SB Nation Boston: All Posts by David Cassilohttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48863/boston-fave.png2013-02-16T08:00:07-05:00https://boston.sbnation.com/authors/david-cassilo/rss2013-02-16T08:00:07-05:002013-02-16T08:00:07-05:00NBA Slam Dunk Contest field full of fan favorites
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<figcaption>Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Former Celtic Gerald Green is one of two members of the field who have won the event before.</p> <p>While there might not be any superstars in this year's NBA dunk contest, several fan favorites and YouTube heroes will be competing against each other on Saturday night in Houston.</p>
<p>This year's field will include James White, Terrence Ross, Gerald Green, Eric Bledsoe, Jeremy Evans and Kenneth Faried. Both Evans and Green have won dunk contests in the past.</p>
<p>Green won the dunk contest in 2007 while he was a member of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a>.</p>
<p>White, who plays for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">New York Knicks</a>, is considered the favorite in the field. Since his days in college at Cincinnati, his dunking has made him famous. He has faced Green before in international dunk contest competitions.</p>
<p>The competition is not only filled with great dunkers, but also young players bursting onto the NBA scene. Ross, Bledsoe and Faried have all showed signs of having long professional careers.</p>
<p>The dunk contest is part of a new format for this year's All-Star Saturday. The two leagues will be competing against one another in the skills challenges.</p>
<p><b>Start time: </b>All-Star Saturday begins at 8:30 p.m. ET and the dunk contest is the final event.</p>
<p><b>TV: </b>TNT</p>
<p><b>Radio:</b> ESPN Radio</p>
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https://boston.sbnation.com/celtics/2013/2/16/3992870/2013-nba-slam-dunk-contest-time-tv-schedule-participantsDavid Cassilo2012-12-23T08:01:07-05:002012-12-23T08:01:07-05:00Pats need win over Jags for chance at a bye
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<figcaption>Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>New England needs a win and some help to be in position for a bye.</p> <p>To secure a bye, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> need to win out and have the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> lose either of their final two games. The easiest part of that equation should be this Sunday's game for New England against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a>.</p>
<p>At 2-12, the Jaguars enter the game tied for the worst record in the NFL. Jacksonville has the league's worst rush defense, meaning it should be a big day for <span>Stevan Ridley</span> or whichever Patriots running back is fed the ball on Sunday.</p>
<p>Regardless of what the Patriots do, all indications are that they will fall short of the bye. The Broncos host the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> in their last two games. Those two teams have a combined seven wins.</p>
<p><b>Game Date/Time</b>: Sunday, Dec. 23, 1 p.m. ET</p>
<p><b>Location</b>: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida</p>
<p><b>TV Schedule</b><br>CBS</p>
<p><b>TV Distribution Map</b>: <a href="http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/">The506.com</a></p>
<p><b>Radio Schedule</b></p>
<p>New England: 98.5 FM, The Sports Hub<br>Jacksonville: WOKV AM & FM</p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/patriots/2012/12/23/3787102/jaguars-patriots-2012-schedule-game-time-tv-injury-updatesDavid Cassilo2012-08-24T13:57:37-04:002012-08-24T13:57:37-04:00MLB Trade Rumors: Red Sox Put Jacoby Ellsbury And Jon Lester On Waivers
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a> appear to be headed towards a major roster shake-up this offseason. They have started to gauge interest on their players by placing them on waivers and <span>Jacoby Ellsbury</span> and <span>Jon Lester</span> are the latest two Red Sox eligible to be claimed.</p>
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<p>Jon Lester and Jacoby Ellsbury are the latest Red Sox to be placed on trade waivers.</p>
— Nick Cafardo (@nickcafardo) <a href="https://twitter.com/nickcafardo/status/239024883777032192" data-datetime="2012-08-24T15:42:27+00:00">August 24, 2012</a>
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<p>Ellsbury is making a little over $8 million this season and is set to become a free agent in 2014. He is arbitration eligible next season.</p>
<p>Lester makes $7.6 million this season, $11.6 million next season and has a $13 million team option in 2014.</p>
<p>If either player is claimed, Boston can let the player go, pull him back or work out a trade with the team that claimed him.</p>
<p><i>For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">our team page</a> and blog, <a href="http://www.overthemonster.com/">Over the Monster</a>.</i></p>
