Author Archives: djstevem

Time For Me To Fly

About 30 years ago REO Speedwagon had a song called “Time for Me to Fly” and it appears that my time to fly has come. As I explained to Ian with my work schedule expected to get busier as the football season progresses I just do not see myself having enough time to commit to write the New England Patriots game previews that I have written for SOX & Dawgs since the 2007 season.

Over the years the previews have become more in depth and therefore more time consuming. I have truly enjoyed researching and writing them for you to read each week. In the time I have written them the team has gone to three Super Bowls and five AFC Championship games and has continually established themselves as a force each and every season in the NFL.

This also goes for the MLB Preseason Preview I write each year. This takes hours, days, weeks and even months of work. Some days or weeks are more time consuming then others and at this time I do not plan on continuing with that annual post as well.

While I will no longer be writing here on a regular basis I know that this forum is always open to me to express my opinion on anything sports related. Over the years I have written mainly on the Patriots and the NFL but have also contributed on the Red Sox and Celtics, UConn athletics and hockey related points.

Over the years, I also have created the Carl Everett Crazy Hall of Fame. While the Hall has been dormant the last few years as far as new inductees I do have a list, have some stuff written and do plan at some point in bringing you another installment of that silliness.

Thank you for reading,

Steve

2015 Red Sox/WEEI Radio Network

2015 Red Sox Radio Network

The Shaw’s Star Market WEEI Red Sox Radio Network looks much the same as it has for the last few seasons as Dave O’Brien and Joe Castiglione return for their 9th season together in the booth as the primary announcers for Boston Red Sox baseball.  All the games will be broadcast from the team’s flagship station WEEI-FM 93.7 in Boston to its network affiliates through out New England, New York, New Mexico and Wyoming.  As well as having all the home games carried along the XM Satellite Radio network. You can also listen to Dave and Joe via MLB AtBat app on your smartphone or tablet.

O’Brien, a New Hampshire native who enters his 9th season in WEEI booth, is probably the most familiar amongst the Red Sox radio crew for the non-Red Sox or non-baseball fan in the crowd due to his heavy schedule with ESPN.  In addition to his duties as the Red Sox lead announcer, Obie does the Monday night games for ESPN with Rick Sutcliffe and Aaron Boone.  Prior to joining the Red Sox, O’Brien was the play-by-play announcer for the Florida Marlins radio network from 1993 to 2001 until he left to go to ESPN. While at the World Wide Leader he has called in addition to baseball, World Cup Soccer, college basketball, NBA, MLS and the women’s college basketball Final Four.  He has also called games for the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons and the University of Georgia.

Castiglione, a Hamden CT native, joined to Red Sox broadcasts in 1983 and has worked with such luminaries as Bob Starr, Ken Coleman and Jerry Trupiano in his 33 seasons.  Castiglione, who grew up a Yankees fan, has become well known in Red Sox lore for his call of the final out of the 2004 World Series, which ended the team’s 86 year drought without a championship.  When he is not in the radio booth you can usually find Joe teaching sports broadcasting at Northeastern University.  He has also called games for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers in his career.

Mike Mutnansky is entering his 2nd season hosting the Red Sox pre-game and post-game shows on the Red Sox Radio Network since taking over for John Ryder early last season. Mut will also handle “”Sox Talk”  the call in show that airs during rain delays in the game. When not involved with Red Sox baseball, he also part of the Planet Mikey Show and has his own show from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Over the air the Red Sox Radio Network has nearly 60 stations in 9 states.

Here is a list of all the affiliates for the WEEI Red Sox Radio Network in 2015:

State/Station Frequency City
Connecticut
WTIC AM 1080 Hartford
WILI AM 1400 Willimantic
WGCH AM 1490 Greenwich
WINY AM 1350 Putnam
WLAD AM 820 Danbury
Massachusetts
WEEI FM 93.7 Boston
WVEI AM 1440 Worcester
WWEI FM 105.5 Springfield
WEII FM 96.3 Cape Cod
WSAR AM 1480 Fall River
WBEC AM 1420 Pittsfield
WBSM AM 1420 New Bedford
WMRC AM 1490 Milford
WBOQ FM 104.9 Beverly
WPKZ AM 1280 Fitchburg
WNAW AM 1230 North Adams
WCRN AM 830 Worcester
WSBS AM 860 Great Barrington
Rhode Island
WVEI FM 103.7 Providence
New Hampshire
WZEI FM 101.5 Concord
WEEY FM 93.5 Keene
WQSO FM 97.7 Rochester
WTSL AM 1400 Hanover
WTPL FM 107.7 Hillsboro
WNTK FM 97.7 New London
WCFR AM 1480 New London
WGAM AM 1250 Manchester
WGHM AM 900 Nashua
WFTN AM 1240 Franklin
WPHN AM 1300 Plymouth
WFYK 96.3 FM Walpole
WNCL AM 1010 Newport
WLTN AM 1400 Littleton
WMOU AM 1230 Berlin
Maine
WPEI FM 95.9 Portland/Saco
WZON AM 620 Bangor
WJJB FM 96.3 Portland
WDEA AM 1370 Ellsworth
WHOO FM 100.1 Houlton
WZLO FM 103.1 Dover/Foxcroft
WQDY FM 92.7 Calais
WSYY AM 1240 Millinocket
WEGP AM 1390 Presque Isle
WKTJ FM 99.3 Farmington
WALZ FM 95.3 Machias
WLOB AM 1310 Portland
WYBA FM 105.5 Rockland
Vermont
WWOD FM 93.9 Woodstock
WCVP FM 101.3 Burlington
WSTJ AM 1340 St. Johnsbury
WYSB AM 1380 Rutland
WIKE AM 1490 Newport
WCVR AM 1320 Randolph
WDEV FM 96.1 Waterbury
WDEV AM 550 Waterbury
WLVI FM 93.9 Morrisville
New York
WOFX AM 980 Albany
WCKL AM 560 Hudson
WRSB AM 1310 Canandaigua
WSAB AM 1590 Brockport
WKAJ AM 1120 Saint Johnsville
Wyoming
KSGT FM 93.3 Jackson
KSGT AM 1340 Jackson

Red Sox Baseball on NESN in 2015

The Boston Red Sox return to NESN as their lone local television outlet for the tenth consecutive season and as a broadcaster of televised Red Sox baseball in New England for the 31st year in a row in 2015.  And like they have since 2001, Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy will bring you all the Red Sox action on the regular season schedule.

NESNRed Sox baseball on NESN actually starts with a two half hour pregame shows Red Sox 1st Pitch airs 60 minutes prior to the game and Red Sox Game Day Live airs 30 minutes prior to the game.  Both are hosted by Tom Caron with a crew of rotating analysts that include Hall of Fame writer Peter Gammons, Hall of Fame players Jim Rice and Dennis Eckersley and former players Tim Wakefield and Steve Lyons.  It also includes segments with Boston Globe writers and Red Sox game analyst Jerry Remy.  The broadcasts conclude with a pair of post game shows “Extra Innings Live” and “Red Sox Final” also hosted by the same cast of characters.

On Monday’s, the pregame show will be 90 minutes as well as Friday home games.

Don Orsillo, a New England native, is entering his 14th season as the play by play voice of the Boston Red Sox on NESN.  “Announcer Boy” is a graduate of Northeastern University where he studied under Red Sox radio announcer Joe Castiglione.  Before he came to NESN, Orsillo was the play by play voice of the Springfield Falcons hockey team, the Pittsfield Mets and Pawtucket Red Sox.  The two-time New England EMMY winner called a no-hitter for Hideo Nomo in his first game covering the Red Sox.  In addition to his Red Sox duties he has called men’s college basketball and the Beanpot Hockey tournament for NESN.  He has also called Big East basketball games for the Big East Network and worked for TBS during the MLB postseason calling one of the division series every year between 2007-13.

Jerry Remy, the “Rem Dawg”, is entering his 27th season as the color analyst on Red Sox baseball. As a player with the California Angels and Boston Red Sox Remy spent 10 seasons in the major leagues but saw his career end due to bad knees.  A Fall River native, he is also the first President of Red Sox Nation and owns three restaurants.  In addition he also has a successful website, the Remy Report, and is the author of “Watching Baseball” and five children’s books based on Wally the Green Monster.  He is a member of the Red Sox Hall of Fame having been inducted in 2006.  He has won 4 EMMY Awards for his work on NESN as a Red Sox color analyst.

Gary Striewski returns for his second season as the Red Sox field reporter. Striewski was a change last season as NESN moved from a female in this slot back to male for the first time since Eric Frede (NESN) and Dan Roche (WSBK) handled the duties in 2005. Before coming to NESN in July 2013 he previously worked for KPRC in Houston TX and KGWN in Cheyenne WY.

Tom Caron, a Maine native, is the Red Sox studio host for the pregame and post game festivities through the year with many of the pregame shows coming from outside Fenway Park amongst the sea of Sox fans.  Caron who has been at NESN since 1995, has also hosted the Boston Bruins studio show, been the Red Sox field reporter and has done play by play for the Pawtucket Red Sox games on NESN as well as college basketball and college hockey. “TC” is a three-time New England EMMY winner and is also a frequent guest on sports talker, WEEI the Red Sox flagship station.

Peter Gammons is a Boston Sports Icon having started his career at the Boston Globe in 1969 covering Boston sports. He has also written columns for the Sporting News, been lead baseball columnist for Sports Illustrated and has been a baseball analyst for ESPN, the MLB Network and NESN.  Peter has also written several books, is a three-time National Sportswriter of the Year and in 2004 was selected as the 56th recipient of the J. G. Taylor Spink Award for outstanding baseball writing, given by the BBWAA, and was honored at the Baseball Hall of Fame during induction ceremonies on July 31, 2005.

Dennis Eckersley is a NESN studio analyst since 2002.  The Hall of Fame closer is only one of two players to have a 20-win and 50-save season in MLB history.  Eck played for the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Oakland A’s and St. Louis Cardinals in a 24-year career. Eckersley also won the 1992 AL Cy Young Award and 1992 AL MVP Award becoming only the 8th player to win both awards in the same season.  In addition to his NESN work, Eck works as a studio/game analyst with TBS during the regular and post seasons.  He also was given his own dictionary by the Bleacher Report blog because of his own very colorful baseball vernacular, called The Eck-tionary.

Jim Rice is a NESN studio analyst since 2003 and a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame after playing his entire career in Boston with the Red Sox from 1974 to 1989.  The 1978 AL MVP in his career hit for a .298 average with 382 HR, 1451 RBI and 2452 hits. His #14 is retired by the Red Sox and sits on the right field facade at Fenway Park. Jim Ed is also heavily involved in community service with the Jimmy Fund and MLB’s RBI program.

Tim Wakefield will return as a NESN studio analyst for his fourth season. Wakefield retired at the end of the 2011 after a 19-year MLB career, spending 17 years as a popular member of the Red Sox (1995-2012). He ended his career with 200 wins, 186 of them with the Red Sox, which ranks third behind only Cy Young and Roger Clemens on the Red Sox all-time career win list. He was the American League Comeback Player of the Year in 1995, an All-Star in 2009, and a two time World Series Champion.

He was also a champion off the field as one of the most charitable players in the league. He was nominated eight times for the Roberto Clemente Award, and honored as the 2010 recipient of this prestigious award. His partnership with the Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston allowed him to spend time with patients. He has also been active with New England’s Pitching in for Kids organization, the Touch ‘Em All Foundation and the Space Coast Early Intervention Center in Melbourne, Fla.

Steve Lyons starts his second season at NESN after working for FOX Sports doing the national MLB coverage for 10 seasons before being left go in 2006. He also worked as an analyst for the Arizona Diamondback (2003-04) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2005-13). Prior to broadcasting, Lyons was a MLB player for 9 seasons with the Red Sox, White Sox, Braves, Expos and Cubs.

On a side note to the broadcasts the Red Sox will be featured this season as they have in the past on FOX Saturday Baseball and ESPN on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday evenings and now at times on FOX Sports One.

Some of these broadcasts will be blacked out regionally to protect the local broadcast rights or NESN and the Red Sox opponent. Other times, namely the Saturday FOX games and Sunday ESPN games, are national exclusives and not available to NESN to be broadcast.

In regard to the FOX Saturday games these games while exclusively available for national broadcast, are regionalized by FOX Sports usually in a group of three games. In the past, depending on where in the country you lived you may not have been able to see the game because FOX had chosen to show a more regional match up. Now these other regionalized FOX Saturday games will be made available to subscribers of the MLB Extra Innings package or through MLB.TV.

Gigantic Sox and Dawgs 2015 MLB Preview – Day 5 – NL East

Welcome to the Gigantic Sox and Dawgs 2015 MLB preview. Over the next few days you will get a team by team look at its key players, new faces, their potential MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year candidates, their possible starting lineup and rotation as well as a quick summary.

SOX & Dawgs 2015 MLB Preview - NL EastWe will also select a MVP candidate and Cy Young candidate for each team no matter what their predicted team outcome is.

And once again this year is some home stadium information along with dates the teams will play against the Boston Red Sox. The red shaded games are at Fenway; the blue shaded games are road games.

I hope you enjoy this look at the upcoming season.

Yesterday we looked at the AL Central, Sunday was the NL West, Monday was the AL West, Tuesday we previewed the NL Central and today it’s the NL East.

To continue reading, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.

National League East

This division is Washington’s to lose, the Nationals are head and shoulders better than any of the other four teams and could win 100 games. Look for significant improvement by the Marlins and the Mets as they battle for second place, while the Braves end up fourth and the Phillies could lose 100 games.

  1. Washington – Manager Matt Williams (2nd year)

Matt Williams is looking to go 2 for 2 on division titles as a manager and he should do it with ease. Dominant pitching with free agent signee Max Scherzer, Jordan Zimmermann, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and Doug Fister, a very solid and balanced lineup and good bullpen despite trading away Tyler Clippard to Oakland.

CF Denard Span (abdomen) and LF Jayson Werth (shoulder) are expected to start the season on the DL, OF Nate McLouth is questionable for the start of the season and RP Erik Davis is expected to miss most of the season.

Projected Record: 99-63

Home Field: Nationals Park; Playing Surface: natural grass; Opened: 2008; Capacity: 41,418

2014 Attendance: 2,579,389 (7th in NL)

Key Players: RF Bryce Harper; LF Jayson Werth; 3B Anthony Rendon; SP Jordan Zimmermann; SP Max Scherzer

MVP Candidate: RF Bryce Harper

Cy Young Candidate: SP Max Scherzer

ROY Candidate: CF Brian Goodwin

Key Additions: SP Max Scherzer; RP Heath Bell; 2B/SS Yunel Escobar; RP Casey Janssen

Possible lineup:

  1. Span CF
  2. Rendon 3B
  3. Werth LF
  4. Harper RF
  5. Zimmerman 1B
  6. Desmond SS
  7. Ramos C
  8. Escobar 2B

Adjusted lineup:

  1. Escobar 2B
  2. Rendon 3B
  3. Harper RF
  4. Zimmerman 1B
  5. Desmond SS
  6. Frandsen LF
  7. Ramos C
  8. Taylor CF

Possible rotation:

  1. Scherzer
  2. Zimmermann
  3. Strasburg
  4. Gonzalez
  5. Fister

Games against Red Sox in 2015: April 13-15

  1. Miami – Manager Mike Redmond (3rd year)

The Marlins are getting better and there will be improvement on the 77 wins of last season. They made some great acquisitions in the off season getting Dee Gordon, Martin Prado and Mat Latos and even if Dan Haren forces his way out of Miami they should be fine in the rotation with Jose Fernandez returning hopefully around the mid point. They also strengthened the bench with Ichiro Suzuki, Scott Sizemore and Reid Brignac.

