BTownSports is Now Sports Chowda!

BTownSports is now known as Sports Chowda Media Co. We still provide the same great blogging, radio, and social media, only under a different name. Please feel free to come and visit us:


Click Here to See Our New Blog


Click Here to See Our New Radio Site


Click Here to Like Our New Facebook


Click Here to Follow Our New Twitter


Click Here to See the Official SportsChowda.com


If you were wondering why we changed, there were several reasons that went into the decision that we are happy to share:

• Boston is not commonly referred to as "BTown" and it is important for our title to accurately highlight our local roots.
• BTownSports.com and the username "BTownSports" in Blogspot are currently taken, resulting in the lengthy "Btownsportsblog.com" and "Btownsportsblog.blogspot.com" 
• We can now be easily found at SportsChowda.blogspot.com and SportsChowda.com as well as @SportsChowda on Twitter, and the "SportsChowda" page on Facebook.

We hope to continue to see you over at our new sites! Thank you for your support from Rick, Tony, Moose, Dave and Prance!

NFL Free Agency Update 2.0: The Thick of It

by Rick Valente

The chips are starting to fall as NFL free agency continues to roll on. The book has closed on the biggest prize, Mario Williams, as he signs a six-year deal at $50 million guaranteed to go to the Buffalo Bills. Also, Peyton Manning has officially ruled out the Miami Dolphins as a suitor, so it is looking like the Titans have a slight edge over the Broncos in this two-team race... but wait! The 49ers have emerged as a surprise third team in the race! Oh the drama. Also, the Patriots continue to make some minor moves that don't knock your socks off, but address some major needs on this team. As is tradition, let's kick things off with the hometown team:

Ainge Strikes Out, Stands Idle at Trade Deadline

by Rick Valente

Of all the things that Danny Ainge could do at the trade deadline, staying put was the absolute worst option. But for some reason, that's exactly what he did as the clock ticked past 3:00 PM EST, keeping the Big Three intact for the rest of the season. I could understand if Danny were to make a deal to make this team better suited for a playoff run, hoping to add a couple pieces and maybe get lucky enough to make in improbable trip to the finals. I could see if Danny wanted to trade guys like Ray Allen or Kevin Garnett at a discount in order to get something for the future. I can't understand how Danny Ainge can possibly believe that the Celtics, who can barely beat a Golden State Warriors team without Stephen Curry or Monta Ellis, have a shot to win a seven game series against Chicago or Miami. I have a better shot at taking home Jessica Beil... and Jessica Alba... and Jessica Simpson on the same night.

Call in the German Cavalry

by John Prance

One look at the most recent injury report for the Revolution, and you already see a headache for young head coach Jay Heaps. Of the six players listed between Questionable and Out, three are potential defensive starters. Darrius Barnes, the fourth year player out of Duke University, is suffering from a calf strain. A.J. Soares, the versatile second year man, is Questionable with a knee sprain. New signing John Lozano is doubtful with a hip flexor sprain.  Lozano and Soares started the Revs first game against the Earthquakes (CB and LB respectively), and with such injuries already piling up reinforcements were needed immediately.

NFL Free Agency Update: The Opening Bell

by Rick Valente

Let the madness begin! The new league year started yesterday at 4:00 PM EST and there was absolutely no shortage of excitement and entertainment from around the NFL. The Bucs went from a projected cellar-dweller to a legitimate contender in the AFC South in a matter of 16 hours, the Redskins continued to spend in an MC-Hammer-like fashion, and the Bears finally added a legitimate (on-field) wide receiver by way of trade. We'll get to all of it, but first, some quick thoughts pertaining to the home-town team after day one.

Bear Down: It's Bounce-Back or Bust for the Sinking Bruins

by Rick Valente

The Boston Bruins are in trouble, folks. They are in the midst of a 29-game slump in which they have won consecutive contests only once, and have allowed over three goals per game. Tim Thomas has gone from the best goalie in the NHL to a below-average keeper with a .849 save percentage and a GAA just below 4.00 in his past five starts. Zdeno Chara looks like his skates are on the wrong feet and has been handling the puck
about as well as Lebron James handles his public image. Also, Rich Peverley is out with a major knee injury and is not guaranteed to return to his normally fancy self for the playoffs, Rask is out until the postseason at best, and I am getting a serious Savard-like vibe with this Nathan Horton concussion. Add in the minor injuries that seem to happen every single night at this point (Bergeron, Boychuck, Ference, Pouliot, McQuaid) and this team is drifting further and further from the Stanley Cup favorites that they were back in December. It's officially time to worry, Boston.

A Natural Disaster: Revs Shaken by Earthquake in 1-0 Loss

by John Prance

The San Jose Earthquakes swept aside a very mediocre New England Revolution team late Saturday night. This was Jay Heaps first regular season game in charge of the Revolution, and a very different team took the field than in years past. Unfortunately, different players did not cause different results, and many performances on the field were completely inadequate and lackluster. The stats show the story fairly well.

Passing

New England-267 successful passes out of 397 attempted (67%)

San Jose-294 successful passes out of 426 (69%)