Boston Sports Blog: Rants And Raves From the Left Coast

Congrats Yankees: So this is what a $75 million hug looks like?!

2009-10-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

Mini One on One: New England Style!

2009-10-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Check out the Gretzky-like goal from 9 year old Oliver Wahlstrom of Portland, Maine.

R.I.P. Captain Lou Albano (1933-2009)

2009-10-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

Are the Pats taking on too much?

2009-09-24T15:18:00.000-07:00

Bill Belichick's organizational multi-tasking may be spreading his personnel too thin. This year the Patriots have Nick Caserio (a front office person) also coaching the DB's and now a unseasoned Quarterback's coach working with the Head coach on calling offensive plays! Why can't the Patriots hire a designated Offensive Coordinator or Defensive Backs coach?? I know they didn't believe in giving former Coordinators Charlie Weiss and Romeo Crennel pay raises but are the Patriots this cheap or is Belichick this much of a control freak?

Either way, it may be catch-up with him and the Patriot's are suffering because of it.

In Bill We Trust?

2009-09-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

With Rodney Harrison and Teddy Bruschi retiring and no Josh McDaniel calling plays to help Tom Brady allude all the blitz packages and ease back from injury, the Patriots were already depleted from last year. On top of that Coach Bill Belichick traded Mike Vrabel, Richard Seymour, Russ Hochstein and Ellis Hobbs for draft picks.
The draft pick he got from KC for Vrabel and Matt Cassel was used to pick Pat Chung who didn't play one down on defense in the embarrassing loss to the New York Jets last week. Also, for a coach who doesn't believe in looking past the next week's opponent, Belichick trades an All-Pro in Seymour for a draft pick in 2011.
I'm not sure if the Patriots are secretly rebuilding but aside from Jerod Mayo, they haven't had a lot of luck in the draft latelty (solid 3rd and 4th rounders like O’Connell and Thomas were recently let go for nothing). This is made worse by the fact that Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and Wes Welker are in their prime right now and the Patriots are facing one of most competitive schedules this year. On top of that, for some reason Belichick decided not to hire a pure Offensive Coordinator or even sign an experienced back-up QB this year to help Brady.
So no pass-rush or leadership on Defense and no direction and support on Offense makes me think that with all these (non) moves, the old football coach has already let Brady, Moss, and the 2009 team down.

Heart of A Champ, Bench of A Loser: Celts Can't Repeat

2009-06-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

CLOSED: For Repairs

2009-05-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

Now that it's still early in the Sox season, the Bruins have just lost their best chance at a Stanley Cup in 20 years with a heart-breaking overtime loss, the Celtics' title chances are virtually hanging by an exhausted thread (or tendon for that matter), and the Patriots don't open up training camp for several weeks; I think it may be a good time to take another brief hiatus from the Ol' Boston Sports Blog ...just until the wounds have healed and/or David 'Big Papi' Ortiz hits his first couple home runs of the 2009 season.

The Agony of Defeat

2009-05-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

Even though the 2008-09 Boston Bruins had the best record in the Eastern Conference, swept Montreal in the first round, and temporarily returned everyone to the glory days in the 'Hub of Hockey', the team still could not dig itself out of a second round deficit against a playoff-savvy team like the Carolina Hurricanes.

In reality, the Bruins probably never stood a chance after going down 3 games to 1 to a team that has always lost their first playoff game in each of the last 4 series it's won, has made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals in each of it's last two playoff appearances, and has a goalie in Cam Ward who has never lost a Game 7.

Yet, it was an especially bitter loss because it was in sudden-death overtime, at home, and the winning goal was deflected in by a series villain, Scott Walker, who had attacked Aaron Ward in Game 5 and had never scored a goal against the Bruins.

A Tuesday Trifecta for the Old Towne Teams!

2009-05-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

Boston Bruins keep their composure and beat the Cane's 4-2 in Carolina to force a Game 7 in Boston!
Boston Celtics score 13 unanswered points to nip the Magic and now lead their playoff series 3 games to 2!
Boston Red Sox come from behind to beat the Angels 4-3 in Anaheim without Youkilis or Pedroia!

A Hurricane Punch Might Sucker Bruins in Game 6

2009-05-12T00:17:00.000-07:00

The NHL ruled that Hurricane's Scott Walker will only be fined $2,500 and not suspended when he punched defenseless Bruin Aaron Ward with less than 3 minutes to go in a 4-0 Bruins' rout of Carolina in Game 5. On top of that, Jussi Jokinen wasn't even penalized after he nearly took Bruins' Captain Zdeno Chara out with a slash to the back of the left ankle near the end of the second period. It's bad enough that these cheap shots took place against two Bruins Defensemen (a position which is already depleated by injury), but for it to happen when the game was nearly out of hand and without consequence is shameful.

Now most in the 'Hub of Hockey' hope that the cheap shots and unfair rulings will only enrage and motivate the B's to a win in Game 6. However, if the Bruins focus all their effort on retaliation, then this could play right into the Hurricane's game plan. As we all know, when a team is over matched in the NHL they will often send a lesser player or 'instigator' to irritate a top player on the other team. If he doesn't spark his own team with his efforts, then he may just be able to get the more talented opposing player off the ice with a matching penalty.

As the better team, the Bruins need to be careful because should the B's Milan Lucic or Zdeno Chara seek revenge against the Cane's, then two of the Bruin's top players may be taken out of 'their game', or worse, the game. It will be hard enough for the Bruin's to climb out the series hole and win in Carolina, so let's hope the injustice done in Game 5 only motivates them to stick to their game plan in Game 6.

Down 3 Games to 2, Bruins Still Need Some Help

2009-05-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

Did Mad Manny Mean Roid-Rage?

2009-05-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

As we learn that Manny Ramirez is the first high-profile MLB player to test positive for performance enhancing drugs and could be suspended for as many as 50 games, one has to wonder if the normally mellow Manny was a victim of 'Roid-Rage' when he threw down 64 year old Red Sox Traveling Secretary Jack McCormick over tickets and got into a dugout fight with Kevin Youkilis over nothing last year?

How Sweep It Is! Sox Take Yanks Again!

2009-05-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

The Boston Blue Sox?

2009-04-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

After many complaints, the Red Sox finally switched from blue to red socks (to go along with the recently re-added red t-shirts) under their new gray road uniforms. In a recent statement, Red Sox Chief Operating Officer Mike Dee said that initially the blue socks were not a prime consideration in the new uniform design, especially because most of the time the socks aren't visible.

Really?!? Considering the team has been known as either the 'Red Stockings' or 'Red Sox' for over 100 years, you would have to explain to me how a designer or marketing person was able to overlook including red socks in the new road uniforms. It's bad enough that the new gray uniforms look more like the LA Dodgers or remind one of the old gray uniforms the Sox wore during the heartbreaking '86 World Series, but to have the prominent color be blue and not red is ridiculous! Especially when fans never asked for the road uniforms to change and the prior road uniforms already had more red added (as ordered by Owner John Henry in 2003) and are now associated with our World Series victories in 2004 and 2007.

The Celtics Are Looking Tired...

2009-04-28T12:41:00.001-07:00

So Brian 'Semi-Pro' Scalabrine And Celts' Defense Must Step it Up Against the Bulls this Series!

2009-04-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

Patriots Could Be Dancing With the Stars

2009-04-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

As predicted, the Patriots got help in the 2009 NFL Draft for their Defensive Backfield (picking-up 2 players including Darius Banks from UConn); the Offensive Line (3 players with upside), as well as, selecting a young Wide Receiver to develop. However, the Pats did not pick-up a pass-rusher which could be telling for a team that finished 26 out of 32 in the league and also traded OLB Mike Vrabel in the off-season.

This could mean that pass-rushing veteran Defensive End Jason Taylor may be leaning towards signing soon with the Patriots -Or- perhaps a trade with Carolina for Defensive End Julius Peppers could still be in play. Aside from compensation, the only concern for All-Pro Peppers becoming a Patriot is that his salary would upset the pay scale of veterans like Defensive Tackle Vince Wilfork which may be one of the reasons why the Pats selected DT Ron Brace of Boston College in the second round of the NFL Draft.

Sox Sweep Yankees & April Homestand!

2009-04-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

Red Sox Rookies: Who Had the Best 2 years?

2009-04-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

FRED LYNN:

1975 - .331 Avg. 21 HR 105 RBI 47 Doubles

AL Rookie of the Year Award
AL MVP Award
Golden Glove Award
All Star team

1976 - .314 10 HR 65 RBI 32 Doubles

All Star team

NOMAR GARCIAPARRA:

1997 - .306 30 HR 98 RBI 44 Doubles

AL Rookie of the Year Award
Silver Slugger Award
All Star team

1998 - .323 Avg. 35 HR 122 RBI 37 Doubles

AL MVP Runner-up

DUSTIN PEDROIA:

2007 - .317 Avg. 8 HR 50 RBI 39 Doubles

AL Rookie of the Year Award

2008 - .326 Avg. 17 HR 83 RBI 54 Doubles

AL MVP Award
Silver Slugger Award
Gold Glove Award
All Star team

The 2009 NFL Draft

2009-04-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

The New England Patriots have 11 selections in the NFL Draft this weekend including 6 in the first three rounds. As in past years, Coach Bill Belichick and the Pats won't use all 11 picks and will probably either trade away a few for next year or package some to move up the draft board and aquire a player that may be dropping.

That said, after listening to all the pundits and so-called experts, here is my take on what areas the Patriots will try to target in order of priority.

DEFENSIVE LINE: Even though the Patriots still need Linebacker help, the feeling is that they don't view any of the famed Linebacking corps coming out of USC (Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews, and Rey Maualuga) as can't miss prospects within their system as they did with Jerod Mayo last year. Plus Richard Seymour's contract will need to be renegotiated soon, so look for the Pats to select Robert Ayers with the 23rd pick in the first round. Ayers is a Defensive End from Tennesse (like J. Mayo) who could possibly be converted to a pass rushing linebacker like former Patriot Willie McGinest.
DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD: Just like pitching in baseball, you can never have enough Defensive Backfield depth in football. Plus Ellis Hobbs and newcomer Leigh Bodden are in their final year of their contracts, so look for the Patriots to take a stab at local product CornerBack Darius Butler from UConn with the 34th pick.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Whether it be the SuperBowl loss to the NY Giants 2 years ago or the first game against the KC Chiefs last year, Tom Brady returns to a line of blockers that couldn't effectively protect him the last 2 games he's played in. Also, 11 out of 14 players of this group are entering the final year of their contract. Plus, this draft year is deep in Offensive Line talent, so I could see the Patriots picking-up one or two Offensive Linemen between the second to fourth rounds.

RUNNING BACK/WIDE RECEIVER: With Kevin Faulk getting older, Laurence Maroney still not producing, and Fred Taylor more of a short term solution, I could see the Patriots possibly picking-up another unheralded Running Back in the middle-to-late rounds like UConn's Donald Brown. Also, the signing of Joey Galloway is another short term answer at Wide Receiver, so the Pats also may select a Wideout with upside in the middle-to-late rounds.