SP Jose Fernandez is expected to miss 2 months of the season.

Projected Record: 86-76

Home Field: Marlins Park; Playing Surface: natural grass/retractable roof; Opened: 2012; Capacity: 36,742

2014 Attendance: 1,732,283 (15th in NL)

Key Players: 2B Dee Gordon; LF Christian Yelich; RF Giancarlo Stanton; SP Mat Latos; SP Henderson Alvarez

MVP Candidate: RF Giancarlo Stanton

Cy Young Candidate: SP Mat Latos

ROY Candidate: C J.T. Realmuto

Key Additions: 2B Dee Gordon; 1B Michael Morse; 3B Martin Prado; SP Mat Latos; SP Dan Haren; OF Ichiro Suzuki; RP Aaron Crow; RP David Phelps; 2B/3B Scott Sizemore; IF/OF Reid Brignac

Possible lineup:

  1. Gordon 2B
  2. Yelich LF
  3. Stanton RF
  4. Morse 1B
  5. Prado 3B
  6. Ozuna CF
  7. Saltalamacchia C
  8. Hechavarria SS

Possible rotation:

  1. Fernandez
  2. Latos
  3. Cosart
  4. Alvarez
  5. Haren

Adjusted rotation:

  1. Latos
  2. Cosart
  3. Alvarez
  4. Haren
  5. Koehler

Games against Red Sox in 2015: July 7-8; August 11-12

  1. New York – Manager: Terry Collins (5th year/ 11th overall)

Terry Collins has gone from hot seat to safe as the Mets are finally starting to see some upward movement in the team. Now is the time for them to strike too as both the Braves and Phillies, once division giants, are on the downside. Mets pitching should be strong it’s the lineup that will hold them back. I don’t think they did enough this off season as I still feel the need for improvement at catcher, short stop and first base for this team to truly challenge the Nationals.

RP Bobby Parnell is expected to miss a few months and SP Zack Wheeler tore his UCL and is expected to miss the season.

Projected Record: 81-81

Home Field: Citi Field; Playing Surface: natural grass; Opened: 2009; Capacity: 41,922

2014 Attendance: 2,148,808 (13th in NL)

Key Players: 3B David Wright; CF Juan Lagares; RF Michael Cuddyer; SP Matt Harvey; SP Jacob deGrom

MVP Candidate: 3B David Wright

Cy Young Candidate: SP Matt Harvey

ROY Candidate: SP Noah Syndergaard

Key Additions: RF Michael Cuddyer; RP Sean Gilmartin; 1B/OF John Mayberry Jr.

Possible lineup:

  1. Lagares CF
  2. Murphy 2B
  3. Wright 3B
  4. Duda 1B
  5. Cuddyer RF
  6. Granderson LF
  7. d’Arnaud C
  8. Flores SS

Possible rotation:

  1. Harvey
  2. Wheeler
  3. Colon
  4. deGrom
  5. Syndergaard

Adjusted rotation:

  1. Harvey
  2. Colon
  3. deGrom
  4. Neise
  5. Syndergaard

Games against Red Sox in 2015: August 28-30

  1. Atlanta – Manager Fredi Gonzalez (5th year/9th overall)

We could be looking at the worst Braves team in quite sometime and only the Phillies who are atrocious will keep them out of the basement. The off season additions haven’t been very significant other than getting SP Shelby Miller from the Cardinals in the Jason Heyward trade. They signed RF Nick Markakis to a 4 year contract and a week later he had neck surgery, they’ve brought in role guys OF Jonny Gomes and C A.J. Pierzynski and added arms to the bullpen but it’s more about what they lost or moved this winter. Heyward, C/OF Evan Gattis, OF Justin Upton, RP David Carpenter, RP Anthony Varvaro, RP Jordan Walden and 2B Tommy LaStella were all traded. IF Emilio Bonafacio, and SP’s Gavin Floyd, Kris Medlen, Earvin Santana and Aaron Harang were all lost to free agency and Mgr. Fredi Gonzalez could be gone by year’s end too. It won’t be pretty in Atlanta this summer.

CF Melvin Upton Jr (foot) will miss the first 4-6 weeks of the season and SP Mike Minor (shoulder) is questionable for the start of the season.

Projected Record: 71-91

Home Field: Turner Field; Playing Surface: natural grass; Opened: 1996; Capacity: 49,586

2014 Attendance: 2,354,305 (11th in NL)

Key Players: 1B Freddie Freeman; SS Andrelton Simmons; SP Julio Teheran; SP Mike Minor; RP Craig Kimbrel

MVP Candidate: 1B Freddie Freeman

Cy Young Candidate: RP Craig Kimbrel

ROY Candidate: 2B Jose Peraza

Key Additions: SP Shelby Miller; RF Nick Markakis; 2B Alberto Callaspo; OF Jonny Gomes; C A.J. Pierzynski; OF Zoilo Almonte; RP Jason Grilli; RP Jim Johnson; C Eli Whiteside; RP Josh Outman; SP Manny Banuelos; OF Dian Toscano; SP Mike Foltynewicz

Possible lineup:

  1. Markakis RF
  2. Callaspo 2B
  3. Freeman 1B
  4. C. Johnson 3B
  5. Simmons SS
  6. M. Upton Jr. CF
  7. J. Gomes LF
  8. Bethancourt C

Adjusted lineup:

  1. E. Young Jr. CF
  2. Callaspo 2B
  3. Freeman 1B
  4. C. Johnson 3B
  5. Markakis RF
  6. Simmons SS
  7. J. Gomes LF
  8. Bethancourt C

Possible rotation:

  1. Teheran
  2. Minor
  3. S. Miller
  4. A. Wood
  5. Foltynewicz

Adjusted rotation:

  1. Teheran
  2. S. Miller
  3. Wood
  4. Foltynewicz
  5. Banuelos

Games against Red Sox in 2015: June 15-16; June 17-18

  1. Philadelphia – Manager Ryne Sandberg (3rd year)

This team is a disaster and it starts with GM Ruben Amaro Jr. who has severely over valued his veteran players and has done the team and the fans a huge disservice. I felt Amaro should have been let go after last season but surprisingly the ownership kept him on and now they’re truly paying for that mistake. The only player he brought in that you could say has any significance is SP Aaron Harang and he isn’t the pitcher he was 5-6 years ago. They finally dealt off SS Jimmy Rollins but 2B Chase Utley refuses to waive his no-trade and 1B Ryan Howard’s contract as well as closer Jonathan Papelbon’s are albatrosses that Amaro refuses to eat part of in order to improve the team with younger players. His one true commodity is SP Cole Hamels and he has steadfastly refused to make a deal with the rumored 3,4 or 5 teams who are willing to take him on. The Bank will be an ugly place to watch a game in 2015 and something needs to happen to shake this team up.

SP Cliff Lee (elbow injury) is expected to miss at least two months of the season.

Projected Record: 63-99

Home Field: Citizens Bank Park; Playing Surface: natural grass; Opened: 2004; Capacity: 43,651

2014 Attendance: 2,423,852 (10th in NL)

Key Players: CF Ben Revere; C Carlos Ruiz; 2B Chase Utley; SP Cole Hamels; SS Freddy Galvis

MVP Candidate: CF Ben Revere

Cy Young Candidate: SP Cole Hamels

ROY Candidate: 1B Maikel Franco

Key Additions: IF/OF Odubel Herrera; RP Andy Oliver; IF/OF Chase d’Arnaud; OF Jeff Francouer; OF Xavier Paul; SP Kevin Slowey; SP Ben Lively; SP Aaron Harang; SP Chad Billingsley; OF Jordan (J.C.) Danks

Possible lineup:

  1. Revere CF
  2. Utley 2B
  3. Ruiz C
  4. Howard 1B
  5. D. Brown LF
  6. Sizemore RF
  7. Asche 3B
  8. Galvis SS

Possible rotation:

  1. Hamels
  2. Lee
  3. Harang
  4. Buchanan
  5. Slowey

Adjusted rotation:

  1. Hamels
  2. Harang
  3. Buchanan
  4. Slowey
  5. Williams

Games against Red Sox in 2015: April 6, 8-9; September 4-6

Tomorrow, in Day 6, we will preview the AL East.

Gigantic Sox and Dawgs 2015 MLB Preview – Day 4 – AL Central

Welcome to the Gigantic Sox and Dawgs 2015 MLB preview. Over the next few days you will get a team by team look at its key players, new faces, their potential MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year candidates, their possible starting lineup and rotation as well as a quick summary.

SOX & Dawgs 2015 MLB Preview - AL CentralWe will also select a MVP candidate and Cy Young candidate for each team no matter what their predicted team outcome is.

And once again this year is some home stadium information along with dates the teams will play against the Boston Red Sox. The red shaded games are at Fenway; the blue shaded games are road games.

I hope you enjoy this look at the upcoming season.

Yesterday we looked at the NL Central, Sunday was the NL West, Monday was the AL West and today it’s the AL Central.

American League Central

I have the AL Central shaking out the same way it actually finished in 2014 with it mostly being a two team race at the end between Kansas City and Detroit with Cleveland making a push and Chicago improving but still falling short of .500. Minnesota is slated to pick up the rear again despite having one of top ROY candidates in Byron Buxton.

  1. Detroit – Manager Brad Ausmus (2nd year)

The Tigers won the division for the fourth year in a row last season and they are my 2015 pick just barely edging out the Royals for the second year in a row. They were active in the offseason bringing in Yoenis Cespedes to replace Torii Hunter, and Alfredo Simon and Shane Greene to replace Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello. They should also get SS Jose Iglesias back after missing all of 2014 with shin splints. The everyday lineup is good but the back end of the rotation and the bullpen are question marks.

1B Miguel Cabrera and DH Victor Martinez may miss some time at the beginning of the season. RP Bruce Rondon may miss half the season.

Projected Record: 87-75

Home Field: Comerica Park; Playing Surface: natural grass Opened: 2000; Capacity: 41,255

2014 Attendance: 2,917,209 (4th in A.L.)

Key Players: 1B Miguel Cabrera; LF Yoenis Cespedes; SP David Price; DH Victor Martinez; 2B Ian Kinsler

MVP Candidate: 1B Miguel Cabrera

Cy Young Candidate: SP David Price

ROY Candidate: RF Steven Moya

Key Additions: CF Anthony Gose; LF Yoenis Cespedes; SP Alfredo Simon; SP Shane Greene; RP Alex Wilson; RP Tom Gorzelanny

Possible lineup:

  1. Kinsler 2B
  2. Gose CF
  3. Cabrera 1B
  4. Martinez DH
  5. Cespedes LF
  6. D. Martinez RF
  7. Avila C
  8. Castellanos 3B
  9. Iglesias SS

Adjusted lineup:

  1. Kinsler 2B
  2. Gose CF
  3. D. Martinez RF
  4. Cespedes LF
  5. Moya DH
  6. Avila C
  7. Castellanos 3B
  8. Romine 1B
  9. Iglesias SS

Possible rotation:

  1. Price
  2. Verlander
  3. Sanchez
  4. Simon
  5. Greene

Games against Red Sox in 2015: July 24-26; August 7-9

  1. Kansas City – Manager Ned Yost (6th year/12th overall)

Let this sink in, 2014 American League Champion Kansas City Royals. They had a really nice season to get to the wild card game and then a magical playoff run winning the wild card game and sweeping the ALDS and ALCS and then took the San Francisco Giants to a deciding seventh game in the World Series. It took 29 years to get back to the playoffs but it was worth it for Royals fans. The biggest loss they suffered in the offseason was SP James Shields signing with San Diego but they had prepared to let him go. Other than that a few pieces were changed Kendrys Morales replaces Billy Butler at DH and Alex Rios takes over for Nori Aoki in RF.

RP Kris Medlen and RP Luke Hochevar are questionable to start the season.

Projected Record: 86-76

Home Field: Kauffman Stadium; Playing Surface: natural grass; Opened: 1973; Capacity: 37,903

2014 Attendance: 1,956,482 (11th in A.L.)

Key Players: 1B Eric Hosmer; LF Alex Gordon; C Salvador Perez; CF Lorenzo Cain, SP Yordano Ventura

MVP Candidate: 1B Eric Hosmer

Cy Young Candidate: SP Yordano Ventura

ROY Candidate: RP Brandon Finnegan

Key Additions: DH Kendrys Morales; RF Alex Rios; OF Raymond Fuentes; SP Edison Volquez; RP Kris Medlen

Possible lineup:

  1. Escobar SS
  2. Gordon LF
  3. Cain CF
  4. Hosmer 1B
  5. Perez C
  6. Morales DH
  7. Rios RF
  8. Moustakas 3B
  9. Infante 2B

Possible Rotation:

  1. Ventura
  2. Vargas
  3. Guthrie
  4. Volquez
  5. Duffy

Games against Red Sox in 2015: June 19-21; Aug 20-23

  1. Cleveland – Manager Terry Francona (3rd year/15th overall)

The Indians are a difficult team to project.  Looking on paper they can contend in the Central and a lot obviously will depend on how well they play head to head against the Tigers and Royals. This team needs to add some more power to the lineup and a middle rotation guy to really keep pace.  If they are in it around deadline time look for them to make some moves to give Terry Francona some players to work with.

SP Gavin Floyd will miss significant time with an elbow injury.

Projected Record: 81-81

Home Field: Progressive Field; Playing Surface: natural grass; Opened: 1994; Capacity: 42,241

2014 Attendance: 1,437,393 (15th in A.L.)

Key Players: SP Corey Kluber; 1B Carlos Santana; CF Michael Bourn; 2B Jason Kipnis; SP Carlos Carrasco

MVP Candidate: 1B Carlos Santana

Cy Young Candidate: SP Corey Kluber

ROY Candidate: SS Francisco Lindor

Key Additions: RF Brandon Moss; SP Gavin Floyd

Possible lineup:

  1. Bourn CF
  2. Kipnis 2B
  3. Brantley LF
  4. C. Santana 1B
  5. Moss RF
  6. Y. Gomes C
  7. Swisher DH
  8. Chisenhall 3B
  9. Lindor SS

Possible rotation:

  1. Kluber
  2. C. Carrasco
  3. Bauer
  4. Floyd
  5. Salazar

Adjusted rotation:

  1. Kluber
  2. C. Carrasco
  3. Bauer
  4. Salazar
  5. McAllister

Games against Red Sox in 2015: August 17-19; October 2-4

  1. Chicago – Manager Robin Ventura (4th year)

The White Sox were one of the teams to make a lot of roster moves in the offseason and it will definitely help as they should be able to improve their record over last year. They strengthened the rotation by trading for SP Jeff Samardzija, the bullpen is better with closer David Robertson on the back end of the bullpen and now have Melky Cabrera and Adam LaRoche to lengthen the lineup. There’s still work to do but there will be improvement on the South Side.

