MLB All-Star Game 2016: National League Deserving Starters/Actual Starters

            Major League Baseball fans did a tremendous job voting in the most worthy players to start for the American League in the 2016 All-Star Game at Petco Park in San Diego. The starting infield features undoubtedly the AL's best players at each position—Baltimore Orioles’ Manny Machado (third base), Boston Red Sox’s Xander Bogaerts (shortstop), Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve (second base) and Kansas City Royals’ Eric Hosmer (first base). 2015 World Series MVP Salvador Perez (Royals) led all players in voting and will rightfully spearhead the backstop duties for the AL, while Boston's David Ortiz—posting another superb season in his final year in MLB—will be the AL’s starting designated hitter. The face of baseball and arguably the AL’s most dominant hitter, Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels will be one of the AL's outfielders for the Midsummer Classic. Joining him will be a pair of young Red Sox’s: Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr. An argument could made for Texas Rangers outfielder Ian Desmond to start over Bradley Jr.—though voters were likely swayed by Bradley Jr.’s 29-game hit streak, the longest of the 2016 MLB season.

            The NL did not have the same luck putting forth the players whom most warranted starting jobs. And considering the All-Star Game decides home-field advantage in the World Series, it’s worth griping about the screw-ups caused by fan selection (many blame the overzealous Cubs' fans for skewing the voting tallies). Of the eight fan-picked players (the designated hitter slot will be determined in the coming days by NL Manager Terry Collins), only three should actually be starting the Midsummer Classic based off their performances thus far in 2016. A position-by-position look at the deserving starters versus the actual starters:

*Stats accurate as of 7/6/2016

Catcher

Deserving Starter: Wilson Ramos, Washington Nationals

The 28-year-old Venezuelan, Wilson Ramos leads National League catchers in home runs (13), RBIs (46), batting average (.335), on-base percentage (.390) and slugging percentage (.554).

Actual Starter: Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants

A three-time World Series champion and one-time MVP, Buster Posey is set to start behind the plate for the NL All-Star squad. Posey is hitting .289, with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs in 277 at-bats for the NL West-leading Giants this season. Posey has registered a 2.4 WAR (wins above replacement), the highest mark among NL catchers in 2016. Posey merits All-Star recognition, but Ramos has outplayed Posey and should be the NL's backstop come first pitch of the Midsummer Classic.

Fans likely voted Buster Posey to start the All-Star Game because of his career success. (Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

First Base

Deserving and Actual Starter: Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs

The power hitting lefty in the Cubs’ lethal offensive attack, Anthony Rizzo is on pace for his best season to date of his young career. Rizzo ranks first among NL first basemen in WAR (3.2), OBS (.964), SLG (.563) and RBIs (61). The cleanup hitter of the Cubs, currently holding the best record (52-31) in MLB, Rizzo has mashed 20 homers—tied with Milwaukee’s first baseman Chris Carter for fifth-most across the NL.

Second Base

Deserving Starter: Daniel Murphy, Washington Nationals

Daniel Murphy, who signed with the Nationals in free agency after his breakout postseason performance in the New York Mets’ run to the World Series, sports the highest batting average (.349) in the NL. The NL East-leading Nationals’ best hitter at the season’s midpoint, Murphy leads all NL second basemen in WAR (2.7), OPS (.969), SLG (.581), hits (110), RBIs (56), doubles (23), and places second in home runs (14), behind the Mets’ Neil Walker (15).

Actual Starter: Ben Zobrist, Chicago Cubs

Ben Zobrist joined the Cubs this offseason, reuniting with former Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon. Zobrist has been critical to the Cubs’ success with his batting and fielding prowess. He is batting .291 with a .398 OBP to go along with 11 dingers and 43 RBIs. He leads all NL second basemen with 55 runs scored. He also ranks second in field percentage (.993), trailing only Arizona’s Jean Segura (.994). Zobrist has maintained these fielding numbers—committing just two errors on the year—despite being called upon to start contests in right and left field. Zobrist has played commendably, but Murphy has been on another level this season.

Shortstop

Deserving Starter: Corey Seager, Los Angeles Dodgers

One of three Dodgers’ All-Stars (Cy Young candidate Clayton Kershaw, closer Kenley Jensen), first-year pro Corey Seager is riding a 18-game hit streak and is batting .304 with 17 homers and 41 RBIs on the season. At 22 years and 69 days old, Seager is the youngest All-Star position player in Dodgers franchise history.

