The Crowe's Nest

We've MOVED!

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 15:20:00 +0000

Just in case you haven't followed us yet to our new home - click here and bookmark the new site! This will help us share things in a more efficient manner across social media. Thanks and please help spread the word!

WWE NXT TakeOver: In Your House PPV Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 15:11:00 +0000

In Your House is officially back tonight for the WWE! 25 years after its initial PPV, NXT:TakeOver is taking over the name for a night. It makes total sense as we continue to be in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, what better way that to watch some wresting In Your House.

The old graphics are back and I hope their are a few more surprises throughout the night too. We're getting a Backlot Brawl for the first time since Roddy Piper vs. Goldust at WrestleMania XII and this one is for the NXT Championship.

Who will win? Let's take a look....

NXT Championship Backlot Brawl Match: Adam Cole vs. The Velveteen Dream

Not quite sure what this feud has done to have the Backlot Brawl added to it, but at least it should be better than the last match they had, which lacked some luster. TVD has the stipulation on his shoulders that if he loses, he never gets a shot at the NXT Championship as long as Cole is the champ. Unless there's a swerve coming, I don't see any reason for Cole to lose it here. Of course, there's always the "we don't know if Cole will sign a new contract" reason for him to lose though as his contract is reportedly up in August. Or, maybe it's a move up to RAW or SmackDown. But, Cole's been a very good NXT Champion and I expect that to continue. Could Dexter Lumis be the X-factor after his painting experience Wednesday night?
Winner: Adam Cole

NXT Women's Championship: Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Io ShiraiMatch of the night potential here. While Flair should go over to continue her brand dominance across all 3 shows, it wouldn't shock me to see Io Shirai win the title by pinning Ripley. It would keep Flair strong and give the title a boost by having a full-time NXT superstar holding the championship.
Winner: New NXT Champion Io Shirai

NXT North American Title Match: Keith Lee vs. Johnny GarganoNo need to squash the Gargano/Candice LeRae push. Expect the heels to cheat their way to a victory to win the title and keep the feud continuing.
Winner: New NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano

Karrion Kross vs. Tommaso CiampaMatch of the night potential, part 2. As advertised by Ciampa, this one has the chance to be special in Kross' PPV debut on the NXT brand. This should be the most physical match of the night too. Scarlett should have an effect in this match as well and she's not afraid to mix it up.
Winner: Karrion Kross

Finn Balor vs. Damien Priest Not much of an interest in this one to be honest. Finn Balor deserves a bit more of a quest but I get they're trying to give Priest the rub and elevation by being in there with Balor. Hasn't been that effective in building the story thus far though.
Winner: Finn Balor

Mia Yim, Tegan Nox & Shotzi Blackheart vs. Candice LeRae, Dakota Kai & Raquel GonzalezShould be a fun kickoff with his six-woman match. Mia Yim gets the payback for the previous tag team loss last week with the victory in this one.
Winner: Mia Yim, Tegan Nox & Shotzi Blackheart

Remember When The Patriot's DIDN'T Win The AFC East

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Fri, 22 May 2020 14:46:00 +0000

It hasn't happened much in the past 20+ years, but it has happened. The Patriots NOT winning the AFC East. It could happen again this upcoming season, if there is an NFL season due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, with quarterback Tom Brady now in Tampa instead of Foxboro.

We take a look back at how the World stood when the Bills, Dolphins and Jets last sat atop the AFC East. Click here for our piece on GoLocal Prov.

WWE Money In The Bank PPV Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Sun, 10 May 2020 13:59:00 +0000

The historic Money In The Bank PPV from the WWE is here tonight and yes, it's historic for this - it's the first EVER MITB match that will have BOTH the men's and women's match go on at the same time! Plus, it's the first EVER to be held at WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut where it will start in the lobby and end on the roof!

Can't wait to see if they pull it off in an entertaining way, much like the Boneyard Match last month at WrestleMania.