SP Chris Sale (foot) is expected to miss the start of the season and RP Nate Jones (TJS) is expected to miss most of the season.

Projected Record: 79-83

Home Field: U.S. Cellular Field; Playing Surface: natural grass Opened: 1991; Capacity: 40,615

2014 Attendance: 1,650,821 (13th in A.L.)

Key Players: SP Chris Sale; CF Adam Eaton; 1B Jose Abreu; SP Jeff Samardzija; RP David Robertson

MVP Candidate: 1B Jose Abreu

Cy Young Candidate: SP Chris Sale

ROY Candidate: SP Erik Johnson; SP Carlos Rondon

Key Additions: LF Melky Cabrera; DH Adam LaRoche; C Rob Brantley; SP Jeff Samardzija; RP David Robertson; RP Zach Duke; SP Brad Penny; IF/OF Emilio Bonifacio; 2B/3B Gordon Beckham

Possible lineup:

  1. Eaton CF
  2. Cabrera LF
  3. Abreu 1B
  4. LaRoche DH
  5. Garcia RF
  6. Gillaspie 3B
  7. Ramirez SS
  8. Flowers C
  9. Bonafacio 2B

Possible rotation:

  1. Sale
  2. Samardzija
  3. Quintana
  4. W. Danks
  5. Noesi

Adjusted rotation:

  1. Samardzija
  2. Quintana
  3. W. Danks
  4. Noesi
  5. Johnson

Games against Red Sox in 2015: July 27-30; August 24-26

  1. Minnesota – Manager Paul Molitor (1st year)

It’s going to be another long season in the Twin Cities in 2015 despite having a new manager in HOF player Paul Molitor on the bench. The lineup is not very deep and if they were to lose 1B Joe Mauer, 2B Brian Dozier or rookie CF Byron Buxton to injury they could lose 100 games. The starting rotation isn’t bad and hopefully will keep them in games so they can compete at least.

Projected Record: 67-95

Home Field: Target Field; Playing Surface: natural grass; Opened: 2010; Capacity: 39,021

2014 Attendance: 2,250,606 (8th in A.L.)

Key Players: 1B Joe Mauer; 2B Brian Dozier; SP Phil Hughes; SP Earvin Santana; RP Glenn Perkins

MVP Candidate: 1B Joe Mauer

Cy Young Candidate: SP Phil Hughes

ROY Candidate: CF Byron Buxton

Key Additions: Mgr. Paul Molitor; RF Torii Hunter; SP Earvin Santana; RP Tim Stauffer; RP J.R. Graham

Possible lineup:

  1. Santana SS
  2. Dozier 2B
  3. Mauer 1B
  4. Vargas DH
  5. Hunter RF
  6. Plouffe 3B
  7. Suzuki C
  8. Hicks LF
  9. Buxton CF

Possible rotation:

  1. Hughes
  2. Santana
  3. Nolasco
  4. Gibson
  5. Milone

Games against Red Sox in 2015: May 25-27; June 1-4

Tomorrow, in Day 5, we will preview the NL East.

Gigantic Sox and Dawgs 2015 MLB Preview – Day 3 – NL Central

Welcome to the Gigantic Sox and Dawgs 2015 MLB preview. Over the next few days you will get a team by team look at its key players, new faces, their potential MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year candidates, their possible starting lineup and rotation as well as a quick summary.

SOX & Dawgs 2015 MLB Preview - NL CentralWe will also select a MVP candidate and Cy Young candidate for each team no matter what their predicted team outcome is.

And once again this year is some home stadium information along with dates the teams will play against the Boston Red Sox. The red shaded games are at Fenway; the blue shaded games are road games.

I hope you enjoy this look at the upcoming season.

Yesterday we looked at the AL West and we started on Sunday with the NL West, today it’s the NL Central.

National League Central

This is one of the divisions where there will be a pretty good battle for the top spot. The division is so up for grabs that I have Pittsburgh Pirates not only as a playoff team for the third year in a row but this time winning the division over St. Louis despite identical records. The top three teams will be very similar record wise to last season and you will see an up tick in Chicago and better record in Cincinnati.

  1. Pittsburgh – Manager: Clint Hurdle (5th year/13th overall)

Best ballpark, one of the best players in the game, a fundamentally sound team that plays hard for their manager and fans. This winter they went out and strengthened the bench with Corey Hart, Sean Rodriguez ad Pedro Florimon and bullpen with Antonio Bastardo and Radhames Liz and brought back A.J. Burnett so this year they don’t have worry about the wild card game.

SP Charlie Morton will miss a few months of the season and SP Jameson Taillon is expected to miss most of the year.

Projected Record: 88-74

Home Field: PNC Park; Playing Surface: natural grass Opened: 2001; Capacity: 38,362

2014 Attendance: 2,442,564 (9th in N.L.)

Key Players: CF Andrew McCutchen; 2B Neil Walker; RF Gregory Polanco; 3B Josh Harrison; SP Francisco Liriano

MVP Candidate: CF Andrew McCutchen

Cy Young Candidate: SP Francisco Liriano

ROY Candidate: P Nick Kingham

Key Additions: C Francisco Cervelli; 1B/OF Corey Hart; IF Pedro Florimon; 2B Sean Rodriguez; SP A.J. Burnett; RP Antonio Bastardo; RP Radhames Liz; IF Jung-Ho Kang; SP Stephen Tarpley

Possible lineup:

  1. Harrison 3B
  2. Polanco RF
  3. McCutchen CF
  4. Walker 2B
  5. Marte LF
  6. Alvarez 1B
  7. Mercer SS
  8. Cervelli C

Possible rotation:

  1. Liriano
  2. Burnett
  3. Cole
  4. Locke
  5. Morton

Adjusted rotation:

  1. Liriano
  2. Burnett
  3. Cole
  4. Locke
  5. Worley

Games against Red Sox in 2015: None

  1. St. Louis – Manager: Mike Matheny (4th year)

You can expect nearly and identical record to 2014 it’s only a two game drop but it’s enough for them to relinquish their two-year hold on the NL Central. Their big pickups this winter were trading for RF Jason Heyward and signing FA Mark Reynolds they also added two good arms in Jordan Walden and Matt Belisle to the bullpen.

SP Jamie Garcia is questionable for the start of the season.

Projected Record: 88-74

Home Field: Busch Stadium III; Playing Surface: natural grass; Opened: 2006; Capacity: 43,975

2014 Attendance: 3,540,649 (2nd in N.L.)

Key Players: C Yadier Molina; 3B Matt Carpenter; LF Matt Holliday; SP Adam Wainwright; SP Michael Wacha

MVP Candidate: C Yadier Molina

Cy Young Candidate: SP Adam Wainwright

ROY Candidate: RF Stephen Piscotty

Key Additions: RF Jason Heyward; 1B/3B Mark Reynolds; RP Jordan Walden; RP Matt Belisle; INF Dean Anna; IF/RF Ty Kelly

Possible lineup:

  1. Wong 2B
  2. Carpenter 3B
  3. Heyward RF
  4. Holliday LF
  5. Adams 1B
  6. Molina C
  7. Peralta SS
  8. Bourjos CF

Possible rotation:

  1. Wainwright
  2. Lynn
  3. Wacha
  4. Lackey
  5. Garcia

Adjusted rotation:

  1. Wainwright
  2. Lynn
  3. Wacha
  4. Lackey
  5. Martinez

Games against Red Sox in 2015: None

  1. Milwaukee – Manager: Ron Roenicke (5th year)

There will be a battle for third between Milwaukee and Chicago most of the season and Cincinnati may even sneak in there for a time. All three teams right now are pretty average as you can see from the record projections and I give a slight nod to the Brew Crew for third due to some deeper veteran presence.

Projected Record: 81-81

Home Field: Miller Park; Playing Surface: natural grass/retractable roof; Opened:2001; Capacity: 41,900

2014 Attendance: 2,797,384 (4th in N.L.)

Key Players: LF Ryan Braun; SP Matt Garza; SS Jean Segura; CF Carlos Gomez; C Jonathan Lucroy

MVP Candidate: LF Ryan Braun

Cy Young Candidate: SP Matt Garza

ROY Candidate: SP Jimmy Nelson

Key Additions: 1B Adam Lind; 1B/3B Luis Jimenez; IF/OF Matt Long; CF Kyle Wrenn; INF Luis Sardinas; RP Neal Cotts

Possible lineup:

  1. Gomez CF
  2. Gennett 2B
  3. Braun RF
  4. Ramirez 3B
  5. Lucroy C
  6. Lind 1B
  7. Davis LF
  8. Segura SS

Possible rotation:

  1. Garza
  2. Lohse
  3. Peralta
  4. Fiers
  5. Nelson

Games against Red Sox in 2015: None

  1. Chicago – Manager: Joe Maddon (1st year/12th overall)

While I have the Cubs behind the Brewers by one game I do like Chicago’s up side much better than that of Milwaukee or Cincinnati. Lots of good young players led by Anthony Rizzo and a pitching staff led by the FA starter Jon Lester. This is a team made for Joe Maddon. We saw what he did for years in Tampa Bay with young players with upside. Now the guy has the money of the Ricketts family behind him and two smart guys in the front office in President Theo Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer to help fill in the gaps. I believe next season they could challenge for the top spot in the NL Central. Most underrated pickup of the offseason will be Dexter Fowler who will be a star in Chicago.

Projected Record: 80-82

Home Field: Wrigley Field; Playing Surface: natural grass; Opened: 1914; Capacity: 41,019

2014 Attendance: 2.652,113 (6th in N.L.)

Key Players: 1B Anthony Rizzo; SP Jon Lester, CF Dexter Fowler; SS Starlin Castro; RF Jorge Soler

MVP Candidate: 1B Anthony Rizzo

Cy Young Candidate: SP Jon Lester

ROY Candidate: 2B Javier Baez

Key Additions: Mgr. Joe Maddon; SP Jon Lester; CF Dexter Fowler; SP Jason Hammel; C Miguel Montero; C David Ross; 2B/3B Tommy LaStella; RP Jason Motte; OF Chris Denorfia

Possible lineup:

  1. Fowler CF
  2. Castro SS
  3. Rizzo 1B
  4. Soler RF
  5. Montero C
  6. Coghlan LF
  7. Baez 2B
  8. LaStella 3B

Possible rotation:

  1. Lester
  2. Arrieta
  3. Hammel
  4. Wood
  5. Hendricks

Games against Red Sox in 2015: None

  1. Cincinnati – Manager: Bryan Price (2nd Year)

The Reds were held back by the injury bug last season they lost Joey Votto for most of the year, Jay Bruce was never really right all season. They remade the starting rotation out are Alfredo Simon and Mat Latos while they brought in Anthony DeSclafani via trade and are using in house depth as well. They also added LF Marlon Byrd to give them the power they needed on the outfield corner and 4th spot in the lineup.

RP Sean Marshall may start season on the DL.

Projected Record: 78-84

Home Field: Great American Ball Park; Playing Surface: natural grass; Opened: 2003; Capacity: 42,319

2014 Attendance: 2,476,664 (8th in N.L.)

Key Players: 1B Joey Votto; 2B Brandon Phillips; RF Jay Bruce; P Johnny Cueto; LF Marlon Byrd

MVP Candidate: 1B Joey Votto

Cy Young Candidate: P Johnny Cueto

ROY Candidate: SP Anthony DeSclafani

Key Additions: SP Anthony DeSclafani; LF Brennan Boesch; IF Ivan DeJesus Jr.; RP Jose Mijares; 2B/SS Eugenio Saurez; LF Marlon Byrd; RP Burke Badenhop

Possible lineup:

  1. Hamilton CF
  2. Cozart SS
  3. Votto 1B
  4. Byrd LF
  5. Bruce RF
  6. Frazier 3B
  7. Phillips 2B
  8. Mesoraco C

Possible rotation:

  1. Cueto
  2. Bailey
  3. Leake
  4. Cingrani
  5. DeSclafani

Games against Red Sox in 2015: None

Tomorrow: the AL Central.

Gigantic Sox and Dawgs 2015 MLB Preview – Day 2 – AL West

Welcome to the Gigantic Sox and Dawgs 2015 MLB preview. Over the next few days you will get a team by team look at its key players, new faces, their potential MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year candidates, their possible starting lineup and rotation as well as a quick summary.

We will also select a MVP candidate and Cy Young candidate for each team no matter what their predicted team outcome is.

And once again this year is some home stadium information along with dates the teams will play against the Boston Red Sox. The red shaded games are at Fenway; the blue shaded games are road games.

I hope you enjoy this look at the upcoming season.

Yesterday we looked at the NL West, today it’s the AL West.

American League West

Last year the West was Oakland’s to win for the third consecutive season but they floundered down the stretch and made the postseason as the second wild card losing to Kansas City. This year the AL West will look a little different once again with it’s third different champion in three season as the Seattle Mariners are poised to take the division flag.

  1. Seattle – Manager Lloyd McClendon (2nd year/7th overall)

So many positive changes over the last few seasons and they rounded out their lineup this off season by signing free agent DH Nelson Cruz who helped the Orioles get to the ALCS and OF Seth Smith who had a nice season playing for the Padres in Petco Park. The pitching is solid from starters through the bullpen and the lineup is nicely balanced. This is the year they not only make the playoffs but win the West and make an October run.

IF/OF Willie Bloomquist (microfracture knee) is doubtful for the start of the season.

Projected Record: 93-69

Home Field: Safeco Field; Playing Surface: natural grass/retractable roof; Opened: 1999; Capacity: 47,476

2014 Attendance: 2,064,334 (9th in A.L.)

Key Players: 2B Robinson Cano; SP Felix Hernandez; SP Hisashi Iwakuma; 3B Kyle Seager; DH Nelson Cruz

MVP Candidate: 2B Robinson Cano

Cy Young Candidate: SP Felix Hernandez

ROY Candidate: none

Key Additions: DH Nelson Cruz; RF Justin Ruggiano; SP J.A. Happ; OF Seth Smith; IF/OF Rickie Weeks

Possible lineup:

  1. Jackson CF
  2. Seager 3B
  3. Cano 2B
  4. Cruz DH
  5. Morrison 1B
  6. Zunino C
  7. Ackley LF
  8. Smith RF
  9. Miller SS

Possible rotation:

  1. Hernandez
  2. Iwakuma
  3. Paxton
  4. Walker
  5. Happ

Games against Red Sox in 2015: May 14-17; August 14-16

  1. Los Angeles – Manager Mike Scioscia (16th year)

After a four year absence the Angel made the post season in 2014 getting swept by Kansas City in ALDS 3-0. This year they will once again compete for the top spot most with Seattle and Oakland among others for a wild card slot. Biggest deal here is gone is Howie Kendrick sent to the Dodgers in a deal for highly touted SP Andrew Heaney. Josh Rutledge takes his spot at second and Matt Joyce was brought in from Tampa Bay to be the DH and play some OF.

