A big trade went down Monday which could prove to be the reason Rochester returns to the Championship Game for a second straight season. The Rattlers sent attackman Miles Thompson and a 2016 4th Round Collegiate Draft Pick to the Florida Launch in exchange for Face-off Specialist Mike Poppleton and the rights to draftee Kevin Rice out of Syracuse as well as a 2016 6th Round Supplemental Draft Pick.
I actually like this trade for both teams. Florida will reunite Miles with his brother Lyle, the #1 overall pick in this year’s draft. The pair lit up college lacrosse last year along with their cousin Ty who is still a member of the Rattlers. The Thompson brothers along with reigning Rookie of the Year Kieran McArdle will give Major League Lacrosse defenses headaches for years to come. Chris Mattes will take over full-time duties at the X. He is 50.3% (223-443) on face-offs in the last season and half for the Launch. He had been splitting time with Poppleton and both have played well so one was expendable to get help elsewhere. But, Florida should have addressed their need on defense. The close defense for the Launch is by far the worst in the league. I’m curious if they tried to snag a long pole from Rochester before asking for Thompson.
Clearly, Rochester initiated this trade as they are dead last with a 30.8% face-off percentage. James Carroll and Adam Rand could not get it done and the Rattlers defense took a beating because of it. Adding Poppleton who is 20-36 (55.6%) in the first three games this season after missing 2014 with an injury and 123-246 (50%) in 2013 with Hamilton gives Rochester what they desperately need. Poppleton was a game changer at Johns Hopkins converting nearly 70% and at 24 years old could be a mainstay for Rochester. Plus, Poppleton went to high school at Fayetteville-Manlius in suburban Syracuse so he will be closer to home. Comparing 30% to 50% at the X gives a team potentially 6-8 more offensive possessions which with all of Rochester’s fire power is huge. This also allows the defense to be fresher at the end of a game.
The most interesting piece to this trade is Kevin Rice. He was a first round talent that dropped to the fourth round. He was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year last week as he leads Syracuse into the NCAA Tournament. Despite his 5-8, 170 lbs. frame, Rice is a very smart player with excellent vision, smart off the ball, solid dodger, and always seems to be in the right spot. He can play all three attack positions so adding him to a group that features Jordan Wolf, Mark Cockerton, Jeremy Boltus, and Ty Thompson gives Rochester another stud who can fill the stat sheet. Ironically, the improved play of Ty may be one reason why Rochester felt they could use cousin Miles to get better at the X and attack.
Week 4 Game Balls
Jordan MacIntosh,Rochester: He flew into town Sunday morning just hours before game time immediately made an impact for Rochester. MacIntosh won it in OT with a great dodge around cage for a point blank shot. He played the two-man game with Jordan Wolf to perfection leading the team with four goals.
Greg Melaugh, Denver: The Merrimack alum has increased his scoring in each of the first three games with Denver. He had a hat trick Sunday after scoring two last week and one on opening day. He had the first and final goal against Charlotte Sunday.
Brian Phipps, Ohio: Phipps made 14 saves including 6 in the 4th quarter as he shut out Chesapeake in the final frame to seal a three-goal win for the Machine.
Paul Rabil, New York: First repeat game ball of 2015. Rabil had three goals, including two 2-pointers, and three assists further sealing his title as best in the world.
Week 4 MLL Top 8
1- New York (4-0). The Lizards got a scare from Boston, but were able to hold on.
2- Rochester (2-2). Both wins have come in OT. Championship Game rematch this week.
3- Denver (2-1). Will face Rochester for 2nd best in the league on Sunday in Upstate New York.
4- Ohio (1-2). The Machine look like they could be for real. Could win four in a row before seeing Denver again on May 30.
5- Chesapeake (2-1). Did not look as good now that they aren’t playing Florida.
6- Boston (1-2). The Cannons played New York tight, but had a ton of extra possessions without having to face The Beast.
7- Charlotte (1-2). The Hounds have been in every game, just need to finish.
8- Florida (0-2). The Thompson brothers can’t get their soon enough!
Brendan McDaniels is a color analyst for the MLL Television broadcasts and can be seen May 10th at 1 p.m. as the Rattlers host the Outlaws on ESPN3. Follow Brendan on Twitter @BMcDTWCSports.