Actual Starter: Addison Russell, Chicago Cubs

Russell has no business representing the National League in the All-Star Game—let alone starting the Midsummer Classic. His fielding numbers are down from a season ago and the 22-year-old is batting just .242 with 11 homers and a mere .338 OBP (90^th among MLB players). Seager and Colorado’s Trevor Story, a pair of rookie sensations, have significantly outplayed Russell. The list goes on for NL shortstops with far better 2016 campaigns than Russell—most notably Washington’s Danny Espinosa, St. Louis Cardinals’ rookie Aldemys Diaz, San Francisco’s Brandon Crawford and Milwaukee’s Jonathan Villar.

Third Base

Deserving and Actual Starter: Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs

Kris Bryant became the first player in MLB history to hit three homers and two doubles in the same game in a victory over the Cincinnati Reds in late June. He has belted a MLB-best 25 home runs this season with 64 RBIs—the second-most in the NL.

Outfield

Deserving and Actual Starter: Yoenis Cespedes, New York Mets

Acquired days before the 2015 trade deadline, Yoenis Cespedes has been masterful in his short time in New York. He carried the once-anemic Mets’ offense to a division title, and later—behind timely home runs from former Met Daniel Murphy—helped the club win its first pennant since 1986. Though the Mets, owners of the second wild-card playoff spot at the moment, have had their share of struggles from the plate, Cespedes has produced all season long, batting .299, with 21 homers and 51 RBIs.

Deserving Starters: Marcell Ozuna, Miami Marlins and Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies

Following a dismal 2015 campaign, Marlins centerfielder Marcell Ozuna is now on pace for a career season. Ozuna has a slash-line of 310/.363/.540 with 17 home runs and 47 runs batted in to keep the Marlins afloat in the NL Wild Card race.

Marcell Ozuna earned his first trip to the All-Star Game—but not in a starting role.
(Sam Mitchell/USA Today Sports)

Carlos Gonzalez has hit for power and average in 2016. He leads NL outfielders in hits (110), ranks third in batting (.316), fourth in homers (18) and tied for fifth in RBIs (51).

Actual Starters: Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals and 
Dexter Fowler, Cubs

Bryce Harper is the reigning MVP, but the upcoming All-Star Game at Petco is supposed to represent the best performers of the 2016 season. Aside from smacking 18 homers, Harper’s numbers are down in almost every hitting category. He is batting .258 and slugging only .487 (27^th among NL position players). And despite being on the team with the third-best record in the NL, Harper posts a measly 1.8 WAR (41^st among NL position players).

Dexter Fowler hasn’t played since being placed on the disabled list on June 18 with a right hamstring injury, putting his status for the All-Star Game in jeopardy. Manager Joe Maddon wants Fowler—a first-time All-Star—to play in the game but has emphasized that his outfielder’s long-term health is most important. At the start of the season, Fowler went neck-and-neck with Murphy for the league-lead in batting as he hit .347 in April. Fowler batted .295 in the month of May, before a June slump (.207) brought his season average down to .290. His low RBI total (29) further represents why the Cubs’ switch-hitting outfielder is not starting-caliber material.

Boston Red Sox 2015 All-Star Break Grades: Front Office/Management

John Farrell and Ben Cherington have overseen Boston's disastrous first half of the season. (Barry Chin/Boston Globe)

Owner John Henry
Henry was the leading force behind the signings of Hanley Ramirez (4 years, $88 million) and Pablo Sandoval (5 years, $95 million) this offseason, and right now both deals look like duds for the Boston Red Sox. Henry pushed for the two free agent splashes in an effort to increase ticket sales and TV ratings. The Red Sox may be selling more tickets than last year's last-place catastrophe but the team is back in the basement in the AL East thanks to the less-than-stellar performances by their lucrative free agent expenditures. Sandoval is batting just .265 with limited power (7 HRs and 30 RBIs) and has the second-worst fielding percentage among starting third basemen in the American League. And lets not forget he was caught liking a photo on Instagram mid-game. Ramirez, meanwhile, has looked awful in the outfield, runs the bases like a Little League player and managed just one RBI in the month of July. Ramirez has cranked 16 home runs and has been strong at the plate of late, but signing him was a huge risk because of his limitations in the field. He should be a full-time designated hitter—a slot that won't open up until after David Ortiz (who refuses to play first base on a regular basis) retires.

Grade: D-

GM Ben Cherington
As noted above, it was Henry who wanted to bring Ramirez and Sandoval to town. Nonetheless, Cherington is responsible for the trade that netted Joe Kelly and Allen Craig, both players that have been subjected to the minor leagues . Rusney Castillo, the so-called Cuban sensation who received a seven-year, $72.5 million contract this winter, was sent back to the minors after posting an awful slash line of .233/.263/.288. Castillo's woes fall on Cherington, who expected the Cuban outfielder to jumpstart a Red Sox offense that was horrific in 2014. But Cherington's most inexcusable mistake? Signing Rick Porcello to a four year, $82.5 million contract extension that runs through the 2019 season before the right-hander threw a single pitch for Boston (and yet the team refused to give Jon Lester the money he deserved during contract negotiations last regular season). The mid-season pickup of Alejandro De Aza has been a gem and the development of youngsters Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Eduardo Rodriguez has been encouraging, but too many of Cherington's moves have backfired for the Red Sox.