LF Josh Hamilton (shoulder) and SP Garrett Richards (ACL) will most likely start season on the DL. SP Tyler Skaggs (TJS) will probably miss the season.

Projected Record: 91-71

Home Field: Angel Stadium; Playing Surface: natural grass Opened: 1966; Capacity: 43,250

2014 Attendance: 3,095,935 (2nd in A.L.)

Key Players: 1B Albert Pujols; CF Mike Trout, RF Cole Calhoun; P Jered Weaver; SP C.J. Wilson

MVP Candidate: CF Mike Trout

Cy Young Candidate: P Jered Weaver

ROY Candidate: SP Andrew Heaney

Key Additions: OF/DH Matt Joyce; 2B Josh Rutledge; C Drew Butera; IF Taylor Featherstone; SP Andrew Heaney; RP Cam Bedroisian; RP Cesar Ramos

Possible lineup:

  1. Calhoun RF
  2. Aybar SS
  3. Trout CF
  4. Pujols 1B
  5. Hamilton LF
  6. Freese 3B
  7. Joyce DH
  8. Rutledge 2B
  9. Iannetta C

Adjusted lineup:

  1. Calhoun RF
  2. Aybar SS
  3. Trout CF
  4. Pujols 1B
  5. Freese 3B
  6. Joyce LF
  7. Cron DH
  8. Rutledge 2B
  9. Iannetta C

Possible rotation:

  1. Weaver
  2. Wilson
  3. Richards
  4. Shoemaker
  5. Heaney

Adjusted rotation:

  1. Weaver
  2. Wilson
  3. Shoemaker
  4. Heaney
  5. Santiago

Games against Red Sox in 2015: May 22-24; July 17-20

  1. Oakland – Manager Bob Melvin (5th year/12th overall)

Last season the A’s looked to have another West title in the making on trade deadline day they had a 2.5 game lead ran it to 4 games in a few weeks and then just sank. They made possibly the biggest trade of the season swapping their clean up hitter Yoenis Cespedes for lefty starter Jon Lester who pitched his ass off but without Cespedes the lineup collapsed. This offseason they have shredded the roster with trades and signings bringing in IF/OF Ben Zobrist, DH Billy Butler, RP Tyler Clippard and 1B Ike Davis.

RF Josh Reddick (oblique)is questionable for the start of the season. RP Sean Doolittle (rotator cuff), SP Jarrod Parker (TJS) and SP A.J. Griffin (TJS) are expected to start the season on the DL.

Projected Record: 87-75

Home Field: O.com Coliseum; Playing Surface: natural grass; Opened: 1966; Capacity: 35,067

2014 Attendance: 2,003,628 (10th in A.L.)

Key Players: RF Josh Reddick; DH Billy Butler; 3B Brett Lawrie; SP Sonny Gray; SP Scott Kazmir

MVP Candidate: DH Billy Butler

Cy Young Candidate: SP Sonny Gray

ROY Candidate: SP Sean Nolin

Key Additions: IF/OF Ben Zobrist; RP Tyler Clippard; DH Billy Butler; 1B Ike Davis; 3B Brett Lawrie; SS Marcus Semien; C Josh Phegley; OF Mark Canha; SP Jesse Hahn; RP R.J. Alvarez; SP Kendall Graveman; 1B/OF Alex Hassan

Possible lineup:

  1. Crisp LF
  2. Zobrist SS
  3. Reddick RF
  4. Butler DH
  5. Davis 1B
  6. Lowrie 3B
  7. Vogt C
  8. Sogard 2B
  9. Fuld CF

Adjusted lineup:

  1. Crisp LF
  2. Zobrist SS
  3. Butler DH
  4. Davis 1B
  5. Lowrie 3B
  6. Vogt C
  7. Sogard 2B
  8. Gentry RF
  9. Fuld CF

Possible rotation:

  1. Gray
  2. Kazmir
  3. Parker
  4. Pomerantz
  5. Griffin

Adjusted rotation:

  1. Gray
  2. Kazmir
  3. Pomerantz
  4. Hahn
  5. Griffin

Games against Red Sox in 2015: May 11-13; June 5-7

  1. Houston – Manager A.J. Hinch (1st Year/3rd overall)

For whatever reason Bo Porter was not a fit as Astros manager and he was the first casualty last season and he’s been replaced by A.J. Hinch who has managed in Arizona and has been in the front office with San Diego. The Astros made some changes this year bringing back SS Jed Lowrie and acquiring OF Colby Rasmus, and got some thump with C/OF Evan Gattis. They also strengthened the bullpen with Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek. I have them standing pat at 70 wins and 4th place in the West.

SP Brad Peacock (hip) and SS Carlos Correa are questionable for the start of the season. RP Jose Cisnero (TJS) will miss most or all of the season.

Projected Record: 71-91

Home Field: Minute Maid Park; Playing Surface: natural grass/retractable roof; Opened: 2000; Capacity: 42,060

2013 Attendance: 1.751,829 (12th in A.L.)

Key Players: 2B Jose Altuve; SP Scott Feldman; C Jason Castro; 3B Luis Valbuena; CF Colby Rasmus

MVP Candidate: 2B Jose Altuve

Cy Young Candidate: SP Scott Feldman

ROY Candidate: 3B Colin Moran

Key Additions: Mgr. A.J. Hinch; SS Jed Lowrie; OF Colby Rasmus; 3B Luis Valbuena; C Hank Conger; SP Dan Straily; RP Luke Gregerson; RP Pat Neshek; RP Will Harris; OF/C Evan Gattis

Possible lineup:

  1. Altuve 2B
  2. Valbuena 3B
  3. Springer RF
  4. Carter 1B
  5. Rasmus CF
  6. Gattis DH
  7. Castro C
  8. Lowrie SS
  9. Marisnick LF

Possible rotation:

  1. Feldman
  2. Keuchel
  3. McHugh
  4. Oberholtzer
  5. Straily

Games against Red Sox in 2015: July 3-5; July 21-13

  1. Texas – Manager Jeff Bannister (1st year)

The Rangers were crushed by injuries last season and then had their manager quit for personal reasons before the season ended. They must be hoping the injured players rebound and that the team does as well because they did very little of note in the offseason other than trading for SP Yovanni Gallardo and adding some other pieces for the bench, bullpen and back of the rotation. I don’t see the team any better than last year and I have them at fifth in the West.

SP Yu Darvish (elbow) could miss the season and 2B Jurickson Profar (torn labrum), SP Matt Harrison (spinal fusion) and SP Martin Perez (TJS) are expected to miss most or all of the 2015 season.

Projected Record: 63-99

Home Field: Globe Life Park in Arlington; Playing Surface: natural grass; Opened: 1994; Capacity: 48,114

2014 Attendance: 2,718,733 (5th in A.L.)

Key Players: 1B Prince Fielder; 3B Adrian Beltre; LF Shin Shoo Choo; SS Elvis Andrus; SP Yovanni Gallardo

MVP Candidate: 3B Adrian Beltre

Cy Young Candidate: SP Yovanni Gallardo

ROY Candidate: OF Michael Choice

Key Additions: Mgr. Jeff Bannister; SP Yovanni Gallardo; IF/OF Kyle Blanks; SP Ross Detwiler; SP Anthony Ranaudo; RP Kyuji Fujikawa; IF Adam Rosales

Possible lineup:

  1. Choo RF
  2. Andrus SS
  3. Fielder 1B
  4. Beltre 3B
  5. Moreland DH
  6. Choice LF
  7. Martin CF
  8. Odor 2B
  9. Chirinos C

Possible rotation:

  1. Darvish
  2. Gallardo
  3. Holland
  4. Lewis
  5. Detwiler

Adjusted rotation:

  1. Gallardo
  2. Holland
  3. Lewis
  4. Detwiler
  5. Tepesch

Games against Red Sox in 2014: May 19-21; May 28-31

Tomorrow: The National League Central

Gigantic Sox and Dawgs 2015 MLB Preview – Day 1 – NL West

Welcome to the Gigantic Sox and Dawgs 2015 MLB preview. Over the next few days you will get a team by team look at its key players, new faces, their potential MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year candidates, their possible starting lineup and rotation as well as a quick summary.

SOX & Dawgs 2014 MLB Preview - NL WestWe will also select a MVP candidate and Cy Young candidate for each team no matter what their predicted team outcome is.

And once again this year is some home stadium information along with dates the teams will play against the Boston Red Sox. The red shaded games are at Fenway; the blue shaded games are road games.

I hope you enjoy this look at the upcoming season.

It was a lot of work but a lot of fun compiling this preview and starting today we will take a look at the National League West. The rest of the schedule follows with a different division being profiled each day and the final day will bring you the winners, award selections and a list of managers who have a lot to prove in 2015 if they want to be on the bench in 2016.

Tomorrow you will get the American League West preview followed by the NL Central, AL Central, NL East and AL East.

National League West

Last year the Dodgers took the division by 6 games over the Giants, but it was their bitter rival who took the grand prize at seasons end when they won their 3rd World Series in the last 5 seasons. The division will look much the same this year with Padres making a serious run at contending and then the bottom will be the Diamondbacks and the Rockies.

  1. Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles – Manager Don Mattingly (5th year)

Dodgers won the division but lost the Cardinals in the NLDS 3 games to 1. LA made some significant changes with a new GM (Farhan Zaidi) and new President (Andrew Friedman) and they made on field changes too. Out are Hanley Ramirez (signed with Boston), Brian Wilson (released), Josh Beckett (retired), OF Matt Kemp, 2B Dee Gordon and SP Dan Haren (traded). In are SS Jimmy Rollins, 2B Howie Kendrick, C Yasmani Grandal, OF Chris Heisey and SP Brandon McCarthy. I don’t think they’re as good as last year but they win the division by a nose.

RP Kenley Jansen (foot) will miss the start of the season.

Projected Record: 91-71

Home Field: Dodger Stadium; Playing Surface: natural grass; Opened: 1962; Capacity: 56,000

2014 Attendance: 3,782,337 (1st in NL)

Key Players: 1B Adrian Gonzalez; SP Clayton Kershaw; SP Zack Greinke; RF Yasiel Puig; CF Joc Pederson

MVP Candidate: RF Yasiel Puig

Cy Young Candidate: SP Clayton Kershaw

ROY Candidate: CF Joc Pederson

Key Additions: SS Jimmy Rollins; 2B Howie Kendrick; C Yasmani Grandal; OF Chris Heisey; SP Brandon McCarthy; SP Brett Anderson; RP Joel Peralta, RP Chris Hatcher; RP Juan Nicasio; SP Brandon Beachy; RP Dustin McGowan

Possible lineup:

  1. Rollins SS
  2. Crawford LF
  3. Puig RF
  4. Gonzalez 1B
  5. Grandal C
  6. Kendrick 2B
  7. Pederson CF
  8. Uribe 3B

Possible rotation:

  1. Kershaw
  2. Greinke
  3. Ryu
  4. McCarthy
  5. Anderson

Games against Red Sox in 2015: None

  1. San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco – Manager Bruce Bochy (9th year/21st overall)

Giants made the playoff field as a wild card and then had a great postseason beating the Pirates in the NL Wild Card game, the Nationals in the NLDS, the Cardinals in the NLCS and then the upstart Royals in the World Series. They brought back most of their lineup but the key loss was 3B Pablo Sandoval as a free agent to Boston, they signed Casey McGehee to replace him but he isn’t the same quality player as Sandoval. Their other big pickup was Nori Aoki as free agent from KC to play LF.

Projected Record: 90-72

Home Field: AT&T Park; Playing Surface: natural grass; Opened: 2000; Capacity: 41,915

2014 Attendance: 3,368,687 (3rd in NL)

Key Players: C Buster Posey; RF Hunter Pence; SS Brandon Crawford; SP Madison Bumgarner; RP Santiago Casilla

MVP Candidate: C Buster Posey

Cy Young Candidate: SP Madison Bumgarner

ROY Candidate: C Andrew Susac

Key Additions: 3B Casey McGehee; C Andrew Susac; LF Nori Aoki

RF Hunter Pence (arm) is expected to be out until mid May.

Possible lineup:

  1. Pagan CF
  2. Aoki RF
  3. Belt 1B
  4. Posey C
  5. McGehee 3B
  6. Panik 2B
  7. Blanco LF
  8. Crawford SS

Possible rotation:

  1. Bumgarner
  2. Cain
  3. Hudson
  4. Lincecum
  5. Peavy

Games against Red Sox in 2015: None

  1. San Diego PadresSan Diego – Manager Bud Black (9th year)

Brand new GM A.J. Preller tore up the roster and was able to keep his top prospects in the process as the Padres look to move up in the NL West. I think they made significant changes and while they’ll finish third again they will get over .500 and possibly challenge for a wild card spot.

SP Josh Johnson (TJS) and SP Corey Luebke (TJS) are expected to miss two-three months.

Projected Record: 85-77

Home Field: Petco Park; Playing Surface: natural grass; Opened: 2004 Capacity: 42,524

2014 Attendance: 2,195,373 (12th in NL)

Key Players: CF Wil Myers; RF Matt Kemp; LF Justin Upton; SP James Shields; RP Joaquin Benoit

MVP Candidate: LF Justin Upton

Cy Young Candidate: SP Andrew Cashner

ROY Candidate: SP Matt Wisler

Key Additions: SP James Shields; 3B Will Middlebrooks; CF Wil Myers; LF Justin Upton; RF Matt Kemp; C Derek Norris; C Tim Federowicz; 2B/SS Clint Barmes; SP Brandon Morrow; RP Shawn Kelley; RP Brandon Maurer

Possible lineup:

  1. Gyorko 2B
  2. Myers CF
  3. Kemp RF
  4. Upton LF
  5. Alonso 1B
  6. Norris C
  7. Middlebrooks 3B
  8. Amarista SS

Possible rotation:

  1. Shields
  2. Cashner
  3. Johnson
  4. Ross
  5. Kennedy

Adjusted rotation:

  1. Shields
  2. Cashner
  3. Ross
  4. Kennedy
  5. Morrow

Games against Red Sox in 2015: None

  1. Arizona DiamondbacksArizona – Manager Chip Hale (1st year)

New manager (Chip Hale), new front office (Chief Baseball Officer Tony LaRussa, GM Dave Stewart) and new promise for an improved team on the field (64 wins in ’14). Gone are SP Wade Miley, C Miguel Montero and SS Didi Gregorios (traded) and in are free agent 3B Yasmany Tomas, SP Jeremy Hellickson, SP Rubby De La Rosa and SP Allen Webster as Arizona looks for some major improvement on the field

RP Brad Zeigler (microfracture knee) is expected to start the season on the DL. SP Bronson Arroyo (TJS), SP Patrick Corbin (TJS) and RP David Hernandez (TJS) will miss most if not all of the season.