So, who will win? Let's take our best guess with our intrepid picks:

Men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match: AJ Styles, Daniel Bryan, Aleister Black, Rey Mysterio, Otis, King Corbin
I don't think it'll be Otis, Corbin or Mysterio taking the contract. Styles seems to me to be the favorite based on name recognition and the heel chasing down Drew McIntyre for a few months could be fun. Bu, how about Aleister Black? He does have a mystery about him and what's better than being more mysterious about when and where you'll cash in the match. Bryan is a darkhorse in that it could give SmackDown a cool feel on Friday nights on FOX. Could we see a Mandy Rose sighting at WWE HQ to help Otis? How about an appearance by the slighted Apollo Crews spoiling someone's night.
Winner: Aleister Black

Women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match: Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler, Asuka, Carmella, Dana Brooke, Lacey Evans
My money is on Lacey Evans. She could continue the dynamic/feud with Bayley and Sasha Banks with some well timed toying about when she will cash it in. From a pure dominant standpoint, Jax and Baszler should do well. Carmella and Asuka are past winners, so there's always a chance. Dana Brooke, thanks for coming.
Winner: Lacey Evans

WWE Championship Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins
I don't expect that McIntyre will lose the title so quickly. It would make no sense. Expect a CF of an ending with Murphy (and others) involved but with Drew keeping the title while the feud continues.
Winner: Drew McIntyre retains title

Universal Championship Match: Braun Strowman vs. The Fiend/Bray Wyatt
The WWE has done everything they can do screw and downplay Wyatt from being the champ so I expect nothing less here.
Winner: Braun Strowman retains title
Smackdown Women's Championship Match: Bayley vs. Tamina
If this wasn't MITB, I could see Tamina getting a short title run, but with the contract hanging out there, there's no sizzle in someone chasing Tamina possibly (even the WWE is already teasing that RAW Champion Becky Lynch is confronting the women's MITB Match winner Monday night).
Winner: Bayley retains title
SmackDown Tag Team Championship Fatal Four-Way Match: The New Day vs. The Miz & John
Morrison vs. The Forgotten Sons vs. Lucha House Party
Here's my one and only title change of the night. The Forgotten Sons continue the push and win tag team gold for the first time on the main roster. There's the rematch with The New Day to hang out there as well as tensions with The Miz & John Morrison too. So, some new blood at the top of the SmackDown tag team scene.
Winner: The Forgotten Sons win titles

R-Truth vs. MVP
Why? The only reason I can see to have this match is to have 24/7 Champ Rob Gronkowski stroll through and get pinned by R-Truth so that Rob Gronkowski can go back to the NFL and his new team, the Bucs. Thanks for the 30-seconds of nothing Gronk.
Winner: R-Truth wins 24/7 title

Kick-off Show: Jeff Hardy vs. Cesaro
This one's easy. Old Cesaro friend and tag team partner Sheamus comes to pound on Hardy.
Winner: Jeff Hardy by DQ
Possible add – RAW Tag Team Championship: The Street Profits vs. The Viking Raiders
If it happens, The Street Profits get their revenge and finally top TVR.

NFL Primetime Games - TNF / SNF / MNF

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Fri, 08 May 2020 00:16:00 +0000

Thanksgiving Day
12:30pm Texans at Lions (CBS)
4:30pm Redskins at Cowboys (FOX)

8:20pm Ravens at Steelers (NBC)

TNF on FOX
Week 5 - Bucs at Bears
Week 6 - Chiefs at Bills
Week 7 - Giants at Eagles
Week 8 - Falcons at Panthers
Week 9 - Packers at 49ers
Week 10 - Colts at Titans
Week 11 - Cardinals at Seahawks
Week 13 - Cowboys at Ravens
Week 14 - Patriots at Rams
Week 15 - Chargers at Raiders
Week 16 - Vikings at Saints (Friday, Christmas)

TNF - NFL Network only
Week 2 - Bengals at Browns
Week 3 - Dolphins at Jaguars
Week 4 - Broncos at Jets
Saturday, December 19 - Game 1 /2 - TBD
Saturday, December 26 - Game 1/2 - TBD

SNF on NBC
Week 1 - (Thurs) Texans at Chiefs / (Sun) Cowboys at Rams
Week 2 - Patriots at Seahawks
Week 3 - Packers at Saints
Week 4 - Eagles at 49ers
Week 5 - Vikings at Seahawks
Week 6 - Rams at 49ers
Week 7 - Bucs at Raiders
Week 8 - Cowboys at Eagles
Week 9 - Saints at Bucs
Week 10 - Ravens at Patriots
Week 11 - Chiefs at Raiders
Week 12 - (Thanksgiving) Ravens at Steelers / (Sun) Bears at Packers
Week 13 - Broncos at Chiefs
Week 14 - Steelers at Bills
Week 15 - 49ers at Cowboys
Week 16 - Titans at Packers
Week 17 - TBD