QUARTERBACK: I think the Patriots are more interested in using West Virgina Quarterback Pat White as a 'red herring' in this weekend's draft than a 'wildcat' in the upcoming season, but that doesn't mean the Pats won't try to develop another Matt Cassel with a late round pick.

Beware of the Dancing Bear!

2009-04-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

...And this is what will happen if you date a Montreal Canadiens' fan!

Au Revoir Les Habitants

2009-04-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

Yes! The Bruins beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-1 and swept their arch-rival 4 games to 0 in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal. The victory marked the Bruins' first NHL play-off series win since 1999 and it was the first time the B's have beaten the Canadiens in a series since 1994. Plus, it was their first series sweep since 1992 in which they beat the Candiens too.

This win was sweetest for Bruins' Coach Claude Julien and Winger Michael Ryder who were both sent packing by Montreal and now have a new home in Boston. Also, this series victory could be considered a mini-payback for recent losses to Montreal in 2008, 2004, and 2002. Sorry Montreal fans, but karma can be a bitch and this should teach you not to 'boo' another country's National Anthem!

Our Great White Hope?

2009-04-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

Now we're really screwed! First Kevin Garnett is declared out for the NBA play-offs and now we learn that Leon Powe tore the ACL on his 'good knee' and will need surgery.

That leaves the Celtics short on big men and fans hoping that Brian Scalabrine makes an impact when he returns from multiple concussion syndrome in Game 3 at Chicago.

A Perfect Patriots' Day for Beantown

2009-04-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

Boston Marathon: Good weather for the 113th running and American runners finish 3rd in both the Men's and Women's division!

Boston Red Sox: Win 12-1 and sweep the Orioles to climb back over .500 for the first time this year since Opening day!

Boston Bruins: Beat the Candiens 4-2 in Montreal to go up 3 games to none in the quarterfinals of the Eastern conference play-offs!

Boston Celtics: Beat the Chicago Bulls 118-115 despite injuries and a 5 point deficit late in the game after Ray Allen makes consecutive 3-point shots!

'Batting Stance Guy' Meets the Red Sox

2009-04-18T08:12:00.000-07:00

...Plus more past and present Red Sox Batting Stances!

No Foolin', KG and Ainge Out for the Playoffs

2009-04-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

April is now the cruelest month for Celtics' fans. Not only is All-Star Kevin Garnett out for the Celtics' 2009 play-off run but word is that Celtics' General Manager Danny Ainge suffered a heart attack as well.

I'm really not sure which is more surreal. On one hand, Celtics' GM Danny Ainge is only 50 years old and a former 3-sport athlete who is still in great shape for his age. On top of that, he is a Mormon who doesn't smoke or drink alchohol, yet after falling ill the other night, they found out that his artery was 100% clogged!

On the other hand, we were told all along that Kevin Garnett was going to be fine. His injury was mild and he could have come back sooner but that the Celtics were just giving him more time to be safe. They said he was going to be back for the last week of the season but since the playoff seed was solidified they thought starting up again in the playoffs would be the best just to get a couple extra days of treatment. Now Coach Doc Rivers tells everyone that he saw KG in practice on Thursday and there is no way he can go in the playoffs and probably will need surgery after the season!

Much like last year's injury to Andrew Bynum, Laker players and their fans were told repeatedly that Bynum would be ready for the play-offs until it was finally declared that he was done for the rest of the season. Now Celtic fans are left with a lot of questions. With the best medical expertise at their disposal, how is it that Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge didn't know how serious KG's injury was and who really gained from this non-disclosure? Their players? The opponent? Certainly not the fans who have all year for another successful playoff run and now must pray for a Willis Reed-like apearance late in the play-offs by Kevin Garnett.

As Rick Pitino once said, "Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish aren't going to be walking through that door"...And now neither will Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, so it appears that the Celtics and their fans will need a lot more than the the luck of the Irish to repeat as World Champions this year.

Does Bob Watson Hate the Red Sox?

2009-04-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Terry Francona and Theo Epstein were shocked at the recent 6 game suspension levied by MLB Disciplinarian Bob Watson. Especially since Watson basically overruled the umpires' decision on the field. Umpire Joe West neither ejected or warned Beckett after his errant pitch came in high and tight on the Angels' Bobby Abreau. In fact, West stated that he actually thought Beckett "handled himself well" during the altercation.

That said, behind closed doors I'm sure the Red Sox brass aren't all that surprised at Watson's decision. After all, this isn't the first time Bob Watson has used his power unfairly against the Sox organization.

Bob Watson's Timeline of Tyranny:

June 1979: After a mid-season trade with Houston, Bob Watson plays 84 games with the Red Sox before signing with the New York Yankees in the off-season and claiming that Boston was not accepting of black players
October 1995: Watson is named General Manager of the New York Yankees
February 2002: Major League Baseball names him Vice President in Charge of Rules and Discipline
May 2002: Watson penalizes both the Sox Trot Nixon and Frank Castillo of the Rays for fighting yet only consults with Rays' Manager Hal McRae (not the Red Sox) before handing down the fines and suspensions
July 2002: Tampa Bay Ray's Pitcher Estaban Yan hits Sox Manny Ramirez with a pitch yet Yan is neither fined or suspended by Watson even though both benches were already warned earlier in the same game.
October 2003: During game 3 of the ALCS, Sox Pedro Martinez hits Karim Garcia with a pitch inciting one of the game's most famous brawls. Then Yankees' Pitcher Roger Clemens threw one up and in on Manny Ramirez, the benches cleared and New York Coach Don Zimmer charger at Martinez angrily. Watson fines Pedro Martinez $50,000 for the incident, and Ramirez $25,000 but Don Zimmer receives only a $5,000 penalty.
October 2003: Also, neither Yankee Outfielder Karim Garcia nor Yankee Pitcher Jeff Nelson are fined by Watson for what Boston Police called an "unprovoked attack" on a Red Sox employee in the Yankees' bullpen near the end of that same game. Both were later charged with assault, but the MLB Disciplinarian saw no reason to fine or suspend the players.
July 2004: Yankees' Pitcher Tanyon Sturtze sucker punches Red Sox Outfielder Gabe Kapler. Kapler responds with clearly less force than Sturtze, but Watson gives them equal fines and suspendions even though Sturtze had started the altercation with Kapler. On top of that, Trot Nixon, who rushed to the aid of Kapler and pulled Sturtze off of him, is also suspended for 3 games and fined. Then, only after appeals to the ridiculous sentences did Watson relent on Nixon and Kapler's suspensions.
April 2005: Red Sox Manager Terry Francona is suspended 3 games for his role in a beanball incident with the Tampa Bay rays, yet a month later Yankee's Manager Joe Torre receives only a one game ban after a similar incident between New York and Detroit
August 2007: Watson sends one of his underlings into the Boston dugout during a game to make sure that Red Sox Manager Terry Francona is wearing his uniform correctly. Fancona is shocked because he is wearing the proper attire but he is also being distracted from during a very important game. Watson later passes the 'Francona Rule', banning managers from wearing pullovers instead of their team jersey.
April 2008: Finally, in light of the recent 6 game suspension of Josh Beckett, it is interesting to note that Watson only suspended Yankee Pitchers Joba Chamberlain and Kyle Farnsworth 2 and 3 games respectively for throwing at Red Sox player's (Youkilis & Ramirez) heads!

Manny? Happy? Returns?

2009-04-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sure you can warn Dodger fans about the frustration of life with Manny Ramirez and what the saying "Manny being Manny" really refers to, but until they experience it for themselves, they just think you're crazy. They'll say that the guy is just fun-loving and a monster at the plate, so what's not to love? Well, now Dodgertown is getting a taste of what life is really like rooting for the mercurial hitting savant.

Without any other suitors this off season, the Dodgers were still generous enough to give Manny a 2 year/$45 million contract including a player option in the second year! But now less than 2 months later, the ever-grateful Ramirez has come out and said that he really wants to finish his career where it all began, in Cleveland. All this while the Dodger's unveil their new campaign where Manny claims that Los Angeles is the place where he belongs and his town now.

Welcome to 'Planet Manny' Angelinos! He's your problem child now!

Bird was the Word in the Summer of '76

2009-04-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Northbourogh, MA native and 1976 AL Rookie of Year Award Winner Mark 'The Bird' Fidrych found dead at age 54. Born in Worcester, MA, the two-time All Star became an instant folk hero for his pitching prowess and his quirky behavior on the mound but like his career, his life ended much too early.

Notes from the Coast:

2009-04-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

There were a lot of 'uglies' this past week, but leading the way was the Red Sox anemic offensive performance against their postseason rivals Tampa and Anaheim. The Sox have lost the first two series of the season mainly because they are hitting only .240 as a team with the main culprits being Jacoby Ellsbury (5 for 24), David Ortiz (4-20), Mike Lowell (4 for 23), J.D. Drew (2 for 16), and Jed Lowrie (1 for 18). Even Josh Beckett's bravado and a mini-brawl with the Angels couldn't fire up the Sox' bats in Anaheim.

Yikes! - The Cleveland Cavaliers spanked the Celtics by 31 points on National TV and the Cav players had to turn to dancing during timeouts to keep themselves interested in the blowout. Fortunately, the Orlando Magic lost 2 games which assured the Celtics would have the second best record going into the postseason. However, now with only 2 games left in the season, the Celtics must somehow integrate their injured players and secure a play-off rotation or a lack of chemistry and cohesiveness could be their downfall in the quest for Banner #18.

Yikes! - The affable Argentine, Angel Cabrera, wins the Masters only after Kenny Perry and Tiger Woods both bogey the last two holes and Phil Mickelson once again self-destructs on the back 9 with poor shot choices, missed putts, and a shirt that looked to be two sizes too small.

Yikes! - The Miami of Ohio Hockey team had a 3-1 lead with less than a minute to go in the NCAA Championship game only to lose 4-3 in overtime. The good news is that Coach Jackie Parker and the Boston University Terriers won their 5th NCAA Hockey Title with a comeback for the ages!

Yikes! - The Boston Bruins fell just short of the getting the best record in the NHL but even more troublesome is that they will open the play-offs against their nemesis, the Montreal Canadiens. Granted the Bruins are the #1 seed and the Canadiens are #8, but anything can happen with these rivals. In post season play, the Canadiens have won 24 of 31 playoff rounds (including 18 in a row from 1946-1987), and 13 times in club history, the Canadiens have gone on to win the Stanley Cup after meeting the Bruins in the playoffs. Need I remind you what happened in 1971, 1979, or 2004?

# 9 On the New Year's Wish List Fulfilled!

2009-04-10T14:57:00.000-07:00

The Boston Bruins will host the next NHL Winter Classic outdoors at Fenway Park on January 1st, 2010.

Why I Dislike the Rays More than the Yankees

2009-04-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

For some reason the Rays always play with a chip on their shoulder against the Red Sox even though the Yankees should be their main rival since Tampa is where the Yanks' Spring training home is located
They beat the Sox in the ALCS only to lose the World Series to a Phillies team with only 92 wins
They have stockpiled young talent because they have always drafted so high and are now able to attract complementary veterans like Pat Burrell and Gabe Kapler because Tampa is not the worst place to live
They have Carol Pena who was raised in Boston but couldn't hit with the Sox, and and now he may be the next David Ortiz with the Rays
At $43 mill, their payroll is the second lowest in MLB
With Joe Maddon as their manager, they play 'small ball' better than the Angels and are a tough match-up for the Sox
They don't even have a passionate fan base and average less than 10,000 fans a game
Before this offseason, their highest paid player only made $6 million per year!
Their window before having to pay and/or possibly lose their young talent unfortunately coincides with Sox' own window with David Ortiz, J.D. Drew, Mike Lowell, and Jason Varitek.
They just don't seem to know any better and fearlessly keep winning

Let The Games Begin -- Sox Open 2009 with 5-3 win over Rays!

