Tonight's the Night, Wake

I feel pretty bad for Wakefield right now.  He's a resilient guy so I know he'll be able to eventually get to win #200, but this has got to be a painful stretch of time for him.  There's nothing like coming so close to something and then having it fall through time and time again (Right, LeBron?)  

Wake's been stuck on 199 for a little while now.  It's a tough job for pitchers because their success relies not only on their personal performance, but the performance of their teammates too.  Pitchers need run support.  You can pitch a no-hitter, but if your team has put up a goose egg on the scoreboard, you're not going to get that W.  But I think tonight is the night for Wake.  The Sox offense has been on a tear.  He'll get the run support.  The Sox are playing Oakland who just gave up 22 runs to the Yankees yesterday.  They're vulnerable, to say the least.  

So everybody tune in to the game tonight!  You may see one of the all-time best Red Sox pitchers reach an impressive milestone.

Watch out, Josh!

Josh!  No!!  Watch out!!

There's not a chance you watched this play live last night during the game and didn't shout something in a panicked tone.  Impossible not to.  That rope was going straight for Beckett's head.  That doesn't result in the type of injury that sidelines a guy for a start or two.  That's a career-ender potentially.  That's scary.  Thank God he had good reflexes.  I wouldn't peg Josh as the quick-moving type normally.  Yes, he can throw 95 mph and withstand the pressure of World Series pitching.  But let's be honest, he's no Jacoby Ellsbury when it comes to moving fast.  Nonetheless, I'm glad that Beckett surprised me last night.  On my personal list of Favorite Josh Beckett Moments, this has to rank below Joshie hitting a home run against the Phillies a couple years back.

Bring Back Pat!

"I'm coming for you, Peyton."

Listen, I LOVE the New England Patriots.  I'm one of those people that shamelessly uses "we" and "us" whenever discussing the Patriots.  But one thing has really been bothering me for the past few years: Why is the "Flying Elvis" our logo?  I understand that is sort of resembles our mascot, Pat, while also incorporating a bit of the United State's flag feel too.  I'm just not it's biggest fan.

I think Kraft and Co. should strongly consider bringing back the old Patriots' logo (right).  Just Pat the Patriot, playing Center, looking mean, and looking ready to play some tough football.  It's a better logo.  It has more character, more life.  And let's be completely honest here, people.  Tom looks better in the throwback jersey anyways. 

Bringing Back A Hometown Hero

ESPNBoston.com - 

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Ricky Brown played linebacker at Boston College from 2002-2005, and when he looks back at that part of his football life, a victory at Notre Dame stands out. Brown took a brief trip down Memory Lane on Saturday, reflecting on that 2004 game with Paul Peterson at quarterback, as well as his new beginning with the Patriots.

“It’s good to be back on the East Coast,” he said.

Brown signed with the Patriots on Saturday, adding depth to a linebacking corps that has been thinned by injuries. He first started playing the position at BC, making the transition from defensive back. Brown opened his BC career playing behind Brian Flores, who is currently a Patriots assistant coach, and got his first start in the 2003 Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl when Flores was injured. Now the two are reunited.

After going undrafted in 2006, Brown hooked on with the Raiders as a free agent.

“Oakland will always have a special place in my heart. It’s where I started my career,” he said. “I made some really good friends there. I have a lot of respect for Mr. Davis and the organization he has set up, but here’s a new chapter in my life and I’m ready to attack it.”

If Brown is to stick, he knows special teams will be crucial. He’s been down this road before.

“Coming in as an undrafted free agent in ’06 with Oakland, you basically have to make your name playing on special teams,” he said. “The first two years, besides playing in goal-line packages and one start here, one start there, it was basically special teams.”

As for his first day with the Patriots, Brown said, “This is a first-class organization through and through. I’m honored just to be on the team and I’m ready to go to work.”

You gotta love seeing a hometown hero coming back to play in New England.  Brown had his fun messing around over in California for a few years but now he's back on the East Coast and ready to actually make a name for himself in the NFL on a respectable team.  It just feels right when college players return home when they reach the next level.  Unfortunately, it doesn't happen as often as we'd like.  I still wish Matty Ryan was Brady's backup and Mark Herzlich was lining up besides Jerod Mayo ....we'd be set for the next decade.  But that just isn't realistic.  I wish Brown the best of luck this year on the Patriots and hope he learns how a real organization is run under Mr. Kraft.  

Patriots Embarrassing the Bucs Last Night

I couldn't tell if the Patriots' dismantling of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last night was more of a testament to the Patriots' hard work and dedication in camp this year, or to the Buccaneers' complete lack of effort and skill.  I don't think the Buccaneers could have beat an injury-depleted Division 3 College team last night with their level of play.  I think Jerod Mayo was even a bit surprised a couple times, when just two seconds after the snap he had two hands around poor Josh Freeman's throat, pulling him to the ground.