Projected Record: 67-95

Home Field: Chase Field Playing Surface: natural grass/retractable roof; Opened: 1998; Capacity: 48,633

2014 Attendance: 2,073,730 (14th in NL)

Key Players: 1B Paul Goldschmidt; LF Mark Trumbo; CF A.J. Pollock; 3B Yasmany Tomas; SP Jeremy Hellickson

MVP Candidate: 1B Paul Goldschmidt

Cy Young Candidate: SP Jeremy Hellickson

ROY Candidate: 3B Yasmany Tomas

Key Additions: Mgr. Chip Hale; 3B Yasmany Tomas, SP Jeremy Hellickson, SP Allen Webster; SP Rubby De La Rosa; C Oscar Hernandez

Possible lineup:

  1. Pollock CF
  2. Peralta LF
  3. Goldschmidt 1B
  4. Trumbo RF
  5. Tomas 3B
  6. Hill 2B
  7. Owings SS
  8. Gosewisch C

Possible rotation:

  1. Hellickson
  2. Collmenter
  3. De La Rosa
  4. Cahill
  5. Webster

Games against Red Sox in 2015: None

  1. Colorado RockiesColorado – Manager Walt Weiss (3rd year)

Last season the Rockies finished 66-96 and in 4th place and with this being the third season under Walt Weiss you know he will be feeling some heat to bring the win total up 10-12 games this year. They lost OF Michael Cuddyer, SP Brett Anderson and RP Matt Belisle to free agency and traded away 2B Josh Rutledge and really didn’t bring much in return in additions to help on the field. With OF Carlos Gonzalez and SS Troy Tulowitzki possibly missing some time at the start of the season combined with a poor offseason I have Colorado 5th in the West and not much better than last season.

RF Carlos Gonzalez (knee) and SS Troy Tulowitzki (hip) may start the season on the DL. SP Tyler Chatwood (TJS) will most likely miss the season.

Projected Record: 64-98

Home Field: Coors Field; Playing Surface: natural grass; Opened: 1995; Capacity: 50,480

2014 Attendance: 2,680,329 (5th in NL)

Key Players: RF Carlos Gonzalez; SS Troy Tulowitzki; 1B Justin Morneau; SP Jorge De La Rosa; CF Charlie Blackmon

MVP Candidate: CF Charlie Blackmon

Cy Young Candidate: SP Jorge De La Rosa

ROY Candidate: SP Eddie Butler

Key Additions: IF Daniel Descalso; RP Jairo Diaz; SP Eddie Butler; C Nick Hundley; SP Kyle Kendrick; RP John Axford

Possible lineup:

  1. Blackmon CF
  2. Gonzalez RF
  3. Tulowitzki SS
  4. Morneau 1B
  5. Arenado 3B
  6. Dickerson LF
  7. Rosario C
  8. LeMahieu 2B

Adjusted lineup:

  1. Blackmon CF
  2. Stubbs RF
  3. Arenado 3B
  4. Morneau 1B
  5. Dickerson LF
  6. Rosario C
  7. LeMahieu 2B
  8. Descalso SS

Possible rotation:

  1. De La Rosa
  2. Chacin
  3. Lyles
  4. Kendrick
  5. Matzek

Games against Red Sox in 2015: None

Tomorrow: The American League West

Red Sox Roster Thoughts

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 24: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox slaps high fives with teamate after beating the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on September 24, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox won the game 11-3. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 24: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox slaps high fives with teamate after beating the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on September 24, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox won the game 11-3. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

As we prepare for spring training and the impending 2015 baseball season we all have our hopes set upon having a competitive team who contends for a playoff spot and beyond. In baseball parlance, 2014 was just a disaster of a season for the Boston Red Sox but it never had the feel of utter futility like the season of Valentine (2012) did. We want more of the joy from 2013 to return than the gut punch feeling of last year.

The Red Sox not unlike any other team will have some decision to make in shaping their final 25-man roster for the 2015 season which opens in Philadelphia facing the Phillies on April 6th.

In the off season they either dealth away, lost to free agency or retirement the following players. RP Burke Badenhop (FA/Reds), C David Ross (FA/Cubs), C Ryan Lavarnway (DFA/Dodgers), RP Alex Wilson (Traded/Tigers), LF Yoenis Cespedes (Traded/Tigers), SP Allen Webster (Traded/Diamondbacks), SP Rubby De La Rosa (Traded/Diamondbacks), 3B Will Middlebrooks (Trade/Padres), C Dan Butler (Traded/Nationals), SP Anthony Ranaudo (Traded/Rangers) and RP Drake Britton (DFA/Cubs).

In return they have brought in 3B Pablo Sandoval (FA/Giants), LF Hanley Ramirez (FA/Dodgers), SP Justin Masterson (FA/Cardinals), SP Rick Porcello (Trade/Tigers), SP Wade Miley (Trade/Diamonbacks), C Ryan Hanigan (Trade/Padres), RP Robbie Ross (Trade/Rangers), RP Alexi Ogando (FA/Rangers) and RP Anthony Varvaro (Trade/Braves). In addition they resigned Closer Koji Uehara, RP Craig Breslow, OF Daniel Nava (arb eligible), RP Junichi Tazawa (arb eligible) and Porcello (arb eligible). They also signed Miley to a new 3-year contract ($19 M) with a team option in 2018.

So let’s look at the potential final 25-man roster that Manager John Farrell and his staff could carry out Fort Myers into the 2015 season.

Starting Pitchers

In my mind whether I like it or not I truly feel that Farrell and pitching coach Juan Nieves view Clay “Bill The Cat” Buchholz as the team’s number one starter. I see why they would because when, and I must stress when, Buchholz is right and there’s no injury physically or mentally, he can be and has been lights out. Just look at the first half of 2013.

So if Buchholz is the opening day guy I see them going with newly acquired Rick Porcello in the two hole. Porcello is young, but like Buchholz has a lot of major league experience and has spent his career hanging around with guys like Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and David Price so that can’t hurt.

That should then put left starter Wade Miley in the third slot in the rotation. Miley, who just got a nice new contract, is a bit of a wild card. If he pitches to the top of his talent level there is a solid 3 guy and his former pitching coach said he will have no issues handling the glare of Boston as compared to Arizona.

That means rounding out the back of the rotation is some combination of Joe Kelly and Justin Masterson to start out. Kelly is young and athletic and gets it up into the upper 90’s, while Masterson is built more like Roger Clemens with a heavy sinker.

Interesting to note only Buchholz is considered a fly ball guy while the other four are known more for getting ground balls and I’m not sure there’s a true strike out artist in the group even though most if not all five can get one when they need it.

Relief Pitchers

In the Boston bullpen it all starts and ends with Koji Uehara, the 40-year closer, who struggled a bit at the end of 2014 after two years of heavy use. When he is dialed in he is unhittable. He is sneaky fast, very deceptive in his delivery and has pinpoint control.

Farrell and Nieves have three guys they can go to in order to bridge the game the Koji. Edward Mujica, Tazawa and Breslow, who in addition to being a bridge may also be used at times as a situational lefty. Look for the newly acquired Ross to the situational lefty, with his former teammate Ogando and Varvaro to fill the other roles in the pen.

I’m going with Varvaro over Brandon Workman to start the season because Varvaro is out of options and would have to clear waivers to be sent down, where Workman still has options left.

Infielders

Let’s start behind the dish the team basically came out at the end of the season and said they are very comfortable with Christian Vazquez as the starter. Vazquez will not hit for much early on in his career but they expect that like Yadi Molina and Carlos ruiz that will come along as he gets older. What they like is his catching presence, defensively there is not much the kid from Puerto Rico doesn’t do well. The team also added C Ryan Hannigan in a deal with San Diego via Tampa Bay to be the back up. I see Hannigan playing about 50 games with a healthy Vazquez getting the other 110 or so.

Catching prospect Blake Swihart will be at Triple A Pawtucket this season and it’s a big year for Vazquez who will not doubt have Swihart pushing him in 2016. One of them could end up being a trade chip for something big at some point there’s alos the smaller chance the team keeps both a while as a catching tandem, but that’s unlikely to last long if at all.

First base belongs to Mike Napoli who returns from an injury plagued 2014 and post sleep apnea surgery. It’s the last season of Napoli’s contract so I expect big things from him.

Dustin Pedroia is full go once again post off season surgery and will once again to play every play of every game but as Pedroia starts to age a bit and these injuries take some sort of toll it may be wise for Farrell to hold him out more frequently or use him as a DH to give David Ortiz a break against a tough lefty.

Xander Bogaerts has survived it all in his short time in Boston, from a position change to severely struggling in the middle of the 2014 season but he is still here and working hard. Bogaerts needs to improve in the field there’s no doubt about that and I believe with coach Brian Butterfield that will happen, I mean look what Butter did for Derek Jeter as a young player. Hitting wise I feel Bogaerts will be fine if he can learn to make the necessary adjustments as staffs adjust to him.

No surprise that we now have a Panda manning the hot corner. Pablo Sandoval comes cross country and to a new league to try for his 4th World Series ring in 6 seasons. Huge upgrade over the position from last year plus he adds a left handed bat that was badly needed.

I’m also going to stick the previously mentioned Ortiz in here he may age but his desire to win, his attitude and infectous smile rarely, if never, change. He is starting his 13th season in Boston, he is a true living legend in Red Sox and Boston sports history and everytime he comes to bat he can change a game with one swing. Just ask Detroit, St. Louis, New York…

Outfielders

I’m going to say the starting outfield will be Ramirez in left, Rusney Castillo in center and Mookie Betts in RF. I feel Hanley and Castillo are obvious locks but it’s up to Mookie, face it the job is his to lose.

If Betts picks up where he was in 2014 Shane Victorino doesn’t get on the field and ends up as trade bait or a very valuable becnh piece who can play all three outfield postions and DH. If Betts falters in camp, he goes to Pawtucket, not as a punishment but so he can play everyday, get at bats and play in the outfield, which remember is a new position for him as late last season. Then he gets a chance with either injury, trade, poor play by someone on the big club or just being so damn good they can’t keep him in Pawtucket.

Bench

This is possibly the toughest to call. The one true given is Hanigan, as the back up catcher. After that there are some different looks. If Betts is the right fielder then Victorino goes to the bench and he either accepts this at the end of his career or he asks for a trade. Victorino on the bench may have more value to Boston then trading him to another team for a prospect or lower level major league player. As I stated in the outfielders section he can and has played all three outfield positions in his career, he has always been good defensively and could be the guy who spells Ortiz as a DH on occasion. He is also even more valuable if he continues to switch hit, which there are indications he will.

If that plays out were Betts is the starter and Victorino is on the bench, that leaves you Allen Craig who plays both corner outfield spots and first base and will also get some spring training work at third, a position he did play some in the past.

With the versatilty of Craig and Victorino, that leaves your extra infielder as Brock Holt who also plays the outfield and in the absence of Victorino on the bench would be Farrell’s only left handed bat option.

So where does this leave Daniel Nava? Good question and there are so many possibilities. If you use the above scenario of Ramirez, Castillo, Betts in the outfield with Craig, Victorino and Holt on the bench Nava is the odd man out and either goes to Pawtucket or gets moved.

Should Betts falter and goes to Pawtucket or there’s a trade involving Victorino or Craig you could see Nava on the bench as the 5th outfielder and back up first baseman.

The wild card could be Jackie Bradley Jr., who started last season as the starting center fielder only to struggle and return to Triple A for a spell and then he came off the bench at times towards the end of the season. If Bradley excells and out plays Nava or one of the veteran’s it could change the how complexion of the outfield or the bench. We know Bradley has great speed and is an incredible defensive oiutfielder and I’m sure there were calls on him this off season but the organziations see’s something in him and he has stuck around and before the season is out he could make a difference for this team more so than I think Nava could.

Here is my opening day roster projection for the 2015 Boston Red Sox:

Pos Player
RF Betts
2B Pedroia
DH Ortiz (L)
LF Ramirez
3B Sandoval (S)
1B Napoli
CF Castillo
SS Bogaerts
C Vazquez
Bench
C Hannigan
OF Victorino (S)
OF/1B Craig
IF/OF Holt (L)
Rotation
SP Buchholz
SP Porcello
SP Miley (L)
SP Kelly
SP Masterson
Bullpen
CL Uehara
SU Mujica
SU Tazawa
SU/RP Breslow (L)
RP Ogando
RP Ross (L)
RP Varvaro

In The Red Zone: New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks Preview – Super Bowl XLIX

In the Red Zone

This Week

New England Patriots vs Seattle Seahawks

The AFC Champion New England Patriots take on the NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale AZ on Sunday February 1 at 6:30 p.m. in Super Bowl XLIX.

Based on rotation the Seahawks are the designated “home” team

The Patriots The Seahawks
Season 14-4 Season 14-4
SB Record 3-4 SB Record 1-1
Playoff Teams 6-1 Playoff teams 7-1
NFC Conf 3-1 AFC Conf 2-2

The Referee

  • Bill Vinovich is the referee for Super Bowl XLIX. This is his first Super Bowl as an official.
  • Vinovich was the referee for the Patriots AFC Divisional Game vs. Baltimore and the Week 15 game vs. Miami. In two games involving New England he called them for 12 penalties for 111 yards. Their opponents were flagged 12 times for 100 yards.
  • Patriots are 4-1 when Vinovich is the ref and are 2-0 in the playoffs.
  • He officiated the Seahawks game vs. Denver in Week 3 and again at Philadelphia Week 14. In two games involving the Seattle he called them for 15 penalties for 101 yards and their opponents drew 8 flags for 96 yards.
  • Seattle is 7-1 with Vinovich as the referee.

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from sportsbetting.ag via Yahoo Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 1. The over/under is 48.

My Prediction is Patriots 30, Seahawks, 24. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 11-7 against the spread and 9 of 18 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Weather for the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Glendale make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Glendale AZ.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

You can find other recipes from the team on their website. Includes Gronk’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, Carne Asada Fries, Cincinnati Chili and more.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

NBC is televising the game nationally Al Michaels will do play by play while Cris Collinsworth will provide the game analysis and Michele Tafoya will work the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

This is NBC’s 18th Super Bowl tying CBS for the most broadcasts.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do the game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 3:30 P.M. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

With Tanguay’s contract not being renewed and Gresh leaving the Sports Hub this will be their last game as pre and post game hosts on the Patriots Radio Network. No replacements have been named.

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 85, XM Channel 85 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Seahawks Radio Network will carry the game with Steve Raible calling the play-by-play and Hall of Fame QB Warren Moon doing the analysis from their flagship station, KIRO 97.3FM and 710AM ESPN.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 93; XM Channel 225 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 826.

Westwood One will carry the game to a national audience the game. Kevin Harlan will call the game, Boomer Esiason do analysis and James Lofton and Mark Malone will be on the sidelines.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 88, XM Channel 88 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 88.

The Venue – University of Phoenix Stadium

  • The University of Phoenix Stadium (UoPS) is the regular season home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals since 2006 and the Fiesta Bowl since 2007.
  • It seats 63,400 and is expandable to 78,600.
  • Has a retractable roof that will reportedly be open for Super Bowl XLIX.
  • This is the second Super Bowl the venue has hosted, having been home to Super Bowl XLII between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots.
  • UoPS has 88 luxury lofts.
  • It borders the Gila River Arena home of the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL.
  • There are no obstructed view seats in the stadium.
  • The playing surface is on a tray and can be rolled in and out of the stadium through the end zone to allow for more seating for concert events.
  • The largest event UoPS has held is the 2011 BCS National Championship Game between Auburn University and the University of Oregon and attended by a record 78,603.
  • It also hosted the 2015 NFL Pro-Bowl this past Sunday.
  • Will host the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four.
  • If you are lucky enough to be going to the game here is a UoPS seating chart for Super Bowl XLIX. There is also a link on the page to change it to an interactive view.

