox continue to pulverize Polar Park with powerful performances at the plate. The WooSox clubbed four Canal District dingers en route to a 9-4 victory over the Buffalo Bisons Tuesday night. Worcester has hit a total of 16 homers in seven games in the team’s inaugural season at Polar Park. The WooSox’ Jarren Duran, Michael Gettys, Danny Santana and Jonathan Arauz did the damage. It was Duran’s fifth homer of the season.
Eyes of Boston are focused on Worcester Red Sox closer Kaleb Ort
WORCESTER — Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora couldn’t wait to call New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and say “thank you.” Why? Kaleb Ort. The Red Sox acquired the former Yankees farmhand via the Triple-A phase of the 2020 Rule 5 Draft. After not playing during the 2020 season due to COVID-19, and no invite to the Yankees alternate site, the Red Sox took advantage of the opportunity on the 29-year-old right-hander. “He’s a guy who got my attention during spring training,” Cora said.
Dustin Pedroia, Will Middlebrooks offer advice for current WooSox players
WORCESTER — Developing a player in the minor leagues can be like quicksand if the athlete is not 100 percent committed to the process. It’s a very involved process to become a major-league baseball player. It doesn’t matter if a player is considered an elite prospect, or late-round pick who needs to grind his way through the system to maybe one day realize the ultimate dream of playing in the big leagues.
5 things to know about the WooSox' 7-4 victory Sunday over Syracuse
WORCESTER — There’s no doubt Kiké Hernandez is healthy and ready to return to Boston. In his second rehab game with the Worcester Red Sox, the Red Sox infielder/outfielder played seven innings Sunday and started in center field. At the plate, he went 2 for 4, including the franchise’s first-ever grand slam when he crushed the first offering from Mets starter Jesus Reyes and deposited it well beyond the left-center wall. The ball landed 457 feet from home plate. Hernandez wasn’t done.
Dustin Pedroia, Will Middlebrooks offer advice for current WooSox players
WORCESTER — Developing in minor league baseball can be like quicksand if a player is not 100 percent committed to the process. It’s very involved to become a professional baseball player. It doesn’t matter if a player is considered an elite prospect, or late-round pick who needs to grind his way through the system to maybe one day realize the ultimate dream of playing in the big leagues.
Veteran catcher Jett Bandy keeps things fun for WooSox
WORCESTER — Besides baseball, Jett Bandy’s favorite pastime is driving his personally restored 1969 Chevelle and doing doughnuts in empty parking lots. “I love cars. I’m a car enthusiast,” said the Worcester Red Sox catcher. “Every time I take it out I let it get to temperature, find an empty parking lot and do some figure-8s, for sure. It’s great.” Bandy and his father, John, spent two years restoring the car he purchased for $3,000.
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