MNF on ESPN
Week 1 - Steelers at Giants / Titans at Broncos
Week 2 - Saints at Raiders
Week 3 - Chiefs at Ravens
Week 4 - Falcons at Packers
Week 5 - Chargers at Saints
Week 6 - Cardinals at Cowboys
Week 7 - Bears at Rams
Week 8 - Bucs at Giants
Week 9 - Patriots at Jets
Week 10 - Vikings at Bears
Week 11 - Rams at Bucs
Week 12 - Seahawks at Eagles
Week 13 - Bills at 49ers
Week 14 - Ravens at Browns
Week 15 - Steelers at Bengals
Week 16 - Bills at Patriots

Patriots 2020 Schedule Released

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Thu, 07 May 2020 23:33:00 +0000

It's official. The first Patriots season without Tom Brady in 20 years is now out.

Pending any changes due the COVID-19 pandemic, here it is:

Preseason
August 13-17 vs. Lions
August 20-24 vs. Panthers
August 27-30 at Eagles
September 3-4 at Giants

Wk1: vs. Dolphins 1pm
Wk2: at Seahawks, SNF
Wk3: vs. Raiders, 1pm
Wk4: at Chiefs, 4:25
Wk5: vs. Broncos, 1pm
Wk6: BYE
Wk7: vs. 49ers, 4:25
Wk8: at Bills, 1pm
Wk9: at Jets, MNF
Wk10: vs. Ravens, SNF
Wk11: at Texans, 1pm
Wk12: vs. Cardinals, 1pm
Wk13: at Chargers, 4:25
Wk14: at Rams, Thurs
Wk15: at Dolphins, 1pm
Wk16: vs. Bills, MNF
Wk17: vs. Jets, 1pm

NFL Schedule Release Day is TODAY....

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Thu, 07 May 2020 13:25:00 +0000

UPDATE: 5:56pm

Latest Pats rumored games:
Week 1 - vs Dolphins
Week 4 - at Chiefs
Week 8 - at Bills
Week 9 - at Jets (MNF)
Week 15 - at Dolphins
Week 17 - vs. Jets
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today, the NFL will release its 2020 schedule!

Teams are permitted to release the schedule officially at 7:30pm while NFL Network and ESPN will be doing 3-hour shows starting at 8pm. Leaks will happen all day!

Here's how the schedule appears to be formatted according to various reports this week and here's how it looks for the Patriots.

Weeks 1-4 vs. Out of Conference Games (NFC)
vs. Cardinals, 49ers
at Rams, Seahawks

Weeks 5-6 - Equal Pace Games
at Texans, Chiefs

Weeks 7-10/15-17 Divisonal Games
vs. Dolphins, Jets, Bills
at Dolphins, Jets, Bills

Weeks 11-14: Inter-conference Games/bye
vs. Broncos, Raiders

UPDATE 11:31am - Reporte are surfacing that this may not be the model format for the scheduling. Stay tuned!

Report: MLB proposes 10-team divisions for 2020

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 14:03:00 +0000

Major League Baseball is thinking about changing things up if they play this 2020 season. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that they could have three divisions of ten teams competing this Summer.

Do you like these divisions?

EAST
Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins

CENTRAL
Chicago Cubs. Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers

WEST
Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners

Damn, that's tough sledding for our hometown Red Sox! Nice to see the Pirates back in the East. Surprised they didn't put the Blue Jays in the Central with Detroit. It would've allowed them to put the Braves with the Marlins and Rays in the Southern tier of the East as well.

It looks like they are trying to get things going late June or early July (July 4th?). Plus, there could be hubs in Florida, Texas and Arizona to start things off before games are played, reportedly without fans to start, in their own major league cities.

What do you think? Do you think it's a good idea? Of course, everything is predicated on what happens with the COVID-19 virus and where the stats take us over the next few weeks and months as individual states try to reopen their economies amid social distancing.

Patriots 2020 NFL Draft Picks, Grades & Undrafted Free Agent SIgnings

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 19:00:00 +0000

How did the Patriots do in this weekend's NFL Draft? Well, let's be honest, it's all conjecture until 2-3 years from now because NO ONE really knows. Everyone has their own opinions but it will take time for it to play out.

But, that's not going to stop folks from putting out the instant grades. So, let's take a look.