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https://boston.sbnation.com/2012/8/24/3265743/mlb-trade-rumors-red-sox-jacoby-ellsbury-jon-lester-waiversDavid Cassilo2012-06-23T18:34:43-04:002012-06-23T18:34:43-04:002012 Travelers Championship: Brian Davis Takes The Lead
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<p>At six-under through his first twelve holes on Saturday, British golfer Brian Davis has taken the lead at the Travelers Championship. Davis, who is still on the course, birdied six of his first eight holes and is at 12-under.</p>
<p>Entering the round, Sweden native Fredrik Jacobsen held the lead at nine-under, but so far today he is just even-par through 11 holes. He won the tournament in 2011.</p>
<p>The leaders in the clubhouse include fellow Swede Robert Karlsson. After a four-under round on Saturday he is at eight-under for the tournament.</p>
<p>With 15 golfers within five shots of the lead, the rest of the tournament is shaping up to be a thrilling finish. The purse for the tournament is $6 million.</p>
<p><i>Read more about the Travelers Championship right here at <a href="http://boston.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Boston</a>. Also be sure to visit our dedicated <a href="http://sbnation.com/golf">golf hub page</a> for additional news and analysis on the PGA Tour.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/2012/6/23/3113365/2012-travelers-championship-will-claxtonDavid Cassilo2012-06-23T17:39:44-04:002012-06-23T17:39:44-04:00Red Sox Vs. Braves: Clay Buchholz Scratched From His Sunday Start
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a> will be forced to adjust their pitching rotation as Sunday's starter <span>Clay Buchholz</span> has been scratched with an illness. Early indications are that Buchholz's spot might be filled by veteran right-handed starter <span>Aaron Cook</span>.</p>
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<p>Aaron Cook has been told he's not starting tonight in Pawtucket, so he's obviously being considered to start in Buchholz' spot.</p>
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexspeier/status/216638791451017216" data-datetime="2012-06-23T21:08:07+00:00">June 23, 2012</a>
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<p>Cook has made one start for the Red Sox this season and gave up six earned runs in 2-2/3 innings. He has been on the disabled list with a left knee laceration since May 6. He made his first rehab start on June 18 and gave up three runs and seven hits in four innings.</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px none; outline: 0px none; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,'Liberation Sans',FreeSans,sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more news, notes and analysis on the Boston Red Sox, check out the SB Nation blog <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px none; outline: 0px none; vertical-align: baseline; color: #193270; font-weight: bold;" href="http://overthemonster.com/">Over the Monster</a>. Then head over to <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px none; outline: 0px none; vertical-align: baseline; color: #193270; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.talkingchop.com/" target="_blank">Talking Chop</a></i><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px none; outline: 0px none; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,'Liberation Sans',FreeSans,sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a>' fan perspective.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/boston-red-sox/2012/6/23/3113424/red-sox-vs-braves-clay-buchholz-scratchedDavid Cassilo2012-05-28T08:01:33-04:002012-05-28T08:01:33-04:00Red Sox Vs. Tigers: Boston Tries To Get Back Above .500
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<p>The Red Sox and Tigers each have a 23-24 record as they enter the series.</p> <p>Two of the American League's most disappointing teams will meet on Monday when the <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Red Sox</a> host the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a>. Although both were picked by many as playoff teams, they each have a record of 23-24 entering Monday's game.</p>
<p>The Tigers will begin the series as the hotter team. Detroit swept Minnesota over the weekend, winning the final game on a <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> home run in the ninth inning.</p>
<p>Boston was on the other end of a ninth inning home run on Sunday and dropped two of three at home to Tampa Bay this weekend.</p>
<p>The series kicks off at 1:35 p.m. ET on Monday as <span>Felix Doubront</span> will toe the rubber against <span>Doug Fister</span>. In game two, the Red Sox will send <span>Daniel Bard</span> to the hill and take their swings against <span>Justin Verlander</span>. Wednesday's game will feature <span>Jon Lester</span> and <span>Drew Smyly</span>, and the series will wrap up on Thursday with <span>Josh Beckett</span> and <span>Max Scherzer</span>.</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px none; outline: 0px none; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px none; outline: 0px none; vertical-align: baseline; color: #193270; font-weight: bold;">our team page</a> and blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.overthemonster.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px none; outline: 0px none; vertical-align: baseline; color: #193270; font-weight: bold;">Over The Monster</a>.</i></p>