Grade: C-

Manager John Farrell
The Red Sox players have lost track of outs, Sandoval used his bathroom break to go on Instagram and the team shows no willpower against adversity. All of the aforementioned issues fall on Farrell. He also said he "respected" Wade Miley for throwing a tantrum on the mound in a game the disappointing left-hander crapped the bed in a loss against the Baltimore Orioles. From afar, it appears Farrell has lost complete control of the locker room.

Grade: D

David Ortiz, Mike Napoli Belt Back-to-Back HRs as Sox Sweep Twins

David Ortiz and Mike Napoli launched back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the 10th to give the Boston Red Sox a dramatic, come-from-behind 2-1 win and a three-game sweep over the visiting Minnesota Twins.

The Red Sox mustered one hit through the first nine innings—a fifth-inning double by Daniel Nava—before the extra innings heroics from their two sluggers. Ortiz wrapped his solo shot just inside the Pesky Pole in right. Napoli belted his homer to the center-field bleachers to give the Red Sox a walk-off win.

The Twins’ Kyle Gibson and the Red Sox’s John Lackey each had impeccable outings. Gibson, who retired the first 14 batters he faced, struck out eight in seven innings of scoreless work. Lackey tossed nine innings of no-run baseball, striking out nine and surrendering just three hits. Lackey has allowed three or fewer runs in six straight starts.

Entering the 10th of a no-score contest, the Red Sox sent closer Koji Uehara to the hill. Uehara, who entered the day with a 0.57 ERA, gave up a two-out solo home run to Chris Parmelee. The homer snapped Uehara's scoreless streak at 21 2/3 innings.

Parmelee, who hit a walk-off home run off Andrew Miller in Minnesota on May 13, appeared to be the hero again for the Twins. But, Casey Fien was not able to seal the deal, allowing solo homers against Ortiz and Napoli as the reeling Twins lost their fifth consecutive game

The Red Sox managed to sweep the Twins, despite scoring just five runs all series. The Twins mustered just two runs in the three-game set, losing each contest by one run. 

Sizemore's single in 12th lifts Red Sox over Reds

Emerging as the feel-good story of spring training, Grady Sizemore had come back down to earth. Mired in a 3-for-37 slump entering Tuesday’s homestand, the 31-year-old needed a spark to lift him out of his prolonged funk.

Sizemore’s hitting woes came to a screeching halt on Tuesday as the Boston Red Sox’s center fielder delivered with three-hits, none bigger than his Green Monster-smashing single that scored David Ortiz from second base in the 12^th inning. Sizemore’s wall-ball base knock lifted the Red Sox to a 4-3 victory over the visiting Cincinnati Reds.

The single gave Sizemore his fourth career walk-off hit, his first since Aug. 11, 2006, against the Kansas City Royals, then a member of the Cleveland Indians.

"It will never get old to walk off," said Sizemore, via SFGate.com. "I was just glad I could come through."

Coming up in the clutch, Sizemore proved he can be an integral piece to the Red Sox as they build toward restoring their dominance in the MLB.

"He feels like the game is coming back to him," Red Sox manager John Farrell said, via telegram.com. "With a walk-off hit like this, he feels he's contributing, not just some player coming back from an injury."

For Sizemore, a walk-off single builds confidence to a player looking to recapture his glory after injuries almost decimated his career.

"Honestly, considering everything else I've gone through, this is easy," Sizemore said, via MassLive.com. "This is fun."

The Red Sox are now 1-2 in extra innings contests at Fenway Park, posting a 2-2 record overall in extras.

Jon Lester Strikes Out Career-High 15 as Red Sox Beat A's 6-3

Jon Lester walks off the mound with all smiles after striking out the side in the eighth. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Jon Lester delivered his best outing of the season on Saturday, striking out a career-high 15 batters in the Boston Red Sox’s 6-3 triumph over the visiting Oakland A’s.

The southpaw was able to set the tone early in the matinee, retiring the side in the first inning on just nine pitches. Lester’s red-hot start continued as he struck out nine of the first 13 batters he faced.

The A’s were only able to muster one hit off Lester, a leadoff bloop single in the top of the third by Craig Gentry.

Lester (3-4) walked just two batters and threw 119 pitches in eight scoreless innings. He became the first Red Sox pitcher since Pedro Martinez in 2001 to record 15 strikeouts in a game. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Lester is the first left-handed starter with 15 strikeouts with just one-hit surrendered since Randy Johnson accomplished the feat in 1997 as a member of the Seattle Mariners.