Patriots 2020 Draft Picks:

Round 2 - #37 overall - Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne
Round 2 - #60 overall - Josh Uche, LB, Michigan
Round 3 - #87 overall - Anfernee Jennings, LB, Alabama
Round 3 - #91 overall - Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA
Round 3 - #101 overall - Dalton Keene, TE, Virginia Tech
Round 5 - #159 overall - Justin Rohrwasser, K, Marshall
Round 6 - #182 overall - Michael Onwenu, OG, Michigan
Round 6 - #195 overall - Justin Herron, OG, Wake Forest
Round 6 - #204 overall - Cassh Maluia, LB, Wyoming
Round 7 - #230 overall - Dustin Woodward, C, Memphis

Undrafted Free Agent signings:
Scoota Harris - LB, Arkansas
Will Hastings - WR, Auburn
Myles Bryant - CB, Washington
J'Mar Smith - QB, Louisiana Tech
Brian Lewerke - QB, Michigan State
Courtney Wallace - DT, Louisiana Tech
Isaiah Zuber - WR, Mississippi State
Kyahva Tezino - LB, San Diego State
Sean Riley - WR, Syracuse
Rashod Berry - TE, Ohio State
Nick Coe - DE, Auburn
Bill Murray - DT, William & Mary
JJ Taylor - RB, Arizona

Grades:
USA Today - B
NFL.com - B
Bleacher Report - C
NY Post - C+
CBS Sports - picks Patriots as a loser in draft
SI.com - C+

I'll be honest, the more the mainstream media pans he draft, the better I feel about it. I'm not surprised that they didn't draft a QB during the draft as they addressed that need with a pair of undrafted signees in J'Mar Smith and Brian Lewerke. I was surprised at no swings at a WR duing the draft since it was touted as the deepest WR draft in history. Bill Belichick addressed the media in that they spent a first round pick last year in N'Keal Harry and used a 2nd round pick to trade for Mohammed Sanu. With Will Hastings, Isaiah Zuber and Sean Riley, they did get some speed though.

During the draft, I liked the athleticism of Dugger, Uche and the TE's although you could argue that Dugger could've been available later while trying to get an upgrade with someone else at #37. My stance on that is that if you honestly believe in the player, go get him. As for the offensive line, the Patriots are clearly going with quantity and seeing how it plays out. Plus, they still haven't dealt Joe Thuney and his $14 franchise tag either. So, there's that.

Why I miss sports

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 18:32:00 +0000

Why do we miss sports so much?

It’s a simple question.

Or is it?

With the on-going COVID-19 pandemic going on throughout the World, we’ve all had to go without a daily ritual that we surely took for granted for most, if not all, of our lives – watching LIVE sporting events. Whether it be in-person, on television or in more current times, on a digital stream and social media, it’s that connection to our favorite teams that’s put a void in most of our routines.

And no, I’m not talking about just professional sports. It’s college, high school, Little League, community leagues and just playing around the neighborhood. It’s all been taken away from us, quickly and harshly by the coronavirus. Let’s be honest, how can you really play a team sport during social distancing – six feet of course – and not have more than 5-10 people on a field, court or yard? Even basketball pick-up games have been altered with neighborhood courts having their nets covered or nets taken down by the local governments.

Now, don’t get me wrong, we NEED to listen to local and federal authorities and take this time to stay apart in order to not spread the deadly virus even more than it already has. The numbers show that social distancing works. Imagine how high the numbers would be if we DIDN’T listen and stay in our houses as much as we can. At least the walks and bike rides help to keep us active and all, but it’s not quite the adrenaline rush of a sporting event now is it!

But, at the end of the day, we sure are missing our teams here in my hometown of Rumford, Rhode Island. By late April, we’d be in the midst of a (hopefully) long playoff run for both the Celtics and Bruins. Plus, the Red Sox (we hope) would be off to a good start despite the many on-field losses Mookie Betts, David Price, Chris Sale, Brock Holt and more. By now, we’ve probably even forgotten that Alex Cora got fired, Ron Roenicke is the new manager and who are new second baseman is going to be.

At least we have some semblance of an NFL Draft coming this Thursday! Yes, LIVE from Roger Goodell’s basement, we’re going to get the first ever virtual NFL Draft with round one Thursday night and then subsequent rounds 2-7 Friday and Saturday. And yes, I’m sure that even virtually, the Patriots are already planning to trade out of the 23^rd pick in the first round to start the post-Tom Brady story.

Now, getting back to our initial point. Why do we miss our sports so much?

Is it the action? Is it the sharing of the experience? Is it the bonding with family, friends and yes, even strangers near and far that we need? Is it the respect and admiration of watching elite athletes at their peak? Is it the announcers and production of watching it all unfold live in front of very eyes? Is it the not-knowing the outcome?

I’m sure to each of us, it’s a different answer.