Super Bowl Notes

  • Second year in a row two #1 seeds have matched up in the game. Last year was Seattle (NFC) and Denver (AFC).
  • Fifth time in the current playoff format (since 1990) that the top seeds have met.
Super Bowl Top NFC Seed Top AFC Seed
XXVI Washington (NFC) Buffalo (AFC)
XXVIII Dallas (NFC) Buffalo (AFC)
XLIV New Orleans (NFC) Indianapolis (AFC)
XLVIII Seattle (NFC) Denver (AFC)
XLIX Seattle (NFC) New England (AFC)
  • First time for back-to-back games with both #1 seeds since Super Bowl XVIII (Los Angeles – AFC vs. Washington – NFC) and Super Bowl XIX (San Francisco – NFC vs. Miami – AFC).
  • NFC leads in wins over the AFC, 26-22.
  • Super Bowl XLVIII was most watched American television program history with a reported 111.5 million viewers.
  • This is the 13th Super Bowl to be played in February.
  • Designated “away” teams have won 28 of the 48 Super Bowls.
  • Teams wearing white jerseys have won 30 of the 48 Super Bowls.
  • Katy Perry and Lenny Kravitz are the halftime entertainment and Idina Menzel will perform the National Anthem.

Past Super Bowl matchups:

Super Bowl Winning Team Losing Team Score
I Green Bay (NFL) Kansas City (AFL) 35-10
II Green Bay (NFL) Oakland (AFL) 33-14
III New York (AFL) Baltimore (NFL) 16-7
IV Kansas City (AFL) Minnesota (NFL) 23-7
V Baltimore (AFC) Dallas (NFC) 16-13
VI Dallas (NFC) Miami (AFC) 24-3
VII Miami (AFC) Washington 14-7
VIII Miami (AFC) Minnesota (NFC) 24-7
IX Pittsburgh (AFC) Minnesota (NFC0 16-6
X Pittsburgh (AFC) Dallas (NFC) 21-17
XI Oakland (AFC) Minnesota (NFC) 32-14
XII Dallas (NFC) Denver (AFC) 27-10
XIII Pittsburgh (AFC) Dallas (NFC) 35-31
XIV Pittsburgh (AFC) Los Angeles (NFC) 31-19
XV Oakland (AFC) Philadelphia (NFC) 27-10
XVI San Francisco (NFC) Cincinnati (AFC) 26-21
XVII Washington (NFC) Miami (AFC) 27-17
XVIII Los Angeles (AFC) Washington (NFC) 38-9
XIX San Francisco (NFC) Miami (AFC) 38-16
XX Chicago (NFC) New England (AFC) 46-10
XXI New York (NFC) Denver (AFC) 39-20
XXII Washington (NFC) Denver (AFC) 42-10
XXIII San Francisco (NFC) Cincinnati (AFC) 20-16
XXIV San Francisco (NFC) Denver (AFC) 55-10
XXV New York (NFC) Buffalo (AFC) 20-19
XXVI Washington (NFC) Buffalo (AFC) 37-24
XXVII Dallas (NFC) Buffalo (AFC) 52-17
XXVIII Dallas (NFC) Buffalo (AFC) 30-13
XXIX San Francisco (NFC) San Diego (AFC) 49-26
XXX Dallas (NFC) Pittsburgh (AFC) 27-17
XXXI Green Bay (NFC) New England (AFC) 35-21
XXXII Denver (AFC) Green Bay (AFC) 31-24
XXXIII Denver (AFC) Atlanta (NFC) 34-19
XXXIV St. Louis (NFC) Tennessee (AFC) 23-16
XXXV Baltimore (AFC) New York (NFC) 34-7
XXXVI New England (AFC) St. Louis (NFC) 20-17
XXXVII Tampa Bay (NFC) Oakland (AFC) 48-21
XXXVIII New England (AFC) Carolina (NFC) 32-29
XXXIX New England (AFC) Philadelphia (NFC) 24-21
XL Pittsburgh (AFC) Seattle (NFC) 21-10
XLI Indianapolis (AFC) Chicago (NFC) 29-17
XLII New York (NFC) New England (AFC) 17-14
XLIII Pittsburgh (AFC) Arizona (NFC) 27-23
XLIV New Orleans (NFC) Indianapolis (AFC) 31-17
XLV Green Bay (NFC) Pittsburgh (AFC) 31-25
XLVI New York (NFC) New England (AFC) 21-17
XLVII Baltimore (AFC) San Francisco (NFC) 34-31
XLVIII Seattle (NFC) Denver (AFC) 43-8
  • Last back-to-back winner – New England Patriots 2003-04
  • Last winner to fail to repeat – Green Bay Packers 1996-97
  • A New England win would give them four Super Bowl titles and make them the 6th team with at least four titles.
Franchise Super Bowl Wins
Pittsburgh 6
Dallas 5
San Francisco 5
Green Bay 4
New York Giants 4
  • Four teams have yet to play in a Super Bowl – Cleveland, Detroit, Jacksonville and Houston.
  • New York Jets have the longest Super Bowl drought, now at 46 years.
  • Minnesota and Buffalo have both been to four Super Bowls without a win.
  • One game featured a game opening KOR for a TD – Super Bowl XLI (Devin Hester – Chicago).
  • Fewest points by one team – Miami 3, Super Bowl VI.
  • Most points by one team – San Francisco 55, Super Bowl XXIV.
  • Largest margin of victory – 45 points by San Francisco Super Bowl XXIV (55-10).
  • Smallest margin of victory – 1 point by New York Giants Super Bowl XXV (20-19).
  • Four coaches have lost four Super Bowls – Marv Levy (Buffalo), Bud Grant (Minnesota), Don Shula (Baltimore/Miami) and Dan Reeves (Denver/Atlanta).
  • Denver’s Terrell Davis (Super Bowl XXXII) is the only running back to rush for 3 TD’s in a Super Bowl.
  • Three teams have lost the Super Bowl without drawing a penalty they are Miami (VI), Denver (XXIV) and Atlanta (XXXIII).
  • Super Bowl XLVII featured brothers as opposing head coaches (Baltimore – John Harbaugh and San Francisco – Jim Harbaugh).
  • Super Bowl XIV between Pittsburgh and Los Angeles in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena CA had the largest attendance of any game with 103,985.

Conference Championship Games

The Patriots routed the Indianapolis Colts 45-7 at Gillette Stadium, while the Seahawks had a miracle comeback to defeat the Green Bay Packers in OT, 28-22 at Century Link Field.

History

  • This is the first Super Bowl meeting between the teams.
  • The series, which started in 1977, is tied 8-8 between the teams.
  • Seattle has won 6 of the last 8 meetings dating back to 1989.
  • Seahawks won the last game Week 6 – 2012 at Century Link Field, 24-23.

Patriots Team Notes

Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

  • The Patriots overall franchise record is 450-377-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven previous appearances. Overall they are 27-18 in the post season.
  • Prior to this season they last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.
  • Since 1994 have sold out 228 consecutive home games.

Patriots in the Post Season:

  • This is the franchise’s 8th trip to the Super Bowl.
  • Teams with most Super Bowl appearances:
Team Appearances
New England 8
Dallas 8
Pittsburgh 8
Denver 7
San Francisco 6
  • They have made 7 Super Bowl trips since 1994, 3 more than the next closest team (Pittsburgh, 4).
  • They are now 2-0 in the 2014 postseason after beating Baltimore in the AFC Division Game, 35-31 and routing Indianapolis 45-7 in the AFC Championship Game.
  • The Patriots are now the defending six-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 12 times and the conference 6 times since 2000.
  • Overall the Patriots have had 22 playoff seasons, won their division 17 times and the conference 8 times.
  • They have been AFC Champions eight times (1985, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2011 and 2014).
  • Patriots are the first team since the 2001-04 Philadelphia Eagles to advance to four consecutive conference championship games. Only the 2001-04 Philadelphia Eagles; 1990-93 Buffalo Bills (4); 1970-73 and 1992-95 Dallas Cowboys (4) and 1973-77 Oakland Raiders (5) are the only other teams with 4 or more consecutive conference championship game appearances.
  • Only Green Bay and New England have made the NFL Playoffs every season since 2009.
  • Patriots are 3-4 in Super Bowl Games:
Date Super Bowl Location Opponent W/L Score
2/5/2012 XLVI Indianapolis IN New York Giants L 21-17
2/3/2008 XLII Glendale AZ New York Giants L 17-14
2/6/2005 XXXIX Jacksonville FL Philadelphia W 24-21
2/1/2004 XXXVIII Houston TX Carolina W 32-29
2/3/2002 XXXVI New Orleans LA St. Louis W 20-17
1/26/1997 XXXIX New Orleans LA Green Bay L 35-21
1/26/1986 XX New Orleans LA Chicago L 46-10
  • New England is first team to have earned 10 first round byes and first AFC team with five consecutive byes in the playoffs since this playoff format was established in 1990.
  • They are 13-3 in playoff games at Gillette Stadium and 17-4 at home overall. They are 10-14 as the road team in the post season (including neutral sites).
  • They have a home winning percentage in the postseason of .810 (17-4) that is second best behind Seattle’s .846 (11-2) among teams with at least 10 home playoff games.
  • Since the 1970 merger the Patriots are tied for 3rd all time (Miami) with 29 winning seasons behind Dallas (30) and Pittsburgh (32).
  • New England has the 5th most playoff wins in NFL history with 27. Only Green Bay (30), San Francisco (31), Pittsburgh (33) and Dallas (34) have more.
  • Patriots had most playoff wins in the 2000’s decade (14) tying for most playoff wins in a decade with the 1970’s Pittsburgh Steelers and 1970’s Dallas Cowboys.
  • Patriots Playoff Record by Round:
Round W/L Record
First Round* 0-1
Wild Card 4-3
Division Game 12-6
AFC Championship 8-3
AFL Championship 0-1
Super Bowl 3-4

* 1982 Strike Season format

  • The Patriots have 4 players who have never played in the postseason and 17 players with Super Bowl experience.

The Kraft Family Era (1994-present):

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

  • Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
  • Have the most regular season wins, 229.
  • Have the most wins including playoffs, 252.
  • Tied with Halas family for fastest owners to 250 wins (358 games).
  • Have the most conference titles, 7.
  • Have the most division titles, 14.
  • Have the most playoff wins, 23
  • Have played the most playoff games, 35.
  • Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 16.
  • The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
  • Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

The 23 playoff wins under their ownership is the 4th most in NFL history. Only the Rooney family (Pittsburgh, 33), the Green Bay Packers (public ownership, 31), and the Mara Family (New York Giants, 24) have more.

In the Belichick Era (2000-present):

  • The Patriots are the top seed in the AFC for the fifth time since 2003. They were also the #1 seed in 2007, 2010 and 2011.
  • In Belichick’s 15 seasons Patriots are 95-25 in the second half of the season. They have gone 8-0 four times and 7-1 FOUR times.
  • Since 2001 the Patriots are 84-22 in games played on or after Thanksgiving that’s the best record in the NFL.
  • Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 150-42.
  • New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 14 seasons. Green Bay is 2nd with 6 seasons and then Cincinnati with 3 seasons in a row.
  • Have had 9 seasons under Belichick in which the defense has allowed 20 points per game or less (2001, 2003-04, 2006-10, 2014).
  • Have had 9 first round byes under Belichick since 2001 including 5 in a row.
  • Since 2011 they are PLUS 63 in turnover differential best in the NFL.
  • Since 2010 they have 10 TD’s or safeties on special teams (2nd in NFL) and 9 takeaways on punts or KOR (5th).

Against the Seahawks:

Past playoff battles:

  • None
  • Patriots are 8-8 vs. Seahawks. They are 4-5 as the home team and 4-3 as the road team.
  • New England had a 3-2 record in 2014 against common opponents (Green Bay L; San Diego W; Denver W; Oakland W; Kansas City L).
  • New England has twice shutout Seattle in the series, 31-0 in 1977 and 16-0 in 1982.
  • Teams met 12 times between 1980 and 1993 but only three times since (2004, 2008, and 2012).
  • Seahawks are the only non-division opponent the Patriots played twice in one regular season (1993). That was the one year the NFL had an 18-week schedule with 2 bye weeks.

Last Game vs. the Colts:

  • Tied franchise record for most points in a game (45) set in 2011 vs. Denver in AFC Division game.
  • Set franchise record for largest margin of victory in playoffs (38).
  • Had 177 rushing yards marking the 5th time in 45 playoff games they have exceeded 175 rushing yards in a game. Three of those games have been against Indianapolis.
  • RB LeGarrett Blount had 30 carries for 148 yards and 3 TD’s.
  • Allowed zero second half points.
  • Outscored the Colts 28-0 in the second half.
  • OL Cameron Flemming was eligible 28 times as the fifth receiver he had zero targets.
  • Edelman also had 71 yards on 3 punt returns with a long of 45 yards.
  • Patriots had the ball for 37:49; Indianapolis had it for 22:11.
  • New England had 397 total yards to Indianapolis 209.
  • Patriots had 6 penalties vs. the Colts for 45 yards.
  • Seven of the Colts top 10 yardage plays allowed by the Patriots were passing plays the longest being 36 yards (Andrew Luck to T.Y. Hilton). Their longest rush against the defense was 17 yards by Daniel Herron.
  • Seven of the top 10 yardage plays for the Patriots were pass plays the longest being the 30-yard pass by Tom Brady to Shane Vereen. The longest run play was a 22-yard rush by LeGarrett Blount.