The Red Sox were paced on offense by a grand slam for the second consecutive game. A day after Dustin Pedroia cleared the bases on a tapering shot to left field, Jonny Gomes was able to add a four-run shot of his own over the Green Monster that gave the Red Sox an early 4-0 cushion.

David Ortiz increased the lead in the bottom of the third with a solo homer beyond the bullpens in right. Ortiz now has hit 379 home runs with the Red Sox, tying him with Dwight Evans for fourth in franchise history. For his career, Ortiz has belted 437 homers, just one shy of tying Hall of Famer Andre Lawson and current Cleveland Indians backup designated hitter Jason Giambi for 40^th place on the all-time list.

Chris Capuano was unable to put away the A’s quietly in the ninth. Laden by two errors, the lefty reliever gave up three runs (two earned) without recording a single out.

Koji Uehara came to the rescue for the Red Sox. The 39-year-old closer entered the game with runners on first and second, before giving up a walk to A’s slugger Yoenis Cespedes. The A’s were unable to capitalize on the bases-loaded no-out situation as Uehara buckled down, getting Derek Nooris to ground into a force out at home, before striking out Alberto Callaspo and then retiring Brandon Moss via a line out to right to end the contest. Uehara picked up his seventh save of the season as the Red Sox defeated the club with the most wins in the American league for the second straight day.

25 Boston Sports Moments of 2013 to be Thankful for

There has been plenty to be thankful for as a Boston sports fan in the past year. From Tom Brady's late-game heroics for the Patriots, to Jeff Green's buzzer-beaters for the Celtics, to the Bruins historic comeback in Game 7 versus the Toronto Maple Leafs, culminating with the Red Sox winning the World Series, 2013 has been another year for Boston fans to rejoice. Let's look back at the 25 best sports moments of 2013 for the "City of Champions." (Note: To watch a video of any of the moments, just click on the hyperlink.)

25. Red Sox defeat Kansas City Royals 4-2 on the day the victims of the Boston Marathon were honored at Fenway Park. Daniel Nava hit the go-ahead three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to secure the victory.

24. Jeff Green hits a game-winning layup as time expires in 93-92 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

23. Jacoby Ellsbury's 2-run double caps 9th-inning rally versus Cleveland Indians as Red Sox score four runs in the bottom of the ninth to win 6-5.

22. Stephen Drew knocks a game-winning single in the bottom of the 15th as Red Sox outlast Seattle Mariners in a game that lasts over five hours.

21. Mike Napoli crushes game-ending solo shot as Sox walk-off in the 11th inning versus New York Yankees.

20. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett reach scoring milestones in blowout victory over Toronto Raptors. Garnett passed Jerry West for 15th all-time, while Pierce passed Charles Barkley for the No. 20 spot.

19. Jonny Gomes blasts walk-off HR versus Tampa Bay Rays.

18. Jonny Gomes hits walk-off homer versus San Diego Padres.

17. Celtics extend winning streak to seven games in thrilling triple overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets. Paul Pierce turned back the clock, recording a triple-double. He posted 27 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists in the win.

16. David Ortiz: "This is our Bleeping City"

15. Tom Brady fires a 17-yard, game-winning TD pass to Kenbrell Thompkins with 5 seconds left in regulation to beat the New Orleans Saints.

14. Red Sox rally versus Seattle Mariners in a comeback for the ages. Trailing 7-2, the Sox score six runs in the final frame for an improbable walk-off win. Daniel Nava hits the walk-off single to cap off the rally.

13. Jeff Green drains buzzer-beater over LeBron James as Celtics shock Miami Heat.

12. Patriots pull off their greatest comeback in franchise history to stun the Broncos 34-31 in overtime, after trailing 24-0 at halftime.

11. Red Sox complete worst-to-first regular season to capture AL East Title.

10. Tom Brady becomes all-time leader in playoff wins for a QB as Patriots throttle Houston Texans 41-28 in AFC Divisional Round.

9. Red Sox advance to ALCS after eliminating Tampa Bay Rays in Game 4 of ALDS.

8. John Lackey outduels Justin Verlander in Game 3 of ALCS.

7. Bruins eliminate New York Rangers in Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5.

6. Big Papi belts clutch grand slam in Game 2 of ALCS versus Detroit Tigers.

5. Boston Bruins erase 4-1 deficit in Game 7 of Eastern Conference Quarterfinals versus Toronto Maple Leafs to complete one of the greatest comebacks in NHL postseason history.