For me, it’s always about hoping to see my team overcome whatever the obstacle it faces that day and win the game. Sure, we all have our favorite players to watch, but with so many players coming and going, it’s now more true today than ever that it’s the laundry on the front and not the name on the back that you truly are rooting for. Heck, even Tom Brady left the Patriots after 20 years, so no one is immune to starting over elsewhere.

Is our coach better than their coach, in Bill Belichick’s case, yes is the most common answer. Will our guys come up with the big play in the clutch moment of the game? For the past decade or so in New England, that answer too has been yes much more than not.

Of course, our teams can’t win EVERY game, so we do enjoy the subtleties of the individual performances too! There can be little wins in games that we lose. And sure, there are times when we just tip our cap and appreciate the effort by those who beat us on any given day. They too play to win the game! With every Brady, there’s a Manning. With every Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, there’s a LeBron James and Giannis Antekuompo. With every Betts, there’s a Mike Trout. With every David Pasternak, there’s an Alexander Ovechkin.

Again, why do sports matter so much?

Well, it’s the same question that my wife asks me all the time. How can I remember what happened in a game at any given moment 20 years ago but can’t remember what happened last Tuesday? Well, it’s not a mystery really to me. Sports is like a favorite song. It can instantly take you back to a very specific point in your life. You instantly remember where you were, who you were with and what was going in your life because of the connection of sports. For instance, not only do I remember Luis Tiant beating the Blue Jays on the final day of the 1978 regular season to get the Red Sox into a playoff game with the Yankees, after they lost to the Indians and Rick Waits, but I also remember that we had to go to my sister’s dance studio right after the game. No, there was nothing outstanding about the studio or its visit, but the attachment to the game is what makes it so.

With social media these days, the watching of a sporting event is now more global than ever! Now, whether you’re at sporting event or on the couch in your home, there’s that immediate need to Tweet, Instagram or Facebook your reaction to it! Sharing, marking your moment in time and letting everyone else know what you’re doing and feeling about a play, a moment, a championship is almost as important to some as watching the actually play itself. We all want to feel included and social media fulfills that need for so many.

So, now, night after night and right through the weekend, the hours upon hours that we would fill the need to scratch that itch with a game is now replaced with binge-watching the latest show on Netflix, Disney Plus or your streaming service du jour. Add in the constant waves of classic games on TV and there’s your pandemic panacea.

But, it’s not quite the same. Sure, the hours are filled and the next day comes and goes. Yet, we still yearn for more.

I’m sure we will first begin to get games being played without fans in attendance. That’s likely in June as the PGA Tour has already become the first professional league in the United States to put forth a game plan to have its first events staged starting with The Colonial in Texas without fans. No word yet from MLB, NHL or NBA on when they look to restart yet various plans all state its likely to come with just the players and coaches allowed. But it too, like college and high school sports, will put forth their plans.

As with most everything during this pandemic, the science and the data will rule the roost. We have to follow what works in order to avoid a catastrophic second outbreak. This first month has been hard on all, especially to those families fatally affected by the virus and those who have lost employment due to all the business closings. Having a second outbreak after moving too quickly to reopen the economy would be disastrous not only financially but also emotionally to the Country.

Eventually, will you go back to attend a LIVE sporting event? Many say it will be a long time until they do. I too am in that category trying to be cautious with a wife and two young children at home.

But, in the end, we know that we WILL get there!

Sports have always and continue to be one of the ways that our Country, our World gets back to whatever normalcy it seeks. Whether it be World Wars, the 9/11 Attacks on our Country or this latest pandemic, sports will be in our routines again. In addition to our yearn for it mentally, it’s one of the Country’s biggest economic producers with its connections to our service industries well known in addition to the team’s and leagues themselves.

We’ll know that we are getting back to normal in this Country when we can watch our sports again, talk our sports again and yes, see our neighbors and kids playing again. And then, with that, maybe we’ll cherish our sports again like we used to.

But then again, I’m sure we’ll be battling it out on sports radio and social media about how well the newest Patriots quarterback is or isn’t doing and how Tom Brady is doing in Tampa. Maybe it’s then we’ll truly be back to normal.

Until then, #MaskUpRI, stay safe, stay health and enjoy the sports memories!