2009-04-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

A Shotgun Wedding

2009-04-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

Gun shots were fired at Tom Brady and Giselle Bunchen's wedding in Costa Rica.

Two Weeks Until Opening Day!

2009-03-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

The Schill Is Gone

2009-03-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

Curt Schilling hangs up his spikes after 20 years.

UCLA's Secret Weapon for March Madness

2009-03-18T15:27:00.000-07:00

Lots Of Medical Questions

2009-01-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

Combine all the recent low-risk high-reward signings with the key injured players from last year and the 2009 Boston Red Sox may be better served setting up a M.A.S.H. Unit when Spring Training begins next month in Fort Meyers, FL. Needless to say, the Red Sox Team Doctors have their work cut out for them this year. Arguably Josh Beckett, Brad Penny, Mike Lowell, David Ortiz, Jason Varitek, Takashi Saito, and John Smoltz all had better years in 2007. However, if the Medical staff can help return these guys even to their 2006 form, the Sox could be vying for another World Series title in 2009...but that is a big "IF".

Brad Penny (Shoulder)
2008: W-L 6-9 ERA 6.28 - 2006: W-L 16-9 ERA 4.33

John Smoltz (Shoulder)
2008: W-L 3-2 ERA 2.57 - 2006: W-L 16-9 ERA 3.49

Josh Beckett (Oblique)
2008: W-L 12-10 4.03 ERA - 2006: W-L 16-11 5.01 ERA

Takashi Saito (Elbow)
2008: 18 Saves 2.49 ERA - 2006: 24 Saves 2.07 ERA

Mike Lowell (Hip)
2008: 17 HR 73 RBI .274 Avg. - 2006: 20 HR 80 RBI .284 Avg.

Rocco Baldelli (Mitochondrial Disorder)
2008: 4 HR 13 RBI .263 Avg. - 2006: 16 HR 57 RBI .302 Avg.

David Ortiz (Wrist)
2008: 23 HR 89 RBI .264 Avg. - 2006: 54 HR 137 RBI .287 Avg.

Julio Lugo (Quadricep)
2008: 1 HR 22 RBI .268 Avg. - 2006: 12 HR 39 RBI .268 Avg.

Jason Varitek (Head)
2008: 13 HR 43 RBI .220 Avg. - 2006: 12 HR 55 RBI .238 Avg.

So You Think You Had A Bad Week?!?

2009-01-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

It wasn't all bad as Tyrese Rice and the Boston College Basketball team did manage to upset the undefeated and #1 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels and in Chapel Hill no less. However, for the other Hub Sports teams, the rest of the week was as gloomy as the January weather in Boston.

BOSTON CELTICS:

After beginning the season 27-2, the Celts lose their next 6 out of 8 games. Even though the Garnett, Pierce, and Allen played well early on and Rajon Rondo improved greatly from last year, it's apparent that they miss James Posey. Last year it was Posey, as much as Garnett, who set the tone for the Celtics. He was the leader of a bench unit that would routinely beat the first unit in practice and often pull out games when the starters weren't on their games. As this year progresses, teams are learning how to defend Rondo, taking advantage of the weak Celts' bench, and subsequently wearing down the 'Big 3'.

BOSTON COLLEGE FOOTBALL:

Not only does Boston College lose their first Bowl game after winning 8 in a row, but they lose to a (6-6) Vanderbilt football team which hadn't won a Bowl game in 53 years. To add insult to injury, second year BC Head Coach Jeff Jagodzinski is then caught soliciting NFL teams for interview requests after promising his boss (and friend), Athletic Director Gene DeFilippo, that he would stay at BC for the length of his contract. Coach Jags then interviews with the New York Jets even though he has little or no chance of landing the job and is subsequently fired by the DeFilippo. To make matters worse, this is all happening at the height of recruiting season.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS:

It wasn't enough that the Pats didn't make the playoffs when the Jets failed to beat Miami, but then the Jets fire Bill Belichick's former protege and now nemesis, Eric Mangini, only to see the Cleveland Browns hire him within the week. To make matters worse; the Pats could lose Scott Pioli and Josh McDaniels as both are still interviewing with other teams, former Pat Asante Samuel makes another pick-6 in the playoffs for the Eagles, and early reports say Matt Cassel will be offered the franchise tag which means that Tom Brady is having setbacks with his knee.

BOSTON RED SOX:

Mark Teixiera is officialy announced as a member of the arch rival New York Yankees and Bostonians finally learn the bitter truth that contrary to all the reports, the Red Sox were never his or his wife's first choice. After losing out on Teixiera, the Sox front office seems shell-shocked and with less than 5 weeks until Spring Training they are still struggling to find a starting Catcher, a fourth Outfielder, and support for David Ortiz in the line-up. Plus, their new division rival, Tampa Bay, manages to solidify their already potent line-up by signing free agent slugger Pat Burrell for pennies on the dollar.

BOSTON BRUINS:

After beginning the year with a remarkable 29-5 record and a recent 10 game winning streak, the team loses 2 straight games as the injuries and fatigue begin to mount. Milan Lucic and Aaron Ward can't shake their nagging injuries, Marco Sturm is scheduled for knee surgery, and Patrice Bergeron may be out the rest of the year with another concussion.

Transfer of Utilities?

2009-01-06T08:04:00.000-08:00

My West coast moles tell me that the Red Sox have contacted free agent infielder and former Arizona State standout Willie Bloomquist. According to the Boston Herald's Sean McAdam, the Sox aren't planning on bringing back Alex Cora which leaves the the loser of the starting shortstop position battle between Jed Lowrie and Julio Lugo to be the utility infielder going into the season. However, if the Sox are still pursuing another middle infielder like Bloomquist, then Lugo or Lowrie may be part of a bigger trade that's brewing for either a hitting shortstop like Michael Young and Hanley Ramirez -or- a young catcher like Miguel Montero and Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

Sox Spending little with Penny & Green

2009-01-05T17:04:00.000-08:00

So the Yankees sign Mark Teixeira, A.J. Burnett, and C.C. Sabathia for $423 million. The frugal Tampa Bay Rays spend over $16 million to solidify their potent line-up with Pat Burrell and the Red Sox pick-up an injured Brad Penny and Utility Infielder Nick Green for less than $6 million!

Woohoo! Who's next Theo...Willie Bloomquist ?!?

New Year Wishes For Boston Sports!

2009-01-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

10.) Eric Mangini not getting another head coaching job in the NFL

9.) The Boston Bruins playing the Montreal Canadiens in the next NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park

8.) Celtics’ GM Danny Ainge picking-up a valuable bench player before the playoffs begin

7.) The Boston Red Sox securing another big bat to support David Ortiz in the line-up

6.) The New York Yankees not making the playoffs with Mark Teixeira

5.) Mike Lowell, David Ortiz, and Josh Beckett all returning to their 2007 form

4.) The Boston Red Sox winning another World Series

3.) The Boston Celtics winning back-to-back NBA Championships

2.) The Boston Bruins winning their first Stanley Cup in over 35 years

1.) Tom Brady returning 100% healthy for the 2009 NFL season

Notes from the Coast: Patriots' Post-mortem

2008-12-28T17:51:00.000-08:00

It was a courageous season that ended with a miraculous 11-5 record. However, when you lose the MVP of the NFL, your starting RB, as well as many other key players to injury, and then have to rely on a New York team to get into the playoffs, it shouldn't be a surprise that the 2008 Patriots will not be playing into 2009. Here are some thoughts on a very grueling and somewhat disappointing season.

Bill Belichick won't win the Coach of the Year Award (see Miami Coach Tony Sparano instead) but after winning all year with a bunch of scrap-heap players, some rookies, a retiree, and a QB that hadn't started a game since High School, Belichick has probably done his best coaching this year.
Big props to 39 year old future Hall of Famer Junior Seau for getting off his surfboard in San Diego and coming out of retirement to rejoin the Pats when they needed him. In previous years the incentive was to finally win a SuperBowl but this year it appears Junior simply wanted to help out a coach and organization he has grown to respect.
Player I want back next year: Rodney Harrison--With a young Secondary, the Pats could use his leadership and guile for another year. I just hope he has something left in the tank after all his recent injuries.
Player I don't want back next year: Lawrence Maroney--He has one more year left on his rookie contract but with all the nagging injuries and a bunch of unfulfilled potential, I think it's time time the Pats labeled this draft pick a "bust".
I do think Scott Pioli may accept the Head of Football Operations job Cleveland, as long as, Eric Magini is not chosen by the Browns' Owner as the new Head Coach.
My guess is that after seeing what happened to Eric Mangini in New York recently that Pats' Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels may wait a little longer before accepting a head coaching job in the NFL.
Had Charlie Weiss gotten the axe from Notre Dame, there may have been a chance that he and Romeo Crennel would have considered returning to the place of their greatest success as Coordinators under Bill Belichick in New England.
Some are reporting (and dreading) that Tom Brady is behind schedule in rehabbing his injured knee and may need another surgery which would keep him out of the 2009 season. However, we will all know the truth come March 1st when the Patriots will be forced to slap their franchise tag on back-up QB Matt Cassel for a possible insurance policy in case Brady's knee is not progressing.
Talk about unfair, next year will be the third year in a row that the Patriots will have to play Peyton Manning and the mighty Colts -- at Indianapolis!
Again unfair, the Chargers made the NFL play-offs with an 8-8 record and the Patriots at 11-5 do not. Yet, because the Chargers have a worse record, they could draft as many as 8 spots ahead of the Pats in the 2009 NFL Draft next April.

Notes from the Coast: Hot Stove Thoughts

2008-11-25T17:07:00.000-08:00

Now that it has officially dipped below 60 degrees on the west coast and the Baseball Winter meetings are less than 2 weeks away, this is probably as good a time as any to stoke-up The Ol' Hot Stove and examine the latest offseason baseball rumors.