4. Tukka Rask's near-flawless goal-tending in four-game sweep of Pittsburgh Penguins (2 goals allowed in 4 games) in Eastern Conference Finals propels Bruins to second Stanley Cup Final appearance in three years.

3. Shane Victorino's grand slam in Game 6 of ALCS sends Fenway Park into a frenzy; Red Sox clinch American League Championship.

2. Jon Lester's gem versus St. Louis Cardinals (7.1 innings, 4 hits, 1 ER) in Game 5 of World Series pulls Red Sox within a win of their eighth title in franchise history.

1. Koji Uehera closes out the 2013 World Series as Red Sox secure third title in 10 years. The Sox clinched the championship at Fenway Park for the first time since 1918.

Best Boston Athletes Since 1998: Ranking the Top 15 Boston Players in the Past 15 Years

Eight days ago at the Barclays Center, Paul Pierce donned non-Celtics apparel for the first time since being drafted with the 10^th overall pick in the 1998 draft.  The 35-year-old Celtics’ legend had previously expressed a desire to retire with the Boston Celtics after spending his entire career with the Green and White. Even at the press conference in Brooklyn, Pierce reiterated how he “would have loved to end his career in Boston”, but understood the business side of why the Celtics traded him as the franchise looks to rebuild with young talent. Until the blockbuster trade between the Brooklyn Nets and Celtics went through, Pierce had been the longest tenured athlete in Boston, dominating the parquet floor since 1998. In honor of THE TRUTH, here are the top 15 athletes to play in Beantown since he was drafted in 1998.

1. Tom Brady:

“Tom Terrific” is now the longest tenured athlete in Boston. Brady was drafted in the sixth round of the 2000 draft by the New England Patriots, but did not get the chance to showcase his talents until New York Jets linebacker Mo Lewis clobbered Drew Bledsoe in Week 2 of the 2001 season. Brady filled in for the injured Bledsoe in an unprecedented fashion, leading the Patriots to a Super Bowl Victory in 2001, where he orchestrated a game-winning drive that set up an Adam Vinateri field goal as time expired as the Pats shocked the St. Louis Rams (“Best Show on Turf) in of the greatest upsets in NFL playoff history.

                In 11 years under center for the New England Patriots, Tom Brady has led the Patriots to 10 playoff appearances, winning the AFC East crown in each of those seasons.  The two-time MVP has tossed 334 touchdown passes, fifth most in NFL history.

                Brady holds the record for most touchdown passes in a season, firing a whopping 50 in the 2007 season as he lead the Patriots to a perfect 16-0 regular season record, the only time in league history a team has won all 16 of its regular season contests. Tom Brady has an outstanding 136-39 record in the regular season, as he posts the best winning percentage (.777) in league history. Brady has thrown for 44,806 yards, ninth most in NFL history.

                Brady was the Super Bowl MVP for two of the three Patriots Super Bowl victories, orchestrating game-winning drives in the final minute in each of those games.  In his career, he has led the Pats to 26 fourth quarter comebacks and 37 game-winning drives, including the regular season and the playoffs.

                Brady was able to pass Joe Mantana for the most playoff wins by a starting quarterback in NFL history after beating the Houston Texans this past season in the 2012 AFC Divisional Round.

                Brady is arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history and quite possibly the greatest athlete in Boston sports history.

2. Paul Pierce:  

For more on one of the greatest players in Celtics/NBA history, hop HERE.

3. David Ortiz:

                 “Big Papi” signed with the Boston Red Sox in 2003 to be the club’s back-up first baseman. But Ortiz quickly became a starter and then a superstar (as a DH) in Boston, connecting on 31 home runs and driving  in 101 runs in his inaugural season with the Sox. The next season his numbers were even more remarkable, posting a .301 average with 41 home runs and 139 runs batted in. That postseason, he helped lead the Sox to their first World Series title in 86 years, coming up with game-winning hits in Game 4 and Game 5 of the 2004 ALCS versus the New York Yankees. For the postseason, he recorded a .400 average, smacked five home runs and knocked in 19 runs, en route to leading the Sox to the World Series title over the National League-Champion St. Louis Cardinals.

                 Ortiz was an instrumental part of the 2007 World Series Champion team as well, registering MVP-like numbers in the regular season---.332 average, 35 HR, 117 RBI---then following up with another outstanding postseason---.370 average, 3 HR, 10 RBI, helping the Red Sox earn their second title in four years. Ortiz continues to dominate at the plate for the Red Sox today even at 37 years old, hitting .324 with 19 home runs and 65 RBI in 82 games through July 24^th of the 2013 season.