In the 2014 Season:

  • Patriots opponents for 2015 are: Home – Miami, NYJets, Buffalo, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Washington. Road – Miami, NYJets, Buffalo, Denver, Indianapolis, Houston, Dallas and NY Giants.
  • They were 8-3 against opponents with a winning record.
  • Scored 52 TD’s fifth most in team history and 468 points also fifth most in team history.
  • Lead NFL with most red zone points (338) having converted on 61 of 67 red zone opportunities (39 TD’s; 22 FG).
  • Longest Patriots drive by play was 17 plays (twice Week 14 at San Diego; Week 8 vs. Chicago), longest by time was 7:56 (Week 14 at San Diego).
  • First downs by Patriots offense in a game, most (33) Week 11 at Indianapolis, fewest (13) Week 4 at Kansas City.
  • Third down efficiency 98/221 (44.3%); 4th down efficiency 7/13 (53.8%).
  • They had 5848 yards, ran 1073 plays of which 438 were rush attempts and averaged 5.5 yards per play.
  • The offensive line allowed 26 sacks for 170 lost yards and had 9 INT’s.
  • They had 34 passing TD’s and 13 rushing TD’s. They also had 2 fumble recovery TD’s, a punt returned for a TD and 2 blocked kicks returned for TD’s.
  • They did not allow a kick of any form to be blocked this year.
  • They fumbled 13 times (Brady, 6) and only lost 4 (Brady, 3) this season.
  • Their average time of possession was 29:37.
  • First downs allowed by the Patriots defense in a game, most (28) Week 6 vs. NY Jets and the fewest, (13) Week 14 at San Diego.
  • 3rd down conversions allowed 84/209 (40.2%), 4th down conversions allowed 8/23 (34.8%).
  • They allowed 3,837 total yards, and had 1,033 plays run against them of which 419 were rushing attempts and allowed 5.3 yards per play.
  • They had 40 sacks on the season for 282 yards and had 16 INT’s.
  • They allowed 24 passing TD’s, 6 rushing TD’s, 1 INT return TD and 1 fumble return TD.
  • They forced 19 fumbles and recovered 9.
  • They had 5 blocked kicks four of them were FGA’s and 1 punt.
  • Have 14 consecutive winning seasons by far the most currently in the NFL.
  • They have scored 40 or more points five times this season tying the franchise record set in 2012.
  • New England had 120 penalties this season and was penalized 1,080 yards. This eclipses the Patriots totals for 2013 when they had 69 penalties and lost 625 yards.
  • New England is PLUS 12 in turnover differential they are 2nd in the NFL. They have 16 INT and have recovered 9 fumbles while they have thrown 9 INT’s and lost 4 fumbles.
  • They scored 112 points off of takeaways and gave up 51 points on giveaways for PLUS 61 points.
  • The Patriots were 4th in points scored averaging 29.3 points per game and 8th in points allowed with 19.6 points per game.
  • Revis and Gronkowski were also selected as First Team All-Pro’s. Gronk’s selection was unanimous as he had all 50 votes. Gostkowski was selected as a Second Team All-Pro.

Patriots Staff Notes

Bill Belichick notes:

  • Bill Belichick is 3-2 vs. Seattle he is 2-1 as the head coach in New England.
  • Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 211-107 in his 20th NFL season as a head coach. He is 173-63 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 21-9 in the playoffs, 20-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 232-117.
  • Belichick’s 21 postseason wins make him first all-time.
  • Belichick’s 232 wins are good for 4th all-time. Passed Curly Lambeau (229) for 4th all-time Week 16 at NYJets with a 17-16 win.
  • Is tied with Curly Lambeau for the second most consecutive winning seasons as a head coach with 14. Tom Landry is first with 20.
  • He has won 6 conference titles and is tied with Don Shula.
  • Has been to 9 conference championship games second only to Tom Landry (10).
  • No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 9 (six as a head coach).
  • He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.
  • Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).
  • Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.
  • He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.
  • With 12 Division Titles has the most of any head coach since the merger.
  • He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 12 consecutive seasons.
  • Has twelve 11-win seasons (11 with New England) in his career, only Don Shula (13) has more.
  • Has nine 12-win seasons in his career.
  • He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.

Other staff/personnel notes:

  • Josh McDaniels is in his 3rd season as offensive coordinator in his second time in the position. McDaniels has been the offensive coordinator for New England (2012-present; 2006-2008) and St.Louis (2011). He was also the head coach for Denver (2009-10) and the quarterbacks coach in New England (2004-05).
  • Matt Patricia is in his 3rd season as the defensive coordinator (2012-present). He has been with New England since 2004 serving as assistant offensive line coach (2004-05), linebackers coach (2006-10) and safeties coach (2011).

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

  • LT: Solder
  • LG: Connolly
  • C: Stork
  • RG: Wendell
  • RT: Vollmer
  • TE: Gronkowski
  • WR: Amendola
  • WR: LaFell
  • WR: Edelman
  • QB: Brady
  • RB: Blount

Defense:

  • DE: Ninkovich
  • DT: Wilfork
  • DT: Branch
  • DE: Cha. Jones
  • LB: Collins
  • LB: Ayers
  • LB: Hightower
  • LCB: Revis
  • RCB: Browner
  • S: Chung
  • S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

  • This is his 15th NFL season he is 1-1 vs. Seattle in his career. He is 3-2 in Super Bowls. This is his 6th Super Bowl he ties Buffalo’s Mike Lodish for most appearances in a Super Bowl.
  • In his last game against the Seahawks he was 36 of 58 (62.1%) for 395 yards, 2 TD’s, 2 INT’s.
  • In 2 career games vs. Seattle Brady is 55 of 88 (62.5%) for 626 yards, 3 TD’s and 3 INT’s.
  • Is making his 29th career playoff start most in NFL history for a quarterback and will tie Jerry Rice for 2nd most all-time. Former Patriot Adam Vinatieri is the all-time leader with 30 postseason games.
  • Overall he is 160-48 as a starting QB and is 20-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 180-56. He is a 10 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.
  • Has won 12 Division Titles the most of any quarterback.
  • Has 8 comeback wins in the post season including three in Super Bowls. Two of those Super Bowl comebacks were completed with 1:21 or less left on the clock.
  • His 20 post season wins are the most by any quarterback.
  • Along with Bart Starr, Eli Manning and Bradshaw, his two Super Bowl MVP awards are second only to Joe Montana who has three.
  • Has second most 300-yard games in the postseason with 7. Peyton Manning has the most, 9.
  • All-time NFL leader in post season TD passes (49), completions (646) and passing attempts (1,035) and passing yards (7,017).
  • Will set NFL record for most Super Bowl starts by a QB (6).
  • Has most Super Bowl passing yards (1,277), most completions (127) and tied for second with Terry Bradshaw for most TD passes (9) behind Joe Montana (11).
  • In 5 Super Bowls he is 127 for 197 (64.5%) for 1,277 yards, 9 TD’s and 2 INT’s.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

  • Missed the 2013 post season with an injury, will play in his 8th career playoff game. This is his 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Had 7 catches for 108 yards and 1 TD vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Led team in TD’s with 12 and receiving yards with 1,124 on 82 catches (2nd on team).
  • Has caught a pass in 65 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak currently for a tight end.
  • He is the 9th tight end in NFL history to have at least two seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards.
  • Led NFL tight ends in receiving yards (1,124), receiving yards per game (74.9), TD catches (12), 1st down receptions (60) and receptions of 25 or more yards (10).
  • Became 9th Patriots player with 300 or more career receptions.
  • First TE in NFL history to have four seasons with 10 or more TD catches when he grabbed a 14-yard Tom Brady pass at San Diego Week 14. He was equaled by San Diego TE Antonio Gates Week 15 vs. Denver.
  • Had 9 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.
  • Had 9 catches for 149-yards and 3 TD’s vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 1 TD vs. Cincinnati Week 5.

Julian Edelman notes:

  • Will play in his 10th career playoff game. This is his 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Had 9 catches for 98 yards and 3 punt returns for 71 yards for 169 total yards vs. Indianapolis in the AFC Championship Game.
  • Had 8 catches for 74 yards and threw his 1st NFL TD pass vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Led team in receiving with 92 catches and is 2nd with 972 receiving yards.
  • In franchise history he is 1st in punt return average (12.2), 3rd in punt return yardage (1,616) and 4th in total returns (132).
  • He is 5th all-time in the NFL in punt return average for players with at least 75 returns and is second among active players trailing only Devin Hester (12.3).
  • Is third in NFL in catches last two seasons with 197.
  • Had 8 catches for 141 yards an 1 TD Week 14 at San Diego it was his 5th career 100-yard game.
  • Had career long 69-yard TD catch at San Diego in Week 14.
  • Now has 5 career games with 10 or more catches after an 11-catch game Week 12 vs. Detroit (11 catches, 89 yards).
  • Had 9 catches for 89 yards and 1 TD and an 84-yard punt return for a TD Week 9 vs. Denver for 173 total yards.
  • Punt return TD vs. Denver Week 9 was his 13th punt return of 30+ yards (2nd in franchise history) and his 4th for a TD (new team record).
  • Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).

Jonas Gray notes:

  • This will be his 2nd career playoff game he was held out vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game with an ankle injury. This is his 1st Super Bowl.
  • Led team in rushing TD’s (5) and rushing yards (412).
  • In Week 11 at Indianapolis had 37 carries for 201 yards and 4 TD’s.
  • Gray set a franchise record with 4 TD’s Week 11 at Indianapolis. Breaking the record shared by Corey Dillon (vs. Detroit 2006), Curtis Martin (vs. Miami 1996), Mosi Tatupu (at LA Rams, 1993), Tony Collins (vs. NY Jets 1983) and Sam “Bam” Cunningham (at Buffalo, 1974) who all had 3 rushing TD’s in a regular season game.
  • Gray’s 201 yards rushing (Week 11 at Indianapolis) are third most in team history behind Jim Nance (208, 1966 vs. Oakland) and Tony Collins (212, 1983 vs. NY Jets).

Tim Wright notes:

  • This will be his 3rd career playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.
  • Had 6 TD catches this season a new career high.
  • Had 5 catches for 36 yards including 2 for TD’s vs. Detroit Week 12.
  • Had 7 catches for 61-yards and a TD vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Has TD catches in 4 of the last 6 games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo, Week 8 vs. Chicago and Week 11 at Indianapolis.

Brandon LaFell notes:

  • This will be his 4th career playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.
  • Had 5 catches for 62 yards and 1 TD vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Had career high’s in receptions (74), yards (953) and TD’s (7).
  • Had 5 catches for 38 yards and 2 TD’s Week 13 at Green Bay. It was his second 2 TD game of the year and third of his career.
  • Had 9 catches for a team high 98 yards Week 12 vs. Detroit.
  • Had 11 catches for 124 yards (both career highs) and 1 TD vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Had 4 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s at Buffalo Week 6 it was his 2nd two TD game of his career.

Shane Vereen notes:

  • Will play in his 7th career playoff game. This is his 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Set new career high for catches (52) receiving yards with 447 receiving yards this season.
  • Had 391 rushing yards for the season, second on the team.
  • Caught his 48th pass of the season to set a new career high vs. Miami Week 15.
  • Had 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and 5 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD’s for 114 total yards from scrimmage Week 7 vs. New York.
  • Had 90 rushing yards on 9 carries and 3 catches for 18 receiving yards for 108 yards from scrimmage Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

LeGarrette Blount notes:

  • Will play in his 5th career NFL playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.
  • Had second career postseason 100-yard rushing game vs. Colts with 148 yards and 3 TD’s on 30 carries.
  • The 148 rushing yards are second in franchise history behind his 166 rushing yards vs. Indianapolis in the 2013 AFC Division Game.
  • Has 7 postseason TD’s which is the team record.
  • Ran for 78 yards and 2 TD’s on 12 carries in his Patriots return vs. Detroit Week 12. The 2 TD game was the 4th of his career and 2nd as a Patriot.
  • Set franchise record for most rushing TD’s in a game with 4 vs. Indianapolis in 2013 AFC Division game.
  • Became first NFL running back to have over 125-yards rushing and 4 TD’s in a playoff game, 2013 AFC Division Game vs. Indianapolis.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

  • Will play in his 17th career playoff game. This is his 3rd Super Bowl.
  • Became 11th kicker to reach 100 career postseason points vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Has 8th most postseason points in NFL history (113).
  • Holds franchise record for most points (1,179). He set the record previously held by Adam Vinatieri on a 35-yard 3rd quarter field goal Week 15 vs. Miami.
  • Set team record for field goal percentage (.946) by making 35 of 37 field goals.
  • Had a 15-point game vs. Chicago Week 8 with 3 field goals and 6 XPT’s.
  • Had a 19-point game vs. Cincinnati Week 5 with 5 field goals and 4 XPT’s. The five field goals were a new career high.
  • Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season.
  • Has led the NFL in points the last three seasons (2012-14).
  • Led NFL in made field goals (35).

Vince Wilfork notes:

  • Missed the 2013 post season with an injury. This will be his 21st career playoff game. This is his 4th Super Bowl.
  • Has played third most playoff games in team history behind Tedy Bruschi (22) and Tom Brady (28).
  • Had 4 tackles (2 solo) vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Had 9 tackles (4 solo) and blocked a field goal attempt Week 16 at NYJets.
  • Was in on 6 tackles (2 solo) Week 6 at Buffalo.
  • Had his 3rd career INT vs. Oakland Week 3. He is the first Patriots lineman to have 3 career INT’s.
  • Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

  • Will play in his 9th career playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.
  • Had his first Patriots postseason INT vs. Indianapolis in AFC Championship Game.
  • Led team with 14 passes defensed.
  • Had 4 passes defensed Week 12 vs. Detroit.
  • Got his 2nd INT of the year at the end of half Week 8 vs. Chicago.
  • Had his first forced fumble of the year Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.
  • In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.
  • Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

  • Will play in his 11th playoff game. This is his 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Had 6 tackles (2 solo) and 1 QB hit vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Leads team with 8 sacks and has 56 tackles (45 solo) for 5th on the team.
  • Week 15 vs. Miami recorded his 8th sack of the season for the third year in a row. He’s first Patriots player do that since Hall of Famer Andre Tippett did it 1985-87.
  • Had 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT and 1 pass defensed vs. Denver Week 9.
  • Had his 13th career fumble recovery Week 8 vs. Chicago. The 13-fumble recoveries are the most in the NFL since 2010.
  • The TD return was the second of his career. He had an INT return for TD in 2011 Week 9 at NY Jets.
  • Week 6 at Buffalo had 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 sacks. It was his first career 3-sack day.
  • Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.

Dont’a Hightower notes:

  • Will play in his 7th career playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.
  • Had 8 tackles (4 solo) and 2 tackles for loss vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Second on team in tackles with 92 (69 solo) and tied for second with 6 sacks.
  • Had 9 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 16 at NYJets.
  • Had 10 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 13 at Green Bay.
  • Had 10 tackles (4 solo) vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Returned after a 2 week absence and had 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 7 vs. the Jets.
  • Missed 3 games this season due to injuries: Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo and Week 14 at San Diego and a 4th for rest Week 17 vs. Buffalo.
  • His 5 sacks is a new career high.
  • Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.
  • Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.

Chandler Jones notes:

  • Will play in his 7th playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.
  • His older brother Arthur plays for the Colts.
  • Had 4 tackles (3 solo) and 2 QB hits vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Recovered a fumble in the end zone for a TD Week 16 – 2013 at Baltimore.
  • Second on team with 6 sacks.
  • Returned Week 15 vs. Miami from a hip injury suffered Week 7 vs. NY Jets. He had 7 tackles (4 solo), 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits and 1 forced fumble.
  • Scored his 2nd NFL TD Week 2 at Minnesota when he blocked a field goal attempt and returned it 58-yards. His first NFL TD was Week 16, 2013 at Baltimore on a fumble recovery. It was his second blocked field goal attempt (2013 Week 8 vs. Miami).
  • Had the 5th blocked field goal returned for a TD in Patriots history Week 2 at Minnesota, first since 2010 when Patrick Chung returned one at Miami.
  • Now has 5 career 2-sack games with a pair at Minnesota in Week 2.
  • Along with Dont’a Hightower he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 3 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, the blocked field goal attempt and return for TD.

