Bleacher Report - Articles by Mikey Tolvo

To Keep or Not To Keep: How Long Will Varitek Continue To Play For the Red Sox?

Mikey Tolvo — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:17:37 -0400

The Red Sox are in the middle of a playoff push, but there is another question that they will have to look over this offseason—an offseason, sad to say, which may come sooner than they hope.

This is Tek's 11th year with the Red Sox, and the way he handles the pitching staff has been invaluable. He is great with all the pitchers, but when he is facing pitchers at the plate, his production has been dropping.

In 2007, the captain's numbers were decent. He had a .255 average and 17 homers, and he was still performing a little above average. But one thing that Varitek has never been is a clutch hitter.

He has only reached the 80 RBI mark once in his career. Even if he wasn't clutch, in the past, he hit home runs and could put up the singles and doubles. But this year, even those numbers have been dropping.

His .223 average this year is the worst it's ever been. His home run production is second worse in his entire career, if you don't count his rookie season and the 2001 season he was injured.

Varitek's stats are far from the stats of his best year, which was 2005. His .281 average and 22 homers earned him the Silver Slugger award at catcher that year. The same year he won his only Gold Glove Award.

You look at his stats in 2005, and at his stats this season, and you will really see a big drop. This is the final year of his contract, in which he is being paid around $10 million. Maybe it's time the Red Sox be looking for a replacement.

I think that the only reason Theo Epstein is holding on to Tek is because of his fielding and leadership skills. I don't now if I am happy or sad to say this, but this season may be Jason Varitek's final year in a Red Sox uniform.

Are the Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Contenders?

Mikey Tolvo — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 06:11:18 -0400

With the 2008-'09 NHL season approaching, do the Boston Bruins have what it takes to be a Stanley Cup contender?

After a surprising first round playoff appearance last season, the Bruins are looking to make the playoffs for two consecutive years for the first time since they did it in the 2003-'04 season.

Last season, coach Claude Julien's defensive style helped the gritty Bruins to squeak into the eighth seed eliminating the Carolina Hurricanes. The Bruins have high hopes after losing in seven games to the heavily favored Montreal Canadians. The Bruins played a strong season, and were able to make the playoffs, but will their luck continue?

In net, the Bruins got solid goaltending from Tim Thomas, who posted a .921 save percentage and a 2.44 GAA. Thomas started 53 games for the Bruins, in which he posted a 28-19-6 record. Manny Fernandez only appeared in four games due to a knee injury. He hopes to post better numbers this year. He had a 2-2 record, an .832 save percentage and 3.93 GAA.

Tuukka Rask came up for a short stint with the Bruins before Alex Auld came over from Phoenix to secure the backup job. Auld was outstanding for the Bruins, putting up a .907 save percentage and only a 2.68 GAA.

The goaltending situation looks to be Thomas and Fernandez competing for the starting role, while Tuukka Rask develops in the minor leagues. Goaltending is a key point to this Bruins' team, and if they want to be in the playoffs, they're going to need sharp goaltending.

In the defensive end, the Bruins were solid last season. With Norris Trophy finalist Zdeno Chara and puck moving defenseman Dennis Wideman. Aaron Ward was a puck blocking machine, and was a very dependable defenseman. Andrew Ference was Ward's defensive partner, and was solid at the blue line. He also put up a goal and 14 assists, three better than the league average.

On the third line, Andrew Alberts delivered bone crushing hits while Mark Stuart did the same. Shane Hnidy came over from Anaheim when Alberts had concussions. He played solid and was a physical presence on the rink for the Bruins. Bobby Allen was a healthy scratch for most of the year.

For the 2008-'09 season, the Bruins have "Big Z" or Zdeno Chara and Dennis Wideman. Dennis Wideman is going to arbitration, and will play for the B's unless either side is unhappy with the arrangement. On the second line, the Bruins will have Aaron Ward and possibly Andrew Ference or Mark Stuart. Most likely Ference. On the third line, Mark Stuart and Andrew Alberts will grind it out. Shane Hnidy will be a competing with the third liners for playing time.

The Bruins have made it clear that they will part ways with Bobby Allen. The defense hasn't changed much, and should do well since they all already can play Julien's defensive system.

On offense last season the Bruins put up hideous numbers. They finished 24th in goals scored and assists with only 206 goals and 353 assists. They earned the 20th spot in shots on goal with 2339.

Marco Sturm and Chuck Kobasew were the only two Bruins to reach the 20 goal plateau. Marc Savard led the team in points with 78.

This upcoming season, the Bruins will have Patrice Bergeron back and Michael Ryder coming in. Bergeron missed 72 games last season due to a concussion courtesy of Randy Jones. Bergeron recorded three goals and four assists in ten games. Michael Ryder had a horrid season with 14 goals and 17 assists. He will look to bounce back into 30 goal form, under the watchful eye of Claude Julien.

With these two players back, the Bruins' offense already looks to be improved. David Krejci, Vladmir Sobotka, Milan Lucic, and Pettri Nokkelinen are some of their prospects that will be competing for playing time. Here is a preview of what the lines could be:

Milan Lucic Marc Savard Michael Ryder

Marco Sturm Patrice Bergeron Chuck Kobasew

P.J. Axelsson David Krejci Phil Kessel

Peter Schaefer Vladimir Sobotka Shawn Thornton

The Bruins have solid goaltending. They have reliable defense, and an offense that looks dangerous. With good coaching from Claude Julien, the Bruins are looking to make the playoffs, and maybe be a Cup contender.

Boston Bruins: The Farm System

Mikey Tolvo — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:17:53 -0400

The Bruins have a great farm system. The farm system that won the President's Trophy for the AHL, and made it to the second round of the playoffs.

The newest player to come up, David Krejci, made huge contributions in the regular season and playoffs. He stacked up 27 points over 56 games played

Players like Vladmir Sobotka, Petr Nokkelinen, Pascal Pelletier, Matt Hunwick, and Matt Lashoff already have made their NHL debuts. Tukka Rask has also helped the Bruins as well

And there is more to come. Martin Karsums, Zach Hamill, and Jeff Hoggan are others who are ready to make their mark on the big club.

This is a team with a bright future filled with talented young stars. The Bruins will be a deadly team in the years to come.

Gary Bettman Wants More Scoring?

Mikey Tolvo — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:01:47 -0400

Gary Bettman is thinking about making goalie pads EVEN smaller!

After the lockout season, they didn't let goalies wear those baggy jerseys that caught pucks under their arms. The size of equipment decreased. I have even heard talk of bigger nets.

Well, if Gary Bettman is thinking about making the nets bigger or goalie equipment smaller, I disagree.

If a team can come back from down 5-0 (Canadiens), then why does Bettman want even more scoring? Buffalo beat Carolina 8-0. With all the new technology for sticks, it's hardly fair as it is for the goalies.

The scoring is fine, Bettman. Just let them play.