4. Manny Ramirez:

                Manny was the best hitter on each of the past two title teams for the Red Sox, earning the World Series Most Valuable Player honor in 2004. Ramirez was traded to the Red Sox in the 2001 off-season and became the star-slugger on the team immediately, bashing 41 home runs with 125 RBI in his first season in Boston. Manny won the battle title in his second season in Boston with a .349 average in 2002 and was the runner-up the next season, getting beat out by .001 by teammate Bill Mueller, who recorded a .326 average.

                In 2004, Manny was the American League Home Run Champion after knocking 43 shots out of the park. Manny won a Silver Slugger Award in his first seven seasons (2001-2006) with the Red Sox. He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on the trade-deadline day in 2008. Ramirez is undoubtedly the greatest right-handed hitter in Red Sox history.

5. Pedro Martinez:

                A year after winning the CY Young award with the Montreal Expos in 1997, Martinez was traded to Boston before the 1998 season, signing a six year, $75 million contract with the Red Sox before the year began. Martínez paid immediate dividends that season with a 19–7 record, finishing second in the American League in ERA, WHIP, strikeouts, and CY Young voting. In 1999, Martinez registered one of the greatest pitching seasons in the history of the MLB, earning the pitching triple-crown after finishing 23-4 with a 2.07 ERA and 313 strikeouts.  He came in second in the AL MVP ballot, losing out to Texas Rangers slugger Juan Gonzalez. During the 1999 season, he set the record for most consecutive innings pitched with a strikeout  with 40.

                Between August 1999 and April 2000, Martínez had ten consecutive starts with 10 or more strikeouts. Pedro became the 8th pitcher in league history to record a second-300 strikeout season, en route to winning his second consecutive Cy Young Award in 2000. Pedro won four American League ERA titles with the Red Sox (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003) and 3 American League strikeout titles in Boston (1999, 2002, 2003). He was the ace of the 2004 World Series-Champion Red Sox club. He signed with the New York Mets in 2005. Pedro is arguably the greatest pitcher in Red Sox history.

6. Richard Seymour:

                 After being drafted by the New England Patriots with the sixth overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, Seymour signed a six-year, $14.3 million contract. The defensive tackle played in 13 games in his rookie season, starting 10 of them. He started for the Patriots at DT in the 2001 Super Bowl, earning a ring in the franchise’s first ever Super Bowl victory, beating the heavily favored St. Louis Rams.

                 Seymour started all 16 games in the 2002 season, collecting 5.5 sacks with an interception, earning his first Pro-Bowl selection.

                With the Patriots defense moving to a 3-4 in 2003, Seymour moved outside to defensive end in the defensive scheme. Seymour finished with a career-high eight sacks and 57 tackles in 15 games played, en route to his second-straight Pro-Bowl selection and his first All-Pro honor. Seymour, a team captain, led a dominant Patriots defense to their second championship in three years, defeating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

                Seymour was voted to his third-straight Pro-Bowl and second-straight All-Pro honors in 2004.
                Seymour earned his third Super Bowl ring with the Patriots victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX.

                He was voted to the Pro-Bowl and All-Pro honors in 2005 and 2006 and was a member of the Patriots perfect 16-0 regular season in 2007. He was traded to the Oakland Raiders just days before the 2009 season. Seymour was named to the NFL 2000’s All-Decade Team, to the Patriots All-2000’s Team and the franchise’s 50 year anniversary team.

7. Kevin Garnett:

                “The Big Ticket” was able to change the culture in Boston after being traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Celtics in a blockbuster trade in the summer of 2007. The power-forward made his Boston debut against the Washington Wizards, scoring 22 points and corralling 20 rebounds in a blowout victory. He led all players in voting for the 2008 NBA All-Star Game, but was unable to play in the game due to abdominal strain.  That season he became the first Celtic ever to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. Garnett also finished third in MVP voting that season, averaging 18.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per contest, helping to lead the Celtics to an NBA-best 66-16 record.

                Garnett was the Celtics most consistent contributor in the Celtics’ in their 2008 playoff run, averaging 20.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per contest. He dominated Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol in the NBA Finals as the Celtics won their first title in 22 years.

                The following season Garnett and the Celtics appeared well on their way to winning a second consecutive title as the team held a league-best 44-11 record at the All-Star break. Then, tragedy struck the Celtics in the team’s first game post-All-Star break. In the second quarter of a game against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, KG strained his right knee late in the second quarter going up for an alley-oop. He was forced to miss the next 14 games. Upon his return from the injury, he averaged 9 points and 4.5 rebounds in four games, before being shut down for the season permanently, missing the final 25 games of the regular season, including the 2009 NBA playoffs due to a right knee sprain as the Celtics lost to the Orlando Magic in seven games.