No doubt that Mark Teixeira is a perfect fit for the Red Sox but there are several teams interested in the 28 year old First Baseman. Fortunately for the Sox, Teixeira has not re-signed with the Angels yet and truly wants to play close to his home in Maryland. Even better, it seems Teixeira may also want to play for a contender which would then eliminate both his hometown teams the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals.
That said, Red Sox fans should pray that C.C. Sabathia accepts the Yankees' offer of $140 million over 6 years because then that would greatly reduce the chances of the Yanks making a strong offer to Mark Teixeira. Unfortunately, the Yanks' offer has been on the table for over a week, so it looks like Sabathia may pass and take a lesser contract to play on the west coast.
Even though Red Sox owner John Henry is a big fan, I can't believe the Sox are truly interested in free agent Pitcher A.J. Burnett. If anything, Sox GM Theo Epstein is probably trying to drive up the price for the Yankees. Word is that the Yankees are committed to acquiring 2 of the top 3 free agent pitchers on the market, so upping the ante will again make it tough for New York to make a strong bid for Teixeira.
Now a free agent, former Sox Pitcher Derek Lowe desires a return to Boston. However, with Scott Boras as his agent, I wouldn't expect Lowe to accept a hometown discount which would make his chances of returning to Fenway as a 4th starter highly unlikely.
Even if the Sox trade Pitchers Clay Bucholz and/or Michael Bowden to Texas for young Catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, I wouldn't expect them to move Justin Masterson into the starting rotation. With Mike Timlin gone and Manny Delcarmen somewhat inconsistent, Masterson is too valuable in the bullpen. Instead I would expect the Sox to pick-up a veteran pitcher again like Paul Byrd and Bartolo Colon or maybe trade Julio Lugo to the Detroit Tigers for Dontrelle Willis in order to fill the 4th starter role on the pitching staff.
It looks like Japanese Pitcher Junichi Tazawa will be signing with the Red Sox. The 22 yr old right handed pitcher's fastball has been reported anywhere between 90-97 m.p.h but he still needs a lot of seasoning so his signing shouldn't affect or impact any Sox front office decisions this season.
There have been many speculative reports about the amount of suitors and contract offers for Red Sox Catcher Jason Varitek. Even if the Sox aren't offering Varitek the kind of money and years he and Boras want, I still expect him to finish his career with the Sox. Now that his divorce is final, I expect Varitek to have a better year at the plate which would mesh well with an incentive laden contract. Plus, Varitek's expertise at calling a game and his handling of both young and foreign pitchers would be invaluable training for a young catcher should the Sox acquire one.

Cassel & Pats, Kings of Miami!

2008-11-23T21:56:00.000-08:00

Little DP Wins Big MVP Award

2008-11-18T12:01:00.000-08:00

B's Beat-up Canadiens!

2008-11-14T07:48:00.000-08:00

Bruins log first win against Montreal in 13 games with an exclamation point. Milan Lucic gets revenge on the Les Habs' Mike Komisarek from last year's playoffs.

Notes from the Coast: Back from the Dead Post

2008-10-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

It took 22 years, 4 GMs, 3 Presidents of Basketball operations and unfortunately 2 untimely deaths, but the Boston Celtics finally hoisted banner #17 to the rafters the other night. It was a very touching ceremony that involved former Celtic greats passing the trophy/championship baton to a weeping Paul Pierce. And the whole thing only took 15 minutes!

Could Bill Belichick be having his best coaching year in 2008? Tom Brady, Lawrence Maroney, and Rodney Harrison are all out for the season yet the Patriots stand at 5-2 while the Colts and Chargers are only 3-4 and 3-5 respectively. At this point in the season the Pats amazingly have a better record than over-hyped 'Brett & the Jets' team down Route 95, as well as, the highly-touted and Superbowl favored Dallas Cowboys.
Thank goodness the Phillies won the World Series! Miracle year or not, there was no way a team like Tampa which has only been in the league 10 years, barely gets any fans, and whose top player only makes $6M deserved to win it all.
Don't look now but the Boston Bruins are a young and talented team. After back-to-back shut outs by Goalie Tim Thomas the B's are also 5-2 on the young season and just 1 point out of first place. Unfortunately, Thomas is 34 yrs old and as the elder statesman of the Bruins, he'll be hard-pressed to keep up this pace throughout the long season.
"Industry sources believe the Yankees will make a serious push for Manny Ramirez to play right field next year." That industry source is simply agent Scott Boras trying to drive up the price and/or years for Manny's next contract which puts Dodger's GM Ned Colletti lose-lose situation because the bidding will probably start at 4 yrs $25M.
Celtic Banner factoid; The word "NBA" is stenciled over a white basketball background if the Celts clinched their championship title at home and over green if it was done on the road.

Ode to Charissa Thompson

2008-10-26T22:16:00.000-07:00

This diddy was not created by this blog but you can can consider the message endorsed by BSB (although Erin Andrews will always be #1). Anyway, here's a little something to carry you over until the next posting...

More funny videos from the "ryanparkersongs's channel" channel at Heavy.com

Old School Sports: Summer Lawn Jarts

2008-08-19T00:54:00.000-07:00

I was listening to Sports radio this morning and someone mentioned Lawn Darts or 'Jarts' and it started me reminiscing about when I was a kid in Duxbury and I would steal away from my chores to walk down Hawkins Lane and visit Jim and Erva McDonald.

Jim and Erva were from the Quincy/Milton area and had a cottage in Duxbury for years. They were probably in their early 70's with children who had already grown and married. Erva was nice to me but when I stopped by I spent most of my time with Jim.

Mr. McDonald was a thin-wiry guy with a full-head of hair, big ears, and tan, leathery skin. I remember he always wore pants and a white t-shirt with an occasional unbuttoned short-sleeve collared shirt over it. He smoked a lot (but not as much as Erva) and liked his drink. Their place was a little brown cottage probably built in the 1930's complete with a screened-in porch, window boxes, and huge flat lawn that ran up against the woods which separated their lot from Mom's back yard. When they got into arguements, Jim would often spend his time in a large one room furnished shed that was just a few steps from the cottage and kind of like a small guest house.

Jim was a real character and sort of a surrogate grandfather to me. He told stories/fables about the war and facing Ted Williams as a young pitcher in a Spring Training game. I can't remember if Jim was still in HS or just out of the war when he faced Williams but chances are the story wasn't even true. Jim was big into golf and we would either watch golf on TV together or when Mom permitted, he would let me caddy for him at North Hill CC, a public 9-hole course in Duxbury.

Many times after watching golf or mowing the lawn, he would break out his cigarettes and the Lawn Dart set and we would play. Occasionally he would let me win, but he was definitely one of those old-timers who knew his way around a horseshoe pit and was equally adept at Lawn Darts.

Anyway, I hadn't seen or even heard of Lawn Darts until this morning but it reminded me of Jim and those few times times I played as a kid. Then I thought how cool it would be to own a set, so you could play at the beach or you could play in a yard where bocce ball doesn't fair too well. What I didn't realize is that Lawn Jarts were banned in North America back in the 80's due to several injuries and a few deaths.

Sure the product name 'Jarts' is taken from Javelin-Darts, but I think today's censorship only guards against people using their own common sense. Kids and drinking should defintitely be monitored when using the game, but isn't that obvious?!? It seems like no one is accountable for anything anymore...even their own stupidity. Anyway, although you can still buy a safer, rubberized version today; the true vintage, steel sets are now only available on the black market for $60 and up. So if you come across a set at a yard sale -- grab 'em!

Check out these links for more info...

http://lawn-jarts.com/lawn_jart_history.php

http://lawn-jarts.com/lawn_jarts_banned_in_the_usa.php

Dreading Manny

2008-08-17T02:21:00.000-07:00

Stop the presses! Manny Ramirez finally decided it was time to have his haircut!

Even though he is almost 37 yrs old, Manny still conducts himself like a spoiled little child who acts out when he doesn't get everything he wants. Whether it's being made to take anger management classes after roughing-up a Team attendant or just cutting his hair, he doesn't like being told what to do. So when Manny finally decides to abide by the team rules and trim his dreadlocks, there has to be something in it for HIM!

Manny's comments on the big 'event': "It's still long. If I come back next year, it will be shorter."

Manager Joe Torre's reaction: "He haunts me with this. Manny says every time he gets a hit, it's the hair. I say it's the ability. He knows as well as everybody else around here that his ability is special. He's a character."

The plain truth is -- Manny cut his hair when he wanted to and only because it's part of his offseason campaign to get another big contract. However, as Jason Stark of ESPN points out, being a model citizen the rest of this season could backfire on him as many as GM's around the League realize that this is just an act and when Manny gets his money, he will probably turn back into the problem child he was in Boston.

Julio 'Wally Pipp' Lugo?

2008-08-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

Similar to Wally Pipp getting injured in 1925 and losing his job to a back-up named Lou Gehrig, Julio Lugo may be in danger of losing his job to rookie Jed Lowrie. Even though Lugo makes $9 MM more a year than Lowrie, performance ranks supreme in Boston and based on the exibition Lowrie is putting on thus far, Lugo may never start another game at Shortstop.

Jed Lowrie's 2008 Stats:

Doubles - 13

Triples - 2

RBI's - 29

Avg. - .310

Games - 42

Lowrie's Last 7 Games:

Hits - 10

Doubles - 6

RBI's - 7

Avg. - .400

Jed Lowrie tied a career high with three hits on Aug 14th against Texas. He also accomplished the feat May 10th at Minnesota.
Lowrie has 3 straight multi-hit games, and has hits in 12 of his last 13.
He also has at least one double and one RBI in each of his last four games.

Scouting Report (Offense):

"Lowrie hits for average very well, and equally from both sides of the plate. Outstanding plate discipline, in true Red Sox form his best attribute may be his ability to work pitchers for good at bats. Fundamental and athletic."

Scouting Report (Defense):

"An intelligent Shortstop with a decent glove and average range. His arm is strong but he needs to work on his throwing accuracy. So far Lowrie's defense is ranked 5th among the 62 major league shortstops (Derek Jeter and Jose Reyes are ranked in the 40's)."

All-Time Baseball Movie Hitters

2008-08-14T14:09:00.000-07:00

Kelly Leak, 'Bad News Bears' Chico's Bail Bonds, .665
Roy Hobbs, 'The Natural' New York Knights, .422
Crash Davis, 'Bull Durham' Durham Bulls, .398
Dottie Hinson, 'League Of Their Own' Rockford Peaches, .377
Willie Mays Hayes, 'Major League' Cleveland Indians, .356

-Courtesy of ESPN

Red Sox Come Alive, Win the Battle of 1917!

2008-08-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

The Sox and Texas Rangers tied the record for most combined runs in an American League game as Dustin Pedroia grabbed 5 hits, David Ortiz hit 2 HR's, and Kevin Youkilis had a 'hat trick' of sorts with 2 HR's along with 2 strike outs and 2 errors!

A Byrd in the Hand

2008-08-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

Cleveland's 37 yr old Paul Byrd was aquired by the Red Sox to support the Pitching Rotation. Now Clay Buchholz can go back to Pawtucket and get his head straight, Bartolo Colon can take his time rehabbing, and Curt Schilling can feel less guilty about taking $8 MM to sit on the DL this year. More importantly, the clubhouse is buoyed knowing the Sox brass went out and got someone to help out down the stretch. Let's just hope Byrd can help the Sox staff and doesn't fly South this October like his namesake.

Dog Days of Summer

2008-08-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

There are only 52 days and 46 games left in the Red Sox season, yet it still seems to be dragging. I’m not sure if it’s a World Series hangover, a case of Manny 'Malaise', or the lingering affects from the Japan trip, but the Sox seem to lack consistent energy and are not the exciting team they were last year. Earlier in the season, they led the league in come from behind victories and you felt it was just a matter of time before they hit their stride and started dominating again -- but they never did and probably never will this year.