Today in Sports - April 26, 2020 - What We Missed

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 12:10:00 +0000

April 26, 2020:

MLB:
Red Sox at Twins
Blue Jays at Orioles
Indians at Yankees
Royals at Rays
Padres at Tigers
Dodgers at Pirates
Athletics at Astros
Diamondbacks at Reds
Marlins at Cardinals
Phillies at Cubs
Mariners at Rangers
Brewers at Rockies
National at Giants
White Sox at Angels
Mets at Braves

International League:
Pawtucket Red Sox vs. Lehigh Valley

NBA:
NBA Playoffs Continue

NHL:
Stanley Cup Playoffs Continue

PGA Tour:
Round 4: Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Today in Sports - April 25, 2020 - What We Missed

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 12:09:00 +0000

April 25, 2020:

MLB:
Red Sox at Twins
Indians at Yankees
Padres at Tigers
Marlins at Cardinals
Phillies at Cubs
Blue Jays at Orioles
Dodgers at Pirates
Athletics at Astros
Diamondbacks at Reds
Royals at Rays
Mariners at Rangers
Mets at Braves
Brewers at Rockies
National at Giants
White Sox at Angels

International League:
Pawtucket Red Sox vs. Lehigh Valley

NBA:
NBA Playoffs Continue

NHL:
Stanley Cup Playoffs Continue

PGA Tour:
Round 3: Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Today in Sports - April 24, 2020 - What We Missed

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 12:04:00 +0000

April 24, 2020:

MLB:
Red Sox at Twins
Phillies at Cubs
Blue Jays at Orioles
Dodgers at Pirates
Indians at Yankees
Padres at Tigers
Diamondbacks at Reds
Royals at Rays
Mets at Braves
Mariners at Rangers
Athletics at Astros
Marlins at Cardinals
Brewers at Rockies
White Sox at Angels
National at Giants

International League:
Pawtucket Red Sox vs. Lehigh Valley

NBA:
NBA Playoffs Continue

NHL:
Stanley Cup Playoffs Continue

PGA Tour:
Round 2: Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Today in Sports - April 23, 2020 - What We Missed

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000

April 23, 2020:

MLB:
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Diamondbacks at Braves
Brewers at Pirates
Dodgers at Nationals
Mariners at Twins
Athletics at Indians
Yankees at Tigers
Rays at Astros
Padres at Cubs
Rockies at Giants
Marlins at Mets
White Sox at Angels

NBA:
NBA Playoffs Continue

NHL:
Stanley Cup Playoffs Continue

PGA:
1st Round: Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Today in Sports - April 22, 2020 - What We Missed

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 12:48:00 +0000

April 22, 2020:

MLB:

Blue Jays at Red Sox

Rangers at Phillies
Reds at Cardinals
Royals at White Sox
Orioles at Angels
Athletics at Indians
Yankees at Tigers
Brewers at Pirates
Dodgers at Nationals
Marlins at Mets
Diamondbacks at Braves
Mariners at Twins
Padres at Cubs
Rays at Astros
Rockies at Giants

International League:

Pawtucket Red Sox at Syracuse

NBA:

NBA Playoffs Continue

NHL:

Stanley Cup Playoffs Continue

Today in Sports - April 21, 2020 - What We Missed

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 12:45:00 +0000

April 21, 2020:

MLB:
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Athletics at Indians
Yankees at Tigers
Brewers at Pirates
Dodgers at Nationals
Rangers at Phillies
Marlins at Mets
Diamondbacks at Braves
Mariners at Twins
Padres at Cubs
Reds at Cardinals
Royals at White Sox
Rays at Astros
Rockies at Giants
Orioles at Angels

International League:
Pawtucket Red Sox at Syracuse

NBA:
NBA Playoffs Continue

NHL:
Stanley Cup Playoffs Continue

Today in Sports - April 20, 2020 - What We Missed

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 14:40:00 +0000

April 20, 2020:

MLB:
Indians at Red Sox (Patriots Day 11am)
Yankees at Tigers
Rays at Astros
Mariners at Twins
Reds at Cardinals
Royals at White Sox
Orioles at Angels

International League:
Pawtucket Red Sox at Syracuse

NBA:
NBA Playoffs Continue

NHL:
Stanley Cup Playoffs Continue

Today in Sports - April 18, 2020 - What We Missed

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 11:46:00 +0000

April 18, 2020

MLB:

Indians at Red Sox

Marlins at Phillies

Reds at Yankees

Cubs at Nationals

Blue Jays at Rays

Brewers at Mets

Giants at Braves

Orioles at Royals

Tigers at Twins

Padres at Diamondbacks

Angels at Astros

Rangers at White Sox

Cardinals at Rockies

Mariners at Athletics

Pirates at Dodgers

NBA:

Playoffs begin

NHL:

Stanley Cup Playoffs Continue

International League:

Pawtucket Red Sox at Lehigh Valley

PGA Tour:

Round 3 - RBC Heritage in Hilton Head, SC

Today in Sports - April 17, 2020 - What We Missed

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 11:27:00 +0000

April 17, 2020

MLB:
Indians at Red Sox
Marlins at Phillies
Reds at Yankees
Cubs at Nationals
Blue Jays at Rays
Brewers at Mets
Giants at Braves
Orioles at Royals
Tigers at TWins
Angels at Astros
Rangers at White Sox
Cardinals at Rockies
Mariners at Athletics
Pirates at Dodgers

NBA:

Playoffs would begin this weekend

NHL:
Stanley Cup Playoffs Continue

International League:

Pawtucket Red Sox at Lehigh Valley

PGA Tour:

Round 2 - RBC Heritage in Hilton Head, SC

Today in Sports - April 16, 2020 - What We Missed

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 11:30:00 +0000

April 16, 2020

MLB:
Giants at Reds
Tigers at Indians
Phillies at Brewers
Pirates at Diamondbacks
Rockies at Padres
Cubs at Nationals
Braves at Mets
Rangers at White Sox
Mariners at Athletics
Cardinals at Dodgers

NBA:
Playoffs would begin this weekend

NHL:
Stanley Cup Playoffs Continue

International League:
Pawtucket Red Sox vs. Buffalo

PGA Tour:
Round 1 - RBC Heritage in Hilton Head, SC

WWE Bloodbath - Over 30 Superstars Cuts

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 23:47:00 +0000

UPDATE: 4/16/20
It appears as if the producers were all furloughed and not let go. They've reportedly been given a date of July 1st that they could be back with the company. Also, it's been reported that all talent that was let go have 90-day compete clauses in their contracts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesdays are usually known for the Wednesday night war between NXT and AEW. But, this Wednesday will be known for the abundance of cuts made by the WWE in which they say they will save $4 million a month and defer over $140 million in future costs in what would have been a move into the new WWE headquarters in Stamford, CT.

Among the most notable names let go by the company are Kurt Angle, Rusev, Zack Ryder, Maria & Mike Kanellis, producers Fit Finley and Shane Helms along with referee Mike Chioda.

It's been a tough week for one Vince McMahon as earlier the XFL suspended operations and is now up for sale. The coronavirus has now seen them lose big paydays with WrestleMania in Tampa, a good start with the XFL and now having to release over 30 superstars.

The full list is: Kurt Angle, Rusev, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, Drake Maverick, Eric Young, EC3, Lio Rush, Zack Ryder, Curt Hawkins, Heath Slater, Sarah Logan, Erick Rowan, No Way Jose, Primo & Epico Colon, Mike Kanellis, Maria Kanellis, Deonna Purrazzo, Aleksander Jaksic, Aiden English (announcer), Mike Chioda (referee), Billy Kidman (producer), Mike Rotunda (producer), Dave "Fit" Finlay (producer), Pat Buck (producer), Shawn Daivari (producer), Scott Armstrong (producer), Sarah Stock (producer), Shane Helms (producer), Lance Storm (producer), Andrea Listenberger (writer).

UPDATE: 10pm New to the list:
Serena Deeb (coach) Ace Steel (coach), MJ Jenkins, Norman Smiley (coach), Josiah Williams (announcer)and Jerry Soto (announcer - furloughed)

It will be interesting to see where everyone lands with the COVID-19 epidemic putting a dent in the live events industry. Who goes to AEW? Who goes to Impact Wrestling? Who goes to Ring of Honor? Things just got a whole lot more interesting for those looking to take down the mighty WWE.

To me, Rusev and the Kanellis make sense for AEW. So do producers like Fit Finlay and Lance Storm. Could Rowan join forces with his old partner Brodie Lee (Luke Harper)? Gallows and Anderson would seem headed for Japan where they were stars before the WWE.

But, just the WWE saw when they added too many superstars for precious few TV segments, AEW will be careful to not overload the roster just to add "names."