                Garnett was less than 100 percent seemingly for the duration of the 2009-2010 season, made evident by his low 14.3 ppg and rpg totals. But Garnett was healthy (or as healthy as he could be) by the time of the 2010 playoffs. Despite being the team’s third-best player (behind Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce), KG was still the catalyst of the Celtics’ defense that upset the top seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals and then beat the Magic in the Conference Finals. The Celtics lost in heartbreaking fashion in seven games to the Lakers in the Finals, with starting-center Kendrick Perkins injured for the series-deciding contest in Los Angeles.

                Two seasons later, Garnett had a resurgence in his game after being moved to the center position. Garnett and the Celtics made a miraculous run in the 2012 playoffs; falling a game short of reaching their third finals in five years. They lost in seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals to the detested Miami Heat. Had the Celtics won, it would have been one of the greatest upsets in NBA playoff history. Garnett turned back the clock that postseason, averaging 19.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per contest.

                Amid swirling trade rumors, Garnett (who had a no-trade clause) passionately uttered, “I bleed green, I die green” when pressed by reporters about accepting a deal to leave Boston during the 2012-2013 season.

                Garnett decided to agree to trade this off-season that sent him and good friend Paul Pierce to the Brooklyn Nets after Celtics GM Danny Ainge made it clear to both All-Stars that the team had entered rebuilding mode.

                Garnett will forever be cherished in Boston for his pre-game routine, his passion of winning, and of course for bringing a basketball-title to Boston. Even though  he played his best 12 years of his career in Minnesota, Garnett will be forever be remembered as a Celtic, as his number will soon be retired with teammate Paul Pierce in the rafters in TD Garden in Boston alongside many Celtics’ legends.

8. Dustin Pedroia:

                For the first two months of the 2007 MLB season, Sox fans were outraged that then-manager Terry Francona was starting Dustin Pedroia, a rookie, over utility man Alex Cora. Pedroia hit under .200 for the first two months of the season…and then went on an incredible tear for the final four months of the year en route to being crowned the American League Rookie of the Year. Pedrioia finished the season with a .317 average and an OPS of .380. He was the No. 2 hitter in the 2007 World Series-Champion Red Sox lineup.

                Pedroia won another prestigious award the next season. He was named the American League MVP after leading the league in hits (213), doubles (54) and runs scored (118). Pedroia ended the season with a .326 average with 17 home runs, 83 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. He also stole 20 bases in 21 attempts, leading the league in stolen base percentage (.952). Not only did Pedroia win the MVP award, he also captured the AL Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award at second base.

                Outside of New York Yankees slugger Robinson Cano, Pedroia is the best second baseman in the MLB. As the face of the Red Sox franchise, he was handed a seven year, $100 million contract on July 23, 2013. With the Red Sox in first place (as of July 26, 2013), Pedroia is again a candidate for the American League MVP Honors.

9. Vince Wilfork:

                 After being drafted by the Patriots with the 21st overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Wilfork saw immense playing time as a rookie at the nose-tackle position. He compiled 42 tackles and a sack in first year in the NFL. He started Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Patriots third title in four seasons.

                Wilfork made his first Pro-Bowl in 2007, a season in which the Patriots won all 16 of their regular season games. He has made the Pro Bowl in each of the past four seasons (2009-2012), earning first-team All-Pro honors this past season. He was named to the NFL’s Second-Team All-Pro in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011, a year that saw the Patriots reach the Super Bowl.

                In his nine-year career with the Patriots, Wilfork has recorded 460 tackles, 16.0 sacks, two interceptions, four forced fumbles and 10 fumbles recovered. He has been a captain on the Patriots since the 2008 season. He was named to the New England Patriots All-2000 Team and to the New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team.

               

10.  Zdeno Chara:

                 Chara became a member of the Boston Bruins organization on July 1, 2006, when he signed a five-year, $37.5 million contract. He has been a team captain since his first season in Boston.

                Chara has made the All-Star game as a member of the Bruins five times (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012), with his most recent appearance being a captain of the team. He was named to the NHL-All-First-Team in 2009 and won the James Nooris Memorial Trophy in that same season. He had the best Plus-Minus (+33) of all players in the 2011 regular season and was a crucial part of the Bruins 2011 playoff run that ended with the team’s first title in 39 years.

11. Ty Law:

                Ty Law was drafted 23rd overall in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Patriots.

                Law led the league in interceptions in 1998, the first time any New England Patriot had finished the season atop in that statistical category. He earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl that season and was given All-Pro honors that year.

                Law was a critical part of the Patriots’ defense in each of their three Super Bowl-winning teams (2001, 2003, 2004). In Super Bowl XXXVI (2001), Law put the Patriots on the scoreboard against the St. Louis Rams when he intercepted a Kurt Warner pass and returned it 47 yards for a touchdown.