Things I am getting tired of in 2008…

All the one run losses on the Road
J.D. Drew striking out without swinging
David Ortiz’ nagging injuries
Lack of production/fielding from Julio Lugo
Getting swept at Tropicana Field
Okajima’s blown leads
General lack of power in the line-up
Jason Varitek at the plate
Daisuke Matsusaka’s frequent walks/high pitch counts
Don Orsillo laughing at Jerry Remy
Manny Delcarmen’s grooved fastballs
Tampa Bay’s many wins in the bottom of the 9th
The ‘Shift’ on David Ortiz
Theo Epstein not acquiring bullpen help
Waiting for Bartolo Colon to get off the DL
Coco Crisp not fulfilling his potential
Josh Becket having a below average year
Manny Ramirez ‘Mania’ spreading in Los Angeles
The Front Office trimming payroll
Papelbon allowing runners on base
Getting smacked around by the Angels
Lack of spectacular catches from Crisp
Buchholz’ and Ellsbury’s sophomore slumps
Mike Lowell looking like he’s 52 with all his gray hair
The pathetic bottom third of our Batting order

The Manny Rules?

2008-08-07T13:43:00.001-07:00

Will Manny Ramirez cut his hair as Manager Joe Torre and the Dodger's organization has requested he do to conform to team rules or will his production at the plate allow him to play by his own rules (as he did with the Red Sox)? Ironically, people in LA feel like they already know Manny and an LA Times beat reporter and Torre even have a bet on what Manny will do by next Monday when the Dodgers return to LA from their road trip. Good luck with that one!

Meanwhile back in Boston, the Boston Globe is reporting that the Baseball Commissioners Office is investigating Manny's fake knee injury and possible tanking of games to get out of his contract with the Red Sox. Can you say 'Integrity of the Game' violation? They seem to take that pretty seriously at MLB headquarters...just ask Pete Rose.

The Revenge Bowl: Sept 14, 2008

2008-08-06T22:24:00.000-07:00

Bring on the J-E-T-S! The Patriots will now face Eric Mangini & Brett Favre this season with the chance to avenge both the Super Bowl XXXI loss and SpyGate!

Early Returns on Big Trades

2008-08-05T22:06:00.000-07:00

Xavier Nady: Left Fielder -New York Yankees

Games (9)
Hits (12)
HR's (4)
RBI (11)
Avg. (.400)

Manny Ramirez: Left Fielder -Los Angeles Dodgers

Games (4)
Hits (10)
HR's (2)
RBI (5)
Avg. (.625)

Jason Bay: Left Fielder -Boston Red Sox

Games (5)
Hits (9)
HR's (1)
RBI (6)
Avg. (.429)

Are you kidding me?

2008-08-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

It came out an hour after the trade was finalized with the Dodgers that Manny Ramirez asked his agent Scott Boras to tell the Red Sox he would behave the last 2 months of the season if the Red Sox would drop the (2) $20 million options on his contract.

Too little, and way too late. Sure he was well received (like Wayne Gretzky and David Beckem before him) in Los Angeles on Friday and went 2-4 in his debut with the Dodgers but Ramirez may have realized Thursday night that he shot himself in the foot by forcing the Red Sox hand. Not only is he now in a new league but also a league without a DH, so he'll have no days off in the field the rest of the way. Also, he will be to patrolling the huge left fields of the NL West which will expose his lackluster defense. On top of that, but he'll be facing the top NL pitching in the West while hitting in a weak Dodger line-up with little protection behind him. All of which will not help his campaign for a huge new contract.

Ramirez is seeking a 4 year $100 million deal to finish out his career but early reports are that he would probably only get about $35 million for 2 years (less than the 2 Red Sox options). In the end, what Manny (and Scott Boras) probably wanted was for Boston to void the 2 options on his contract, so he could become a free agent at the end of the year. Then, with Ramirez raking at Fenway the last 2 months of the season, Boston and their deep pockets would be in the bidding to help drive up the price on a new contract.

It's obvious that Manny Ramirez does not like to be controlled nor told what to do, so him having to take anger management classes for an altercation last month and the Red Sox holding all the cards on his contract was enough for him to quit and hold his talent hostage from the team. Unfortunately, it got ugly when the Red Sox called his bluff. His plan backfired and now the word his out on Manny as a possible 'quitter'. Big market teams won't be as interested in giving the 36 1/2 year old Ramirez what he wants this off-season unless he really tears it up the rest of the season and now that may not be as easy as Manny once thought. Oops!

Manny Gets His Way, Sails Off to LA-LA Land

2008-07-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

Hitting savant and malcontent Manny Ramirez was sent out of Boston to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-way deal that included the Pittsburgh Pirates right before the trading deadline.

The Red Sox may have rushed this deal because they gave up a Hall of Fame hitter in Manny, along with a hard-throwing young Reliever in Craig Hansen and solid Outfield prospect Brandon Moss all for Pittsburgh Pirate Outfielder Jason Bay. Plus the Red Sox will be paying $7 million to the Dodgers to cover the remainder of Ramirez' 2008 salary!

Unlike Pittsburgh's deal with the Yankees last week, it appears the Pirates got the best of Sox GM Theo Epstein this week. While Jason Bay is an All-Star Outfielder, he will be 30 soon and as an NL hitter, it remains to be seen if he can protect David Ortiz in the line-up against stronger AL pitching. Also, the Red Sox still never got the bullpen help they so desperately needed. Meanwhile, Yankees GM Brian Cashman only gave up 4 prospects (and not Ian Kennedy) who were a few years away from the Majors to the Pirates for left-handed Relief specialist Damaso Marte and OF Xavier Nady, who has similar stats to Jason Bay.

Sure Jason Bay is a lot cheaper (he only makes $6-8 million) but this is Boston, so it shouldn't be about the money. Besides Bay's agent is Scott Boras, so he'll look to double that money when he is a free agent after next year. Nor is 'addition by subtraction' a good excuse for this deal because we're only talking about putting up with Manny for 2 more months and the Red Sox with their inconsistent pitching and slumping bats were barely on track to make the play-offs with Manny but now their chances are worse without him.

In short, the Pirates gained 2 good players and 2 prospects and the Dodgers gained a happy Hall of Fame hitter for 2 months in a contract year to bolster their play-off chances (plus 2 first round draft choices should Manny not sign in LA). All so the Red Sox could lose their headache and PR nightmare for 2 months. So if the Sox were really willing to give away this much to get rid of Manny, then why the heck couldn't this deal have been made for Mark Teixeira?!?

Red Sox Trade Rumors:

2008-07-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

The 2008 MLB Trade deadline is less than a week away and as always, the Red Sox are a big part of the rumor mill. Some rumors are far-fetched while other may provide a little insight into what the team may look like next year.

One of the pressing needs for the Sox is in the bullpen and more importantly the set-up role and middle relief. Brian Fuentes of the Rockies, Huston Street of the A's, and the Orioles' George Sherrill have all been oferred but the price has been too high.
After last year's bad trade with Texas for Eric Gagne, Sox GM Theo Epstein has got to be hesitant about trading top young prospects like Jed Lowrie, Michael Bowden, and Clay Buchholz for a relief pitcher who may not be able to handle the heat of a Pennant race again.
Also, Theo seems determined to convert either Justin Masterson or Michael Bowden into relief help ala Jonathan Papelbon. Masterson did well in Seattle but the true test will be against the Yankees and Tampa.
After trading 4 prospects to the Pirates for Xavier Nady and top lefthanded reliever Damaso Marte, it appears the Yankees are going for it in their last year in the old stadium. This action could also force Theo and the Sox to make a move before the deadline.
Should the Sox make a move, look for them to try to package either Coco Crisp or Julio Lugo (and his $9 mill salary) with lesser prospects for Mark Texeria who is the last year of his contract.
Crisp is batting .252 and seems to be in steady decline, so it may be time to move him while his contract and skills are still coveted. Even though Lugo is only out until mid-Aug, you have to think he is on the way out since the Sox already contemplated Juan Uribe as a short/long term replacement at Shortstop.
Long term, the Sox may be exploring a Jed Lowrie-Dustin Pedroia middle infield. However, since Pedroia has quick feet and Lowrie does not (Pedroia played SS in college and Lowrie 2B), the Sox could look to flip their positions again for a stronger defensive infield in the future.
Finally, the Manny Ramirez factor is always in play. With two-1 year $20 million options on Manny's contract, the Sox hold all the cards in Manny's future. If it gets to a point where Manny no longer wants to play for a 1 year deal and his antics continue to distract the team, then the Sox might just exercise his option for next year and then trade him with his permission. Then with 2 months left in this season and another year on Manny's contract, the Sox could get some worthy compensation for him.

Time To Tweak Sox?

2008-07-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

Are the Red Sox suffering the same kind of World Series hangover that plagued them down the stretch of the 2005 season or is this the beginning of the end of a great run with these core players? The Sox have been inconsistent in many areas of the game this year and with 57 games left in the season, it doesn't look good for them to defend their Championship title.

The Sox have one of the worst road records for a contending team in the history of baseball and are 3-5 since the All-Star break. Unlike last season, their set-up and middle relief have been horrendous and both the defense and starting pitching unreliable at times this year. After strong starts, Jacoby Ellsbury and Clay Buchholz seem to be approaching 'Sophomore slumps' and both Coco Crisp and Jason Varitek have been struggling at the plate all year. The bottom of their batting order is one of the worst in the league and even Manny Ramirez is showing his age lately.

In contrast, the Yankees are one of the hottest teams in baseball. Despite injuries to Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui, they are 8-0 since the All-Star break and recently have been bolstered by the additions of top hitting Outfielder Xavier Nady and left-handed relief specialist Damaso Marte. The Yankees were 9 games out of first place on July 4th and 6 games behind the Red Sox and now they are tied with the Sox in the loss column. Oh yeah, let's not forget that the Sox still have been chasing the Tampa Bay Rays in the standings for almost 2 months and it's the LA Angels that are the best team in the AL this year. Not only that but they've been swept by both the Rays and the Angels already this season.

With the Yankees moving into a new ballpark next year, there is no way Boston will be able to compete with New York in the future financially, so you can't blame Red Sox Management for wanting to see what the younger players can do. Plus, I'm sure Sox GM Theo Epstein is a bit gun-shy after the Eric Gagne for David Murphy et al trade fiasco last year. However, with a rabid fan base and by far the highest ticket prices in the game, the Red Sox also cannot afford to rebuild and aside from Dustin Pedroia and John Lester, it doesn't look like the kids are stepping up. This means that with aging stars and lackluster production, it could be time to make some big time moves and change the club to keep the momentum going into the future.

Manny phones it in...

2008-07-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

And begs out of the line-up against Joba Chamberlain and the Yankees.

Welcome Back!

2008-07-24T13:57:00.000-07:00

Brady, Moss, and the rest of the Pats open Training camp and get to work on 2008.

Just Jacobs Being Jacobs?

2008-07-23T17:27:00.000-07:00

Boston Bruins' GM Peter Chiarelli acknowledged that placing Glen Murray on unconditional waivers, the first step toward a buyout, was a challenging decision. "It was really, really difficult," said Chiarelli of Murray, who was due $4.15 million in 2008-09. "Muzz is a very good person. He meant a lot to the room. It's something where you have to make hard decisions in this new system."