Jamie Collins notes:

  • Will play in his 5th career playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.
  • Had his 2nd career postseason INT in AFC Championship Game vs. Indianapolis.
  • Led team with 11 tackles (8 solo) also had 1 QB hit and 2 passes defensed vs. Baltimore in the AFC Division Game.
  • Leads team with 109 tackles (74 solo), forced fumbles (4), fumble recoveries (2) and is tied in INT’s (2). Also had 4 passes defensed.
  • Had 5 tackles (1 solo),a sack, a QB hit, a forced fumble and fumble recovery Week 17 vs. Buffalo.
  • Had 11 tackles (6 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 INT and 1 pass defensed Week 16 at NYJets.
  • Had his first career 2-sack game Week 14 at San Diego and led team with 9 tackles (8 solo). Also had 3 tackles for loss and 2 QB hits.
  • Led team in tackles Week 8 vs. Chicago with 11 (6 solo), Week 9 vs. Denver with 11 (10 solo), Week 11 at Indianapolis with 8 (5 solo) and Week 13 at Green Bay with 13 (7 solo).
  • Had 13 tackles (7 solo), 1 sack and his 3rd forced fumble of the season at Green Bay Week 13.
  • Had two tackles for loss and forced his second fumble of the year Week 11 at Indianapolis.
  • Had 13 tackles (7 solo) Week 7 vs. NY Jets.
  • Had 4 tackles (2 solo) and an INT Week 6 at Buffalo. It was his first NFL INT.

Kyle Arrington notes:

  • Will play in his 12th career playoff game. This is his 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Had 6 tackles (4 solo) vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Was inactive Week 16 at NYJets with a hamstring injury.
  • Had his second career blocked field goal return for a TD Week 15 vs. Miami.
  • Had his 4th career TD (2 on blocked FGA, 2 on INT’s) Week 15 vs. Miami.
  • Has a sack, 4 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles this season.

General Team news:

Roster moves/transactions this week:

Patriots team captains for 2014:

  • QB Tom Brady
  • G/C Dan Connolly
  • WR Matthew Slater (special teams)
  • DT Vince Wilfork
  • LB Jerod Mayo (IR)
  • S Devin McCourty (replaces Mayo)

Former Seahawks on the Patriots:

Players with New England roots:

  • none

Players with Washington roots:

  • none

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

  • RB James Develin – Brown

Players from Washington based colleges and universities:

  • none

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

Seahawks Team Notes

Small team logo

Here is the Seahawks roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Seahawks Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

  • Seattle’s all-time record is 306-307-0. They have won one Super Bowl (XLVIII) in two appearances. Overall they are 14-12 in the post season.
  • Their last post season appearance prior to this season was in 2013. That season they beat the New Orleans Saints 23-15 in the NFC Division Game at home, the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 at home in the NFC Championship Game and the Denver Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII.
  • Seattle is the only team in the Super Bowl era to switch conferences twice. Played first year in NFC West (1976) then were moved to AFC West (1977-2001) then when realignment took place they moved back to the NFC West (2002-present).
  • Since realignment in 2002 they have the second best home record in the NFC at 73-31.
  • Since 2003 have sold out 105 consecutive home games.

In the Playoffs:

  • They are 2-0 in the 2014 playoffs having beaten Carolina 31-17 in the NFC Division Game and Green Bay 28-22 (OT) in the NFC Championship Game.
  • They are the 12th team to make it back to the Super Bowl after winning the previous season the other 11 teams went 8-3 in the effort to repeat.
  • Only Dallas (1977-78), Washington (1982-83) and Green Bay (1996-97) have failed to repeat.
  • Trying to be first repeat champion since the 2003-04 New England Patriots.
  • Second year in a row they have made the Super Bowl as the #1 seed in the NFC.
  • Third time in franchise history they were the #1 seed (2005, 2013, 2014) and they made the Super Bowl all three times.
  • Have won their division nine times in team history. They won the AFC West twice (1988, 1999) and the NFC West seven times (2004-07, 2010, 2013-14).
  • They are the only NFL team to have played in the NFC and AFC Conference Championship games.
  • First post merger expansion team to reach multiple or back-to-back Super Bowls.
  • The Seahawks have made the playoffs in 14 of their 39 seasons.
  • Have won their last 9 home postseason games dating back to 2005.
  • Had third largest postseason comeback to win after trailing 16-0 at half time in the NFC Championship Game.
  • Seattle is 1-1 in Super Bowl Games:
Date Super Bowl Location Opponent W/L Score
2/2/2014 XLVIII Meadowlands NJ Denver W 43-8
2/5/2005 XL Detroit MI Pittsburgh L 21-10
  • Seattle has 3 players with no playoff experience.
  • The Seahawks are returning 33 players who played in last years Super Bowl.
  • P Jon Ryan has the most playoff experience with 11 games.

Paul Allen Era (1997-present):

  • He is the co-founder of Microsoft along with Bill Gates.
  • He is listed as the 55th richest person in the world with his fortune estimated at $17.1 Billion.
  • Purchased the Seahawks in 1997 to save them from being moved to Southern California.
  • Under his ownership the team has flourished winning three NFC Championships and one Super Bowl.
  • In addition to the Seahawks, Allen owns the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers (since 1988) and is part owner of the Seattle Sounders of the MLS.
  • He is also the founder of the Allen Institute for Brain Science, the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and Stratolaunch Systems as well as chairman of Vulcan Inc.
  • He invests heavily in science, aerospace, medical causes, the arts, museums and universities.
  • He owns 33.5% of Ticketmaster. He previously owned 80% but sold 47.5% to Home Shopping Network for $209 Million in HSN stock.

In the Pete Carroll era (2010-present):

  • Won NFC West three times in his five seasons.
  • Teams have advanced to the divisional round 4 times since 2010.
  • They have won the NFC Championship twice and Super Bowl once under Carroll.
  • Seahawks are 33-6 in games under Carroll when they win the turnover battle.
  • Since 2011 they are PLUS 51 in turnover differential, 3rd best in NFL.
  • Since 2010 Seattle has 15 blocked kicks (2nd in NFL), 11 touchdowns or safeties on special teams (1st) and 14 takeaways on punts and KOR (1st).

Against the Patriots:

Past playoff battles:

  • None
  • They are 8-8 vs. New England all-time they are 3-4 at home and 5-4 on the road.
  • Seattle had a 4-2 record in 2014 against common opponents including playoffs (Green Bay W; San Diego L; Denver W; Oakland W; Kansas City L; Green Bay – playoffs W).

In 2014:

  • Seattle was 6-3 vs. teams with winning records.
  • Ended season with franchise best 6-game win streak.
  • Did not allow a fourth quarter point in the last 6 games of the regular season.
  • Led NFL for third season with fewest points allowed and for the second season fewest yards per game allowed.
  • Lead NFL with 74 passes of 16 or more yards and 61 rushes of 12 or more yards.
  • Set Century Link Field attendance record vs. Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game (68,538).
  • Had third fewest giveaways in NFL (14) only New England (13) and Green Bay (13) were better.
  • Former Patriots S Lawyer Milloy was one of the 12th man flag raisers this season for Seattle. He played his final two seasons with the Seahawks (2009-10).
  • Traveled the 2nd most miles in NFL in 2014 (26,028).
  • Seattle had 130 penalties and they were penalized 1,009 yards.
  • Seattle was PLUS 10 in turnover differential good for 4th in the NFL. They have 13 INT’s and have recovered 11 fumbles while they have thrown 7 INT’s and lost 7 fumbles.
  • The Seahawks were 10th in points scored averaging 14.6 points per game and 1st in fewest points allowed with 15.9 points per game.

Seahawks Staff Notes

Pete Carroll notes:

  • Pete Carroll is in his 5th year as head coach of the Seahawks and his 9th overall as a NFL head coach. He has an overall record of 83-61 in the regular season, he is 50-30 with Seattle, was 27-21 in 3 seasons with New England and 6-10 in one season with the New York Jets. Carroll is 8-4 in the post season (7-2 with Seattle, 1-2 with New England) for a total NFL record of 91-65.
  • He has won one Super Bowl (XLVIII).
  • Carroll is 2-1 vs. New England in his career he is 1-0 with Seattle and 1-1 with the New York Jets.
  • Carroll as served as the head coach of the University of Southern California (2001-09) and won two National Championships (2003, 2004) one of which was vacated for NCAA violations (2004). His overall USC record was 97-20, which includes the 15 vacated games in 2004 and 2005 (14-1).
  • Carroll also served as defensive coordinator for San Francisco (1995-96) and the NY Jets (1990-93) and as defensive backs coach for Minnesota (1985-89) and Buffalo (1984).

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

  • Darrell Bevell is in his 4th season as the Seahawks offensive coordinator (2011-present) he was previously the offensive coordinator for Minnesota (2006-10). Was the wide receivers coach at UConn in 1998-99.
  • Dan Quinn is the defensive coordinator for Seattle since 2013. He was previously the defensive coordinator/defensive line coach at the University of Florida (2011-12) and defensive line coach for Seattle (2009-10), NY Jets (2007-08), Miami (2005-06) and San Francisco (2003-04). It is expected that he will be named head coach of the Atlanta Falcons after the Super Bowl.
  • Quarterbacks coach Carl Smith was with Carroll as the Patriots assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach in 1997 and tight ends coach in 1998-99.

Seahawks Possible Starters

Offense:

  • LT: Okung
  • LG: Carpenter
  • C: Unger
  • RG: Sweezy
  • RT: Bailey
  • TE: Willson
  • WR: Baldwin
  • WR: Kearse
  • WR: Lockette
  • QB: Wilson
  • RB: Lynch

Defense:

  • DE: Bennett
  • DT: McDaniel
  • DT: Williams
  • DE: Avril
  • LB: Irvin
  • LB: Wagner
  • LB: Wright
  • LCB: Sherman
  • RCB: Maxwell
  • S: Chancellor
  • S: Thomas

Seahawks Players Notes

Russell Wilson notes:

  • Is 36-12 in his 3rd NFL season he is 6-1 in the playoffs for an overall record of 42-13. Has been selected to the two Pro Bowls.
  • Seattle drafted Wilson in the 3rd round (75th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin. He previously played at North Carolina State where he also played baseball.
  • The Baltimore Orioles selected him in the 41st round (1,222nd overall) in the 2007 MLB draft but chose college. He was drafted again by the Colorado Rockies in the 4th round (140th overall) in the 2010 MLB draft and actually played two seasons of minor league baseball. In 2013 his baseball rights were acquired by the Texas Rangers in the Rule 5 draft.
  • He is 1-0 vs. New England in his career.
  • In 2012 his only game vs. the Patriots he was 16 of 27 for 293 yards, 3 TD’s and 0 INT’s.
  • This is his 8th postseason game, 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Threw just the 5th postseason OT TD.
  • First QB to start Super Bowl in 2 of his first 3 seasons.
  • Youngest QB to start two Super Bowls.
  • In Super Bowl XLVIII he was 18 of 25 (72%) for 206 yards, 2 TD’s and 0 INT’s.
  • Had 172 passing yards and 107 rushing yards vs. NYGiants Week 10.
  • Had three 100-yard rushing games in 2014. Week 5 at Washington (122 yards), Week 10 vs. NY Giants (107 yards) and Week 7 at St. Louis (106 yards).
  • Had 849 rushing yards in 2014 the 5th most all-time for a quarterback.
  • First QB to ever have 300 passing yards and 100 rushing yards in same game (Week 7 at St. Louis).
  • Has most regular season (36) and overall wins (42) by a QB after his first three seasons.
  • Has 15 career 4th quarter comebacks and 9 game winning drives.

Marshawn Lynch notes:

  • This is his 9th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Set franchise postseason record with 157 rushing yards vs. Green Bay in NFC Championship.
  • In 2012 vs. New England had 15 carries for 41 yards and 1 catch for 11 yards.
  • Had career high 4 rushing TD’s Week 10 vs. NY Giants to go along with 140 rushing yards.
  • Had career high 17 TD’s in 2014 (13 rushing, 4 receiving).
  • Has 24 games with 100 yard rushing since 2011 most in NFL in that span.
  • Only player since 2011 with four 1,000 yard rushing and 10 rushing TD seasons.
  • Leads NFL with 56 TD’s since 2011.
  • Was 4th leading rusher in NFL in 2014 (1,306 yards), had 5th most yards from scrimmage (1,673), 5th in first downs (81) and 9th in 3rd and one conversion pct (92.3% 12 of 13).
  • Selected to 5th Pro Bowl and as a second team All-Pro.

Jermaine Kearse notes:

  • This is his 8th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Set career high with 129 receiving yards vs. Carolina in NFC Division Game.
  • Second on team with 38 catches and 537 receiving yards.
  • Set franchise postseason record with 63-yard TD reception vs. Carolina in NFC Division Game.
  • Has game winning TD catch in the last two NFC Championship Games.

Doug Baldwin notes:

  • This is his 8th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Led team in catches (66) and receiving yards (825).
  • Was second on team in receiving TD’s (3)
  • Had 6 punt returns for 42 yards and 5 KOR for 81 yards.

Kam Chancellor notes:

  • This is his 10th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Has an INT in 3 of the last 4 postseason games.
  • Set a Seahawks postseason record with a 90-yard INT return for a TD vs. Carolina in the NFC Division Game. It’s tied for 5th longest postseason INT return in NFL history.
  • Had 1 regular season INT, 6 passes defensed and 1 forced fumble.
  • Selected to 3rd Pro Bowl and as a second team All-Pro.
  • 4th on team in tackles with 76 (58 solo).

Richard Sherman notes:

  • This is his 8th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Led team with 4 INT’s all came in the last 9 games of the year.
  • Had 8 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble and 57 tackles (45 solo).
  • Since 2011 has most INT’s in the NFL (24) and is 2nd in passes defensed (68).
  • Tied for 2nd most INT’s in first four NFL seasons (24) with former Seahawk Kenny Easley.
  • Was a wide receiver in college.
  • Selected to 2nd Pro Bowl and as a first team All-Pro.

Bobby Wagner notes:

  • This is his 8th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Has 3 consecutive 100-tackle seasons.
  • Selected to 1st Pro Bowl and as a first team All-Pro.
  • Had 104 tackles (67 solo) to rank 2nd on the team.
  • Had 2 sacks in 2014.

K.J. Wright notes:

  • This is his 7th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Led team with 107 tackles (74 solo).
  • Also had 2 sacks, 2 QB hits, 4 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery.
  • Was drafted by Seattle with the pick received from New England in the Deion Branch trade.

Cliff Avril notes:

  • This is his 7th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Has 13 sacks and 6 forced fumbles in two seasons in Seattle.
  • Is 19th in NFL with 42 sacks since 2010.
  • Is 3rd in NFL with 22 forced fumbles since 2008.
  • Had 5 sacks, 20 QB hits, 1 pass defensed, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery in 2014.

General Team notes:

Seahawks team captains for 2014 are:

Players who attended New England based universities or colleges:

Players with New England roots:

  • K Steven Hauschka – Needham MA
  • LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (IR) – Norwalk CT

Former Patriots with the Seahawks:

The Seahawks have 4 retired numbers:

Thanks for reading all this year and have a great off season. – Steve and Ian.