                Law helped the Patriots form one of the greatest defenses in league history in 2003. The Patriots’ defense led the NFL in four key categories: opponents’ points per game (14.9), opponents’ passer rating (56.2), interceptions (29) and passing touchdowns surrendered (11). That postseason Law intercepted 3 passes thrown by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning in the Patriots 24-14 win in the AFC Championship game. Law and the Patriots went on the Super Bowl that year and the season after in 2004.

                Following the 2004 season, Law was released by the Patriots because of his large-salary. He will go down as one of the greatest defensive backs of all time. He was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, the New England Patriots All-1990s Team, the New England Patriots All-2000s Team and the New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team.

12. Nomar Garciappara:

                Nomar, one of the most beloved players in Red Sox history, started his career off in style, winning the American League Rookie of the Year in a unanimous vote. That season, the Red Sox shortstop hit 30 home runs and drove in 98 runs, setting a new MLB record for RBI by a leadoff hitter and most homers by a rookie shortstop. Nomar also had a 30 game hitting streak that season, setting an American League rookie record.

                The following season Nomar was the runner-up for the American League MVP Award, finishing with a .323 average with 35 home runs and 122 RBI. Nomar led the league in batting average the next two seasons, hitting .357 in 1999 and .372 in 2000.

                A wrist injury limited Nomar to 21 games in the 2001 season. Nevertheless, Nomar came back strong the next season, batting .310 with a league- high 56 doubles to go along 24 home runs and 120 RBI in 2002.

                Nomar provided another solid season with the Red Sox in 2003, batting .301 with 28 home runs and 105 RBI. He finished second in the majors in triples, fifth in the AL in hits, and second in the AL in runs scored. However, Nomar was horrendous during the 2003 postseason that saw the Red Sox fall a game shy of the World Series as the Sox shortstop was unable to hit a home run in 12 playoffs games, contributing just one run batted in.

                That off-season the Red Sox attempted to trade Manny Ramirez for then-Texas Rangers shortstop Alex Rodriguez. Fortunately for the Red Sox, the MLB Players' Union objected to Rodriguez's willingness to sacrifice a huge amount of his $250 million contract to facilitate a deal to Boston, and the New York Yankees swooped in and signed Rodriguez. Nomar was frustrated that the Red Sox management wanted to replace him at shortstop and eventually became a distraction during the 2004 season.

                On the trade deadline day in 2004, Nomar was involved in a four-team deal that sent him and Matt Murton to the wild card leading Chicago Cubs. The Red Sox received Orlando Cabrera from the Montreal Expos and Doug Mientkiewicz from the Minnesota Twins; a trade that proved beneficial to the Red Sox as they captured their first title in 86 years. Although Nomar was not a part of the club when the team won the title, his former teammates voted to give him a World Series ring for his dedication as a member of the Red Sox for almost a decade.

13. Jason Varitek:

                The former Red Sox captain will go down as one of the greatest catchers in league history because of his ability to call a great game behind the plate and provide a steady bat. Varitek was traded to the Red Sox in the 1997 regular season in a package deal that also sent pitcher Derek Lowe to Boston, one of the greatest trades in Red Sox history.

                Varitek had his breakout season in 1998, hitting for a .269 average, with 20 home runs and 76 RBIs. In 2004, Varitek amassed a career-high .296 batting average with 18 home runs and 73 RBI.

                Following the 2004 season, Varitek signed a four year, $40 million contract with the Red Sox and was named the team captain, an honor he retained until retiring with the club after the 2011 season.

                In 2005, Varitek won his first Gold Glove Award, his first Silver Slugger, and his second All-Star selection.

                 Varitek caught the most no-hitters in Red Sox history, aiding no-no’s with Hideo Nomo in 2001, Derek Lowe in 2002, Clay Buchholz in 2007 and Jon Lester in 2008.

14. Patrice Bergeron:

                Bergeron has spent his entire career with the Boston Bruins after being selected with the 45^th overall pick in the 2003 NHL Draft.

                The Bruins captain is a member of the prestigious Triple Gold Club. He earned this honor by winning Olympic Games gold medals, (2005, 2010, and 2012) a World Championship gold medal (2004), and the Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011.

                The Bruins re-signed Bergeron to an eight-year contract extension worth $52,000,000 on July 12, 2013.

15. Tim Thomas:

                Thomas became the Bruins starting goalie at age 32 in the 2007-2008 season. He emerged as one of the best goaltenders in the NHL despite his age, winning the Vezina Trophy in 2009 and 2011. Thomas carried the Bruins to the 2011 Stanley Cup Championship with his improbable goaltending in the playoffs. He became the oldest player in league history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy (MVP of the playoffs) at age 37.

                His tenure with the Bruins ended after he announced he would sit out the entire 2012-13 season.