If Murray goes unclaimed and the Bruins complete the buyout, they will trim $2,766,667 from their 2008-09 cap hit, bringing their current number down to $55,469,999 just below the $56.7 million cap ceiling. When the Celtics were making their championship run, Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs was asked if he would consider spending over the salary cap, like the Celtics did, to win a Stanley Cup. His reply was absolutely.

Now there is no doubt that Glen Murray's production has dropped each of his last 5 season and he's had a series of nagging injuries since the '05 season, but at 35 Murray is the type of role player and leader that a Stanley Cup contender needs in the locker room. Sure $4 MM may be a bit too high Murray right now, but the larger question is whether Jabobs and Chiarelli will put that savings back into the team and not be afraid to spend over the cap or will the Bruins continue to be fiscally conservative and flounder in mediocrity??

Home Is Where the Surf Is

2008-07-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

"What Silicon Valley is for programmers and Nashville is for musicians, Manhattan Beach has become for professional athletes. Sports figures are increasingly calling the pricey coastal city home. 'On everybody's street they have a Kings player,' said a blase-sounding resident..."

"From past residents like Tiger Woods and Shaq to current ones like Maria Sharapova and Nomar, all these athletes can be found in a city of about 35,000 people pressed into less than four square miles..."
-LA Times

Posey Gone but not Forgotten

2008-07-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

James Posey stung Celtic Nation last week when he decided to accept an offer to join Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets. There is no doubt that Posey’s departure leaves a huge void on the team. When he came to Boston, he was the only player with championship experience and he quickly became the unspoken leader of the second unit and the best 6th man the Celtics had since Bill some 22 years ago. Also, with his swagger and fearlessness Posey helped bring together and give an identity to a team full of new players. His pre-game pep talks, clutch 3-point shooting, and ability to draw an offensive charge were legendary and with his energy and defense he often inspired the team to victories when the ‘Big 3’ weren't on their game.

With Posey gone, GM Danny Ainge has some big shoes to fill. It’s now almost imperative that the Celts re-sign Tony Allen, Eddie House, or both. If House stays, then the Celts will retain some of the fearless shooting and energy that Posey brought off the bench. If TA re-signs and continues to rebound from his torn ACL, then the Celts will once again have an athletic defensive stopper, as well as, a scorer off the bench.

Even though there was a mutual love affair between Posey and the Boston, in the end the security of a 4 year contract was too strong a pull for him. I guess the only silver-lining for Celtic fans is the fact that Jame Posey didn’t sign with Los Angeles Lakers or fellow Eastern Conference rivals Cleveland and Detroit. Just another great play by Posey!

Red Sox vs. Angels: Friday night @ Anaheim

2008-07-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

Parking = $8

2 dogs + 2 beers = $24

Tickets = Cheaper than Fenway

Post game fireworks show = Free

Seeing Manny write his ticket out of Boston = Embarrassing

Unlike Sox, Revs all biz on road trip!

2008-07-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- An American Airlines flight from Boston to Los Angeles was diverted to Oklahoma City Friday after a passenger stripped, put his clothes back on and then tried to open an emergency exit door before being subdued by members of the New England Revolution Major League Soccer team on board, the FBI said.
Members of the Revolution helped grab the man near an exit door and tie wraps were placed on his wrists, FBI spokesman Gary Johnson said. The man, whose name was not immediately released, was taken off the flight in Oklahoma City and was undergoing mental evaluation, Johnson said.

American Flight 725, a Boeing 757, arrived in Oklahoma City at 1:35 p.m. CDT and was back in the air an hour later on the way to Los Angeles, said Tim Smith, a spokesman for American Airlines.
The trouble began when a man on the flight emerged from a bathroom without his clothes on, Johnson said.
"He was asked to go back to the bathroom to put his clothes on and he did and went back to his seat and then allegedly attempted to open an aircraft emergency exit door," Johnson said.

"Members of the Major League Soccer team, the New England Revolution, were on the flight. They were able to subdue him," he said.

The Revolution play Chivas USA in a third-round SuperLiga match in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Baseball All-Star Game Notes:

2008-07-16T05:38:00.000-07:00

The Home Run derby may have survived another year after Texas Ranger Outfielder Josh Hamilton hit 28 'Mantlesque' home runs in the first round. Hamilton is a great story but has only hit 40 home runs in his career! It's pretty obvious that MLB uses the juiced baseballs from the McGuire-Sosa era for the contest, but that was ridiculous.

What I did enjoy was Fox showing the honorary captains Ernie Banks and George Brett giving inspiring speeches to the AL & NL squads in the locker room before the game. I just hope the young players knew who they were.

It was a nice touch with the Hall of Fame legends coming out of the outfield before the game ala 'Field of Dreams' but remember that Boston did it first in the final All-Star game of the 20th century at Fenway Park in 1999.

Current All-Star players should take notice that every Hall of Fame legend took their cap off to the crowd except for Willie McCovey who chose to stand-up from his wheel chair under his own power instead!

As good as Bob Gibson looked for his age, Gaylord Perry looked bad. What is ironic is that Gibson was born in 1935 and Perry in 1938!

Wade Boggs is a wimp for only wearing a Yankee cap instead of the Tampa cap he took money to wear into the Hall of Fame and/or the Red Sox cap he wore for much of his career.

I understand that this game was part of a tribute to Yankee Stadium but did it have to be an anti-Red Sox zone? Why were there no Boston players in the legends line-up? Unfortunately Wade Boggs, Dennis Eckersley, and Luis Apapricio all decided not to bring Red Sox caps but why not invite Carlton Fisk or Yaz to represent one of the most storied franchises at the ceremony?

Much like Ted Williams at the All-Star game in Boston, George Steinbrenner was driven out in a golf cart during the first pitch portion ceremony but I'm not sure who looked in worse. A pale, crying 78 yr old Steinbrenner wearing what looked to be blind man's glasses or the somewhat toothless but jovial 81 yr old Williams in 1999.

I admit that it was bittersweet to hear Florida Marlins' Hanley Ramirez being introduced as the greatest young player in the game. Even though he is only 24, plays shortstop, and is being described as the next Arod; I still think the Red Sox made a great trade in getting Mike Lowell and Josh Beckett for Anibal Sanchez and Hanley Ramirez.

Boy did Yankee fans show their stripes. It was a disgrace to hear them boo, then cheer, then boo the Boston players. Sure NY and Boston fans are bitter rivals, but this is the only game that we are all on the same team playing for the same goal. It just proves that Boston has the better fans because it's known that they've clapped for Derek Jeter even during regular season games.

Finally, as you get older it gets harder to be interested in the All-Star game, but whenever I do find the time to watch, I am instantly transported back to the first game I saw on TV when vacationing up Nova Scotia. No other All-Star game has that affect.

Ring Around the Posey?

2008-07-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

As Boston Celtic free agent Forward James Posey entertains offers from the Celts, Hornets, Cavaliers, and Lakers, don't believe that his agent Mark Bartelstein is insisting on 4 year deal and don't believe that Celts' GM Danny Ainge will only offer a 2 year contract. This is just part of the negotiating dance.

Posey made $3.2 million last year and seems to be willing to accept a team's $5.3 million Mid-Level Exception salary for his next contract. The only variable is length of time. The Celtics don't want to tie-up another contract for too long but they already have the new 'Big 3' (KG, Ray, Pierce) locked-up for anther couple of years, so there shouldn't be any harm. Since the window for winning more championships is tied to the 'Big 3' and Posey is integral part of that window, then the Celtics should have no problem giving Posey a 3 year deal. Also, while other teams may be willing to offer him 4 years at the Mid-Level, my gut tells me that Posey wants to stay with the 'Big 3' and in Boston.

Finally, once Posey is locked-up, then hopefully Eddie House will soon follow. After all, it was House who recruited Posey in the first place. They are both represented by the same agent and he has made it clear that he wants to stay in Boston.

"With the 30th Pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, the Celtics take...A Risk"

2008-06-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

In the hopes of getting value late in the NBA Draft, GM Danny Ainge and the World Champions took a bit of a leap with their 1st round pick. At No. 30, the Celtics selected 6' 5" Guard J.R. Giddens from New Mexico. Giddens is a great athlete who is a good defender with big 'hops' and a nice mid-range jumper. Unfortunately, he also comes with baggage. Along with Kedrick Perkins and Leon Powe, Giddens was a High School All-American in 2003 but transfered from Kansas when he got stabbed in a knife fight at at local club (something he'll have in common with Paul Pierce). At New Mexico he started off on the wrong foot too, before getting his act together for his Senior year.

Save those "Walker" Celtics jerseys because in the 2nd round the Celts traded cash to the Wizzards for Kansas State 6' 6" Forward Bill Walker. Walker is also a great athlete and an active scorer around the rim. He plays much bigger than his size but he is coming off a couple of knee injuries that could handicap him in the NBA.

At the end of the 2nd round Boston claimed 7' 1" Semih Erden from Turkey. The Celts finally got their Center, but unfortunately he is a project that will probably be stuck in Turkey for a couple of years and thus won't benefit from the tutelage of KG.

On talent alone Giddens and Walker could have been lottery picks but injuries and off-court issues make these picks a bit of a gamble. Fortunately, the Celts have a veteran team and a winning atmosphere, so if these guys can't flourish here then they will never be able to do it anywhere in the NBA. Also, if the Celtics lose James Posey and Tony Allen to free agency then Giddens and Walker could provide needed depth for the team. Ainge may not have 1st round magic but he is definitely a 2nd round genius, so we'll have to see how this draft pans out.

Notes from the Coast:

2008-06-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

Bartolo Colon strained his back while taking a batting swing in Inter-League play last week, but like Josh Beckett in Spring Training, Colon's back problem probably has a lot to do with his front. Afterall, he is 5'11 and 245 lbs and the Celtics' Big Baby is 6'9 and only 44 lbs heavier than Colon! Now that Curt Schilling is lost for the year, someone may need to show Bartolo how to do a few sit-ups to insure he stays in the rotation.

Celts GM Danny Ainge won't taking a vacation anytime soon because this Thursday will be the last NBA Draft in which the Celts have a first round pick for awhile and it may be important to get a decent player, not project, who can learn how to win from the 'Big 3' while they're still around.
The Red Sox nearly lost only their second 3 game series at home in 6 years when the St. Louis Cardinals took 2 out of 3 in Inter-League play over the weekend. As the injuries and losses pile up, this is a good time for GM Theo Epstein to scope out what the team will need down the stretch before the trade deadline.
The Boston Bruins could be on the rise. With the help of former players like Cam Neely and Don Sweeney, the B's seem to be defining, uncovering, and stock-piling Bruin-like players in the NHL draft and free agency. My prediction is that they will return again to the Stanley Cup Finals in my Grandmother's lifetime...she is still their biggest fan.
One last note on the NBA Finals. In commercials, radio stations around LA are congratulating the Western Conference Champion Lakers with end-tag "Wait until Byum gets back!". For the record, even though Andrew Bynum did average 13 pts/10 rebs in 35 games last year, in the two regular season games against the Celtics he only had 12 points & 11 rebounds combined.

Boston is officially 'Title Town'

2008-06-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

U-b-u-n-t-u = CHAMPS!