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https://boston.sbnation.com/boston-red-sox/2012/5/28/3047539/red-sox-vs-tigersDavid Cassilo2012-05-27T22:18:24-04:002012-05-27T22:18:24-04:00Patriots Offseason: Shane Vereen Works With First Team
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<p>With BenJarvus Green-Ellis no longer on the roster, it is unclear who will be the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> starting running back. Early indications, though, suggest that it will be <span>Shane Vereen</span> who gets the bulk of the carries.</p>
<p>In the OTA practices that were open to the media, it was Vereen who worked with the first team, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/blitz/index.php/2012/05/27/shane-vereen-will-challenge-stevan-ridley-for-lead-role-in-running-game/">according to the Boston Herald</a>.</p>
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<p>The big thing that jumped out was Vereen served as the top back during practice. The unknown is whether or not it means anything, particularly since I have no idea who took on that role during their first two sessions. It’s just like preseason carries in that regard, as Bill Belichick will designate certain times for certain players to have their time with the first-team offense.</p>
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<p>Other backs competing for the starting job are <span>Joseph Addai</span>, <span>Danny Woodhead</span> and <span>Stevan Ridley</span>.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Patriots please be sure to check out our blog, <a href="http://patspulpit.com/">Pats Pulpit</a> and <a href="http://boston.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Boston</a> for all the latest news and updates.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/new-england-patriots/2012/5/27/3047454/patriots-offseason-shane-vereen-works-with-first-teamDavid Cassilo2012-05-27T20:27:25-04:002012-05-27T20:27:25-04:00French Open 2012: Nadal Defeats Djokovic In Rain-Delayed Match Monday
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<img alt="June 8, 2012; Paris, FRANCE; Rafael Nadal (ESP) in his semifinal match against David Ferrer (ESP) on day 13 of the 2012 French Open. Nadal won 6-2 6-2 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/raqGTPfdlolAac_60CGmlJ76Q1A=/0x33:951x667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7310027/20120608_ajw_au2_023.jpg" />
<figcaption>June 8, 2012; Paris, FRANCE; Rafael Nadal (ESP) in his semifinal match against David Ferrer (ESP) on day 13 of the 2012 French Open. Nadal won 6-2 6-2 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will meet in the 2012 French Open Men's Singles final, after Djokovic defeated Roger Federer and Nadal dominated David Ferrer.</p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/2012/5/27/3047317/french-open-2012-andy-roddick-loses-in-first-roundBrandon ScottJP StarkeyPete HolbyPat JohnstonRyan Van BibberLouis BienJeremy MaussJay_KingDavid Cassilo2012-05-27T20:26:00-04:002012-05-27T20:26:00-04:00French Open 2012: Andy Roddick Loses In First Round
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<p>Andy Roddick loses in the first round, while Venus Williams advances.</p> <p>The French Open began on Sunday and the biggest shocker of the first day was American Andy Roddick losing in the first round to Nicolas Mahut of France. It took just four sets for Mahut to knock off Roddick, who was seeded 26th heading into the tournament.</p>
<p>Roddick <a target="_blank" href="http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/05/27/roddick-is-casualty-on-day-1-french-open/">has never felt comfortable</a> playing on the clay courts at the French Open.</p>
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<p>"Wasn't playing really well. I move just horrendously out here. My first step is just so bad on this stuff," Roddick said. "I feel like I'm always shuffling or hopping or not stopping or something."</p>
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<p>The only other seeded men's player to fall was Austria's Jurgen Melzer, who lost to Germany's Michael Berrer.</p>
<p>On the women's side, Venus Williams won her match as she continued her comeback after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. All of the seeded women advanced on Sunday.</p>
<p><i style="outline-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">For lots more on all things tennis, keep checking <a style="outline-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #c52126; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" href="../../tennis" target="_blank">SB Nation's dedicated tennis hub</a>.</i></p>
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https://boston.sbnation.com/2012/5/27/3047301/french-open-2012-andy-roddickDavid Cassilo