Today in Sports - April 15, 2020 - What we missed

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 12:11:00 +0000

April 15, 2020 - Here's what we missed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

MLB:

Red Sox at Athletics
Yankees at Rangers
Tigers at Indians
Cubs at Orioles
Angels at Marlins
Giants at Reds
Twins at Blue Jays
Astros at Rays
Braves at Mets
Phillies at Brewers
White Sox at Royals
Pirates at Diamondbacks
Cardinals at Dodgers
Rockies at Padres

International League:

Pawtucket Red Sox vs. Buffalo

NHL:

Stanley Cup Playoffs

NBA (Last day of the regular season):

Bulls at Celtics
Cavaliers at Hawks
Raptors at Magic
Thunder at Mavericks
Grizzlies at Rockets
Pelicans at Spurs
Hornets at 76ers
Bucks at Nets
Pacers at Wizards
Knicks at Timberwolves
Warriors at Kings
Clippers at Trail Blazers
Lakers at Suns

Today in Sports - April 14, 2020 - What We Missed

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 14:05:00 +0000

April 14, 2020 - Here's what we missed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

MLB:
Red Sox at Athletics
Tigers at Indians
Cubs at Orioles
Nationals at Mariners
Angels at Marlins
Giants at Reds
Twins at Blue Jays
Astros at Rays
Braves at Mets
Yankees at Rangers
White Sox at Royals
Pirates at Diamondbacks
Cardinals at Dodgers
Rockies at Padres

International League:
Pawtucket Red Sox vs. Buffalo

NHL:
Stanley Cup Playoffs

NBA:
Raptors at Heat
Pistons at Knicks
Nuggets at Jazz
Kings at Lakers

Today in sports - April 12, 2020 - What We Missed

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 17:13:00 +0000

As we hit Easter and a full month into the COVID-19 pandemic, I finally hit my CBS Sports App and hit the scores button. Yes, with no sports the past month, I haven't really gone there to check anything with no games being played.

So, I thought, what games did I miss?

Here's today's slate:

Masters:
Fourth and Final Round

MLB:
Red Sox at Mariners
Pirates at Orioles
Royals at Blue Jays
Angels at Tigers
Phillies at Reds
Braves at Marlins
Rays at Indians
Twins at White Sox
Mets at Brewers
Astros at Rangers
Yankees at Athletics
Giants at Padres
Nationals at Dodgers
Rockies at Diamondbacks
Cardinals at Cubs

NBA:Rockets at Spurs
Knicks at Raptors
Hawks at Bucks
Timberwolves at Lakers

NHL:Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round

WWE Night 2 WrestleMania Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (The Crowe's Nest) — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 16:23:00 +0000

WWE Championship: Brock Lesnar vs. Drew McIntyre

It's time. He's got the look. He's good on the mic. And yes, he can back it up in the ring. Time to Drew McIntyre to move the WWE forward in these most unsettling times. A full-time champ returns to Monday nights! Having said that, Brock has done well in hyping this one up the past few months.

Winner: New WWE Champion Drew McIntyre

Firefly Funhouse Match: John Cena vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt

Revenge comes four years later for Bray Wyatt! Cena is only here for the spectacle of WrestleMania and this is the spot to put Wyatt and The Fiend back on course after losing to Goldberg.

Winner: The Fiend Bray Wyatt

NXT Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair

Good spot to get Ripley over to continue her dominance on Wednesday nights. Flair doesn't need the NXT Title at all. In different times, I could see them using Flair to win on Wednesday nights, but with no live events and no crowd, I don't think they waste it here.

Winner: Rhea Ripley retains title

SmackDown Women’s Championship - WrestleMania Fatal Five-Way Challenge Elimination Match: Bayley vs. Sasha Banks vs. Lacey Evans vs. Tamina vs. Naomi

So easy to predict that Sasha Banks wins and screws over her bestie, Bayley in the process. And yes, so many times, the WWE does the easy and lazy thing. I expect that here.

Winner: New SmackDown Women's Champion Sasha Banks

Last Man Standing Match: Edge vs. Randy Orton

It'll be fun, full of emotion and yes, Edge will win.

Winner: Edge

RAW Tag Team Championship: The Street Profits vs. Angel Garza & Austin Theory

This one would be better with a crowd. Having said that, a good place for The Street Profits to get over against a potentially up and coming tag team.

Winner: The Street Profits retain title

Aleister Black vs. Bobby Lashley

Aleister is a continued star in the making. No reason to cut down on his rise here.

Winner: Aleister Black

Otis vs. Dolph Ziggler

Before Friday night's "The Truth Will Be Heard" segment showing Sonya Deville was behind the betrayal of Mandy Rose and the Otis date, I didn't think they would waste a big moment to reunite Otis and Mandy in front of no crowd. But, now I think they fast track it and Otis will have his day right now.

Winner: Otis