2008-06-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

Ironically on June 17, 2008 the Boston Celtics finally won World Championship Banner #17 after blowing out the Los Angeles Lakers 131-92 in Game 6. On June 19, 1986 Len Bias died, now 22 years later to the day, the Celtics will have their victory parade. The curse has finally been lifted and now Celts' legend Arnold 'Red' Aurebach can rest peacefully because Phil Jackson won't be passing him for most championships won by a coach.

Ellsbury Steals the Record

2008-06-15T23:15:00.000-07:00

"Don't Cry for Me Slovenia"

2008-06-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

The key move at the end of Game 4 by Celtic Ray Allen...

And the reaction by Faker Sasha Vujacic...

A Comeback for the ages in Game 4!!!

2008-06-13T14:57:00.001-07:00

After a 24 point deficit in the first half and injuries to Kendrick Perkins and Rajon Rondo, Coach Doc Rivers was 'forced' to use his bench in the second half the way he did during the Celts' 66 win season and the result was the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history!

Using a small line-up featuring Eddie House and James Posey (Yes, the same one we've been begging Doc to use since late April.), the Celts spread the floor on offense and jammed the passing lanes on defense on their way to an improbable 97-91 comeback win in Game 5. What a roller coaster ride! Hell, I had to watch it by myself but couldn't even turn the TV sound back on until the last minute of the game. Like a scene in 'Indiana Jones', it seemed the Celts reached in and pulled out the Lakers' proverbial heart while it was still beating in the 3rd quarter and then basically stomped on it at the end of the game.

Boston is now up 3-1 on the Lakers and no team has won the NBA Title after being down that much. Whether the Celts win it on Father's Day in LA or back in Boston, they have 3 chances to win one game and get their 17th NBA Championship against their historic rivals.

Muchas Gracias Minnesota

2008-06-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

As I watched Randy Moss taking in the Celtics victory and rooting on his buddy Kevin Garnett at the Garden the other night, I couldn't help but think how much Moss, KG, and David Ortiz have in common. They all began their professional careers and became famous in Minnesota, yet they are all ending their careers and achieving legendary status in Boston.

David Ortiz was 'David Arias' when he began his career with the Minnesota Twins in 1997. The affable First Baseman was a decent hitter and average fielder but he never could hit for power at the Metrodome, so the Twins released him. The Red Sox quickly claimed him off waivers and with a new name and a power swing suited for Fenway, 'Big Papi' has led the Sox to 2 World Series titles while becoming an ambassador for Boston baseball a long the way.

Kevin Garnett was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves out of High School in 1995 and achieved great personal success by winning the League MVP and numerous All Star appearances but he couldn't bring his team a Championship. He wanted to join a winner before his career was over but had no interest in going to Boston until they traded for Ray Allen. In his first season with Boston, he won the Defensive Player of the Year Award and led the Celtics to the biggest turnaround in NBA history and to the NBA Finals.

Before Randy Moss resurrected his career with the New England Patriots he was a young star drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1998. Under the tutelage of fellow Receiver Chris Carter he achieved success early in career only to go astray. He left the Vikings and then had more altercations with the Oakland Raiders before being traded to the Patriots. Now paired with Tom Brady, Moss has become a solid citizen and a team player all while breaking the single season TD record and leading the Patriots to the SuperBowl.

So as New Englanders enjoy the unprecedented success of our local sports teams, we should be thankful to our friends to the North for breaking in KG, Moss, and 'Big Papi'. For without their past growth experience in Minnesota, our sports stars may not be all that super for Boston fans today.

Celtics 'Powe'-r through to win in Game 2

2008-06-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Led by Leon Powe's 21 points in 15 minutes, the Celts hung on for a 108-102 victory to go up 2-0 in the Finals. Now the teams head to Los Angeles for 3 games and the pressure is squarely on the Lakers. LA has to win 3 in a row at home or be forced to win the final 2 games of the series in Boston.

Even though the team that won the first game of the last 5 Finals between LA and Boston has gone on to lose the series, the Celtics are undefeated in NBA Finals when leading 2-0 while the Lakers have never won a Championship after being down 0-2 in the Finals.

Long Live Gino Time!

2008-06-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

In memory of Joe Massoni a.k.a. 'Gino' (1956-1990). The mascot, and at times inspiration, for the 2008 Boston Celtics' Championship run. Gone from this world but still alive and well on the Celtics' Jumbotron.

The 'Truth' hurts, but Celts still take Game 1

2008-06-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

NBA Finals: Why the Celtics will win

2008-06-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

The Celtics finally broke through and logged a playoff road victory after they beat the Pistons twice in Detroit
Ray Allen has finally come out of his shooting slump and averaged 17.5 ppg in the Piston's series
The Lakers' team defense isn't as strong as Detroit and they don't have anyone to match-up defensively with Paul Pierce
Rajon Rondo will be more effective and Eddie House will be able to play more in the Finals because the Lakers do not pressure the ballhandler
Home-court advantage

And why the Celtics could lose...

Ray Allen, KG, and Paul Pierce have never been in the NBA Finals
Phil Jackson is a much better coach than Doc Rivers and has used his bench more effectively in the playoffs, so the Lakers' rotation is tested and ready
Kobe Bryant has Finals experience, knows how to win, and isn't afraid to come up big in the clutch
Tony Allen is Boston's best defender but hasn't played much in the playoffs and now has a sore achilles tendon
Kendrick Perkins gets in a lot of foul trouble and may struggle to defend Pau Gasol and the Triangle offense

Let the Games Begin!

2008-06-04T07:38:00.000-07:00

Unlike the earlier rounds which are played in a 2-2-1-1-1 format, the NBA Finals are played in a 2-3-2 format, meaning the team with home-court advantage hosts games 1, 2, 6 and 7, and their opponent hosts games 3, 4 and 5. That said, it seems like it would be a lot easier to win 2 in a row at home, than 3 in a row, so the pressure could be on the Lakers. With the home-court advantage and the cross-country travel factored in, this could favor the Celtics.

Game 1: Thursday, June 5 -- @ Boston (9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST on ABC)

Game 2: Sunday, June 8 -- @ Boston (9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST on ABC)

Game 3: Tuesday, June 10 -- @ Los Angeles (9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST on ABC)

Game 4: Thursday, June 12 -- @ Los Angeles (9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST on ABC)

Game 5: Sunday, June 15 -- @ Los Angeles (9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST on ABC)

Game 6: Tuesday, June 17 -- @ Boston (9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST on ABC)

Game 7: Thursday, June 19 --@ Boston (9 p.m. EST/ 6 p.m. on ABC)

Stolen Moments

2008-06-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

The Celtics are 2-1 underdogs against the Lakers in this year's NBA Finals, but if history is any indication, there still may be a little magic left in the Celtics run this year. James Posey's game saving steal against the Pistons last series brought back memories of other key steals that helped the Celtics achieve play-off success.

1965 Eastern Conference Finals (Game 7)

In the closing seconds of the game, the Celts lost the ball out of bounds. Philadelphia had the ball under their own basket with a chance to win the game when "Havlicek stole the ball!" from Hal Greer. The Celts win and then go on to defeat Lakers in the Finals 4-1.

1984 NBA Finals (Game 2)

With the Lakers holding a 115-113 lead with 18 seconds left, James Worthy's pass to Byron Scott is picked by Gerald Henderson, who travels down the court for an easy layup. The game is sent to overtime, where the Celtics pull out a 124-121 win. The Celts defeat the Lakers 4-3 to win the Championship.

1987 Eastern Conference Finals (Game 5)

Boston is trailing by 1 when Larry Bird steals Isiah Thomas' pass intended for Bill Laimbeer. He passes to DJ for the game-winning basket with seconds left. The aging Celts go on to defeat Detroit 4-3 and make it to the Finals for the last time before 2008 but lose to the Lakers 4-2.

2008 Eastern Conference Finals (Game 6)

With 1:35 left and the Celts holding on to a slim lead over the Pistons, James Posey comes from behind and picks the ball out of Tayshaun Prince's hands and passes it to Paul Pierce. Pierce seals the victory with 2 free throws and the Celts head to the NBA Finals for the first time in 21 years.

Stay Classy Boston

2008-06-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

Sure you may hear a random "Yankees Suck" chant emanating from Red Sox Nation (whether or not a New York team is within 1000 miles), but unlike a majority of Sox fans, Celtics fans have set the standard of class for NBA fans throughout the league.

The 'Beat LA' mantra started in 1982, when the Philadelphia 76'ers were on the verge of beating the Celtics in Game 7 at the Garden and advancing to play the Lakers in the title game. Suddenly Boston fans started chanting "Beat LA-Beat LA" at the end of the game. Maybe it was a bi-product of years of success or just a healthy respect for karma but bitterness never entered the closing minutes of the hard fought series. At the time, Boston was the defending NBA Champs and the Sixers were the Celts' biggest rivalry but the Boston fans sent their foes off to the NBA Finals with style befitting the organization. Other teams, like the Detroit Pistons, have chosen to show an uglier side in such a moment. When Michael Jordan and the Bulls finally got past the Pistons to advance to the NBA Finals, Isiah Thomas and the rest of the Pistons opted to head to the locker room before the end of the game instead of congratulating the Bulls' players.

So go ahead and call Boston fans 'bedraggled' Phil Jackson. Go ahead Derek Fischer and disrespect the accomplishments of the Celtics' organization claiming "it happened before you were born, so you don't care." You won't hear Doc Rivers calling LA fans 'fair-weathered' nor Ray Allen pointing out that 5 of the 14 Laker Championships occurred when they were in Minneapolis. You won't hear Celtics fans and players ripping the Lakers, because with winning comes responsibility, and with responsibility comes class. In case you need some pointers, just ask Jerry West.

Celtics vs. Lakers: Tale of the Tape

2008-06-02T00:04:00.000-07:00

The top two franchises in NBA history, as well as, the top two teams this year face-off in the 2008 NBA Finals. Here's how they matched-up in 2008 and over the years...

2008 Regular Season

Record: Celtics 66-16 <=> Lakers 57-25
Points Per Game: Celtics 100.5 <=> Lakers 108.6
Points Allowed Per Game: Celtics 90.3 <=> Lakers 101.3
Head-to-Head: Celtics 2 <=> Lakers 0

2008 Play-Offs

Record: Celtics 12-8 <=> Lakers 12-3
Points Per Game: Celtics 91.6 <=> Lakers 105.9
Points Allowed Per Game: Celtics 87.3 <=> Lakers 99.5

All-Time

Total NBA Finals: Celtics 20 <=> Lakers 29
Total NBA Championships: Celtics 16 <=> Lakers 14
Finals Head-to-Head: Celtics 8 <=> Lakers 2
NBA Top 50 Players: Celtics 10 <=> Lakers 8

It's Just Manny Making History!

2008-06-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

Manny Ramirez finally became the 24th player to join the 500-home run club last night in Baltimore, but Manny also joined an even smaller fraternity.
He is now only the 7th player in baseball history with 500 homers, 1,500 RBIs, 1,000 walks, 475 doubles and a .300 batting average. The only others are Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Mel Ott, Babe Ruth, Frank Thomas, and Ted Williams.

Celts Beat Pistons 4-2, Advance to Finals!

2008-05-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

LA Lakers lie in wait for Eastern Conf winner

2008-05-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen, I hate to say it but the Los Angeles Lakers are on a roll. They advanced to the NBA Finals after finishing-off the San Antonio Spurs last night and now can rest up for the winner of the Pistons vs. Celtics series. The Lakers outplayed the defending NBA champs (beating them 4-1) and have been playing the best of any team so far in the playoffs.

If they had their choice, Lakers' fans would like to face the Celtics in the Finals. Many think a Boston vs. LA match-up would be a return to the NBA glory days, but I just don't feel the series would be all that good for the league. The Lakers are just playing too good right now and the Celts are still struggling to find their playoff mojo.

Plus the Celts don't match up well with the Lakers. Who could guard Kobe? Who can keep up with Odom along the baseline? Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are already exhausted from guarding the likes of Joe Johnson, LeBron James, and Rip Hamilton this post season. Also, Doc Rivers hasn't managed his bench well in the playoffs, so the team isn't playing the same stellar team defense as it did during the regular season and the Lakers' have the best offense in the league! In contrast, Phil Jackson has gone to the same rotation he did during the regular season and as a result everyone knows their role and the Lakers have been humming like a well-oiled machine.

Believe it or not, the Detroit Pistons probably match-up better with the Lakers than the Celts. They have cagey veterans who have played together for years, they play more a more intense, pressing defense, and their offensive movement could cause a lot of problems for the Lakers.

Don't get me wrong. I would love to see the Celts in the Finals again, but not if they're going to get rolled! It's one thing if a young, Cinderella team like the Cleveland Cavs makes it to NBA Finals and then gets swept by a dominant team like Spurs last year. But an uncompetitive series between the two top historical franchises only dilutes the entertainment value of the league. If a top rival doesn't even stand a chance against the best team in a league, then why bother to watch the sport? Then again, that's why they play the games...because anything can happen in sports.

Game 5: Let's not repeat history

2008-05-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

In 1991 the Celts faced the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Semis. It was Larry Bird's second-to-last year as a pro and the year Dee Brown pumped up his Reeboks to win the slam-dunk title. Just like in 2008, the Celts held a 2-1 series lead after winning the all-important Game 3, but then the wheels came-off and Detroit won the next 3 games to take the series 4-2.

1991 Eastern Conference Semifinals (Detroit Pistons over Boston Celtics; 4-2)

Game 1: Pistons 86 Celtics 75
Game 2: Celtics 109 Pistons 103
Game 3: Celtics 115 Pistons 83
Game 4: Pistons 104 Celtics 97
Game 5: Pistons 116 Celtics 111
Game 6: Pistons 117 Celtics 113

2008 Eastern Conference Finals (2-2)

Game 1: Celtics 88 Pistons 79
Game 2: Pistons 103 Celtics 97
Game 3: Celtics 94 Pistons 80
Game 4: Pistons 94 Celtics 75
Game 5: @ Boston
Game 6: @ Detroit
Game 7: @ Boston

The Grim-Ripper

2008-05-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

He's a great player and seems like a solid citizen, but how does Richard 'Rip' Hamilton get away with all the hand checking and holding game after game? He plays well over 40 minutes and barely gets 4 fouls, yet he's aggressively slashing to basket and picking up his guy at half court all game long.

Pierce picked-up 2 questionable blocking calls when Hamilton drove the lane in Game 2 and Ray got called for a foul when Rip jumped into Allen while taking a shot from the baseline, yet Hamilton gets the benefit of the doubt. Plus he's even more aggressive on the defensive end. Hamilton constantly hand checks, hip checks, and swipes at the ballhandler but doesn't get called for a foul when on D. In Game 1, he gave KG a forearm to the head while fighting through a pick yet didn't get called but the best was when he held onto KG's arm with two hands and it was Garnett who picked up his second foul in the first quarter of Game 3!

I'm not sure what's worse, Chauncey Billups' leg kick to draw a foul when he shoots or Hamilton's hand checking? Maybe it's because he's so skinny and non-threatening looking or maybe it's the fragile protective mask he wears that makes the Refs think he's really not that aggressive? Either way, the Refs have to stop protecting the Pistons and letting them get away with this crap or the Celts won't have a chance this series!

Game 3 Shockah!

2008-05-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

Who knew the Celtics could win again on the road, in the playoffs, and in Detroit? More importantly, who knew they could do it with House, Powe, and TA logging DNP's and Ray and Pierce only combining for 25 points?

After losing for the first time in the playoffs at the Garden Thursday night to the Pistons, the Celts lost their home court advantage. But they turned right around and took it back Saturday with a dominating 94-80 victory at the Palace in Auburn Hills, MI.

Led by KG's 22 pts/13 rebs and a double-double from Kendrick Perkins, the Celtics won their first road game since April 14th! James Posey, Rajon Rondo, and Perkins each had 12 points and PJ Brown, Sam Cassell, and Big Baby all played crucial minutes. However, when KG and Ray both picked up their 2nd fouls in the first quarter, it was the energy and stellar play by two 23 yr olds, Rondo and Perkins, that lifted the team and kept Detroit at bay.

Now the percentages are in he Celtics' favor as 76% of the time the winner of Game 3 goes on to win the series. There was no particular formula for the road victory last night, but it does seem that as Rondo and Perk play, so do the Celtics. Who knew?

Brazilian Super Model is a Boston Super Fan

2008-05-23T15:08:00.000-07:00

No-No for Lester!

2008-05-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

24 year-old John Lester became the first Boston lefthander to throw a no-hitter since Mel Parnell in 1956 as the Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-0 tonight! Lester joins fellow 23 year-old Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz who threw a no-hitter last year and now the Sox have had 18 no-no's in team history, second only to the Los Angeles Dodgers! An amazing feat considering Fenway is a hitters' park and neither Roger Clemens, Curt Schilling, or Pedro Martinez threw a no-hitter while in a Red Sox uniform.

Your 2008-09 Boston Celtics:

2008-05-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

Whatever happens in Game 7 tomorrow at the Garden, the window of opportunity for the new 'Big 3' is obviously getting smaller by the minute and since the Celts will be losing a lot of their draft choices after this year, Boston GM Danny Ainge will definitely need to make some key moves to fortify the team this off-season...

KG - Just tell him to relax and enjoy his vacation

Pierce - Tell him to keep working on his passing, rebounding, and playing team ball

Ray - An off-season strength program and another to year to heal after his surgery couldn't hurt

Rondo - He will only get better. Keep him unless you can package in a trade for better, more established PG

Perk - He should be made to earn even a reduced role next year. I have to think the Celtics can find a rebound 'hoover' who isn't afraid to shoot somewhere in FA or the Draft to better compliment KG.

Posey - Keep him for many obvious reasons (defense, shooting, energy, clubhouse, etc)

Powe - Keep as a key bench player in the paint

House - Great energy with Posey. Beg him to stay and tell him his reduced play time in the playoffs was only due to head injury that Doc had suffered

TA - He showed he could drive the lane again towards end of year. Re-sign him to spell to Ray and Paul.

Big Baby - His lack of height really hurt him in the playoffs but maybe he can replace Scal in a deeper role on the bench

Scal - Great guy but needs to go. He's just making too much money to be a token bench player.

PJ - Let him go back to retirement and the Bayou

Cassell - Adios "Sam, I am (going to shoot)"

Doc - He should have to explain his strategies (or lack there of) and admit his culpability for the teams' poor performance in the playoffs or he should be let go. Again, the window is just too small with these valuable resources to have an inexperienced person managing them.

Thibodeau - Keep him for his defensive coaching abilities. Plus, I don't think any team will be calling after the team's playoff performance this year.

Great minds think alike: Part 2

2008-05-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

No more rants about Doc Rivers' play-off philosophy, substitution patterns, or lack there of. I just can't take it anymore, so I'll let people ike ESPN's Bill Simmons do the venting for me. In his recent article 'Pre-Game Speech', Simmons outlines his disgust for the team's play-off performance in a pretty funny way.

Patriots Exonerated! May sue Herald

2008-05-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

After Commissioner Roger Goodell met with former disgruntled Pats' employee and turncoat Matt Walsh, it was announced that there is no more evidence against the Patriots and they will not be charged with anymore wrong doing. As a result, the Patriots may now sue The Boston Herald and writer John Tomase for slander.

Unlike other media outlets who chose not to run the story because of the lack of evidence, Tomase and the Herald printed that the Patriots taped a walk through before the 2001 SuperBowl with the St. Louis Rams and ran it the day before the recent SuperBowl loss to the NY Giants.

The Patriots released the following statement today:
"We want to address the allegation that the Patriots taped the Rams’ walk through prior to Super Bowl XXXVI. For the past three-and-a-half months, we have been defending ourselves against assumptions made based on an unsubstantiated report rather than on facts or evidence. Despite our adamant denials, the report ran on February 2, 2008, the day before Super Bowl XLII. That game was the second-most watched program in television history and it is unfortunate that today’s news will not also reach an audience of that size. We hope that with Matt Walsh's disclosures, everyone will finally believe what we have been saying all along and emphatically stated on the day of the initial report: 'The suggestion that the New England Patriots recorded the St. Louis Rams' walk through on the day before Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002 is absolutely false. Any suggestion to the contrary is untrue."

Road Killed!

2008-05-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

So now the team with the best road record in the NBA this year; the team that swept the Texas triangle (San Antonio, Dallas, Houston); the team that broke the Rockets 22 game winning streak on the road; has lost 5 games in a row on the road in the playoffs. So what gives?!

Some say that since he's not on the floor, how can you blame the coach? It's got to be the players' fault. Then if that’s the case and the Celts don’t advance, maybe GM Danny Ainge just go out and change the team again? Better yet, he should just go out and get 3 new All-stars for Doc to coach next year?

The talent is definitely there but it's obvious that the players are either just too tired and/or too tight and as a result, they are playing like crap. It probably has nothing to do with Paul Pierce having to defend LeBron all game or Ray Allen having to chase Joe Johnson and Wally Szerbiak through screens while their best defender, Tony Allen, is buried on the bench with 6 fouls to give. It has nothing to do with the coach breaking up a second unit that would beat the starters in practice and lift the team in games during the year. It probably has nothing to do with the coaches' offensive scheme and play selection. It has nothing to do with a completely different substitution pattern in the playoffs.

Personally, I thought Doc Rivers rested the Pierce, Ray, and KG the final 2 weeks of the season so they would be refreshed for the playoffs and so he could determine his rotation going into the postseason. In those 2 weeks it was evident that Sam Cassell couldn't learn any plays, James Posey and Eddie House still provided the best energy and offense when playing together off the bench, and Tony Allen finally got the message and was driving the lane again.
Then the playoffs start and Doc has Cassell playing all of the minutes usually set aside for TA and House and except for Posey, there is no help from the bench to guard the likes of Joe Johnson and Lebron James. As a result, Pierce and Ray appear exhausted, lost their legs, can't shoot well, and now the offense and spacing are in shambles.

Doc is obviously feeling the pressure of finally getting to drive a Porche in the playoffs and somehow this tension is being transferred to the players. But it has nothing to do with the coaching...it's just all 12 Celtic players that are at fault.