Not to take anything away from the Patriots' play, of course.  Brady was Brady.  Throwing ropes to every receiver on the roster, hitting them in stride.  Hernandez had himself a nice (fumble-free!!) game.  Danny Woodhead scampered around the field for huge gains like a lab rat trying to find that damn piece of cheese.    And of course, Mr. Ochocinco had his first taste of life on a team with this MVP quarterback.  What did it get him?  A couple catches, including his first TD as a flying Elvis.  What's scary for other teams?  Brady and Ocho still don't really have their timing down yet, which means only better things to come in the future.

The defense looked amazing all-around too.  I hate to gush too too much because of the Highschool JV type of performance put on by the Bucs' offense.  But, nonetheless, things are looking very promising.  You never want to be in a position to use the excuse, "It's just pre-season."  That is not, and never will be, a reassuring comment.

Delonte Struggling

ESPNBoston.com -


Although he's made over $14 million in the NBA, Delonte West tweeted recently that he is "broke" and has applied for a job at Home Depot. 


"It's official.. Pride 2 the side.. just filled out a application at Home Depot.. Lockout aint a game," the Celtics guard tweeted.

West is on probation for a weapons charge and also tweeted that he wasn't allowed to pursue basketball opportunities overseas.

"Can't even get that over seas money," he tweeted. "Judge said it's a no go on leaving the country."

West has battled bipolar disorder during his career and also posted this to Twitter: "Broke down in the ATM line.. 25 cars behind me and I already reached my daily limit... I'm broke n my cars broke.. Where's my therapist???"

Appearing in only 24 games this past season, the 27-year-old West averaged 5.6 points in his second stint with the Celtics.

This is really sad to hear about Delonte.  I know the guy has had issues in his past and we can't just ignore those issues when bad times arrive, but there's no getting around feeling bad for him.  Basketball is his life.  It's what he excels at.  Being told that he can't play basketball next year because of the lockout cannot be an easy thing to take.  And to make matters worse, he can't even look overseas for opportunities to play, which is what many players in the league have resorted to.  

Now there's nothing wrong with West applying for a job at Home Depot.  In fact, I respect him for it.  He's not being lazy or being pretentious.  He's being realistic and understands that steady income is important for him right now.  I just see him as more of a Sports Authority or Dick's kind of guy, right?  I would want his expertise on which type of basketball to buy or which hoop he recommends.  I think he'd become a tourist attraction and people would flock to his store.  Maybe earn him a nice little bonus.  

I hope everything works out for Delonte in the end.  He started as a Celtic and he found his way back home this past year.  Therefore, I want to see him do well.  Let's just hope we see him, along with all the other hometown heroes, back in green this fall.  

Become A Better Football Fan...

Everyone's experienced this feeling: You're watching a big game on TV with a few of your buddies, and all of a sudden one of your friends starts talking about a player who you've never heard of before.  And he isn't just casually talking about him.  He's giving you the career breakdown of this guy.  His strengths, his weaknesses, where he went to college, his favorite formations, his favorite flavor of Ben and Jerry's...etc.  It's alarming to see someone know so much about a player while you know so little.

So why does your friend know so much about this seemingly random player? The answer to that question is nearly always the same: he's on his fantasy football squad.

Fantasy football changed the way NFL fans watch the game.  Suddenly, every single game on Sunday afternoon is meaningful because the likelihood that either a player on your squad is playing or a player on your opponent's squad is playing is very high.  Fantasy football has created an new breed of football gurus.  Everyday fans turned into statistical savants.

So if you want to stay on par with your friends, join a fantasy football league.  You'll become a better fan of football.  Just watch out for the weeks when your star QB is playing the Patriots.  Talk about tearing your heart in two!  My recommendation: Take the loss in your fantasy matchup...Patriot pride runs deep.

The Pats Love Their Veterans

Exciting news broke this morning in the Patriots universe.  Today the Pats will work out both veteran safety Darren Sharper and veteran wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.  These two guys are seasoned veterans in the NFL and are widely respected at their positions.

I think Belichick is a genius when it comes to all decisions football.  I think everyone in the NFL would agree with me on that statement, even Rexy in New York.  Therefore, I tend to always look for the genius in every aspect of Belichick's decisions.  It's not too hard too find it here.  By adding veteran depth at as many positions as possible, Belichick is strengthening those positions in two ways.  He's adding an additional player who can be relied upon to play smartly, but he is also adding a mentor for the younger players of that position.  This mentorship makes the other players smarter and wiser.  Belichick uses veterans to groom his younger players into future veterans themselves.  And so the cycle continues.  Genius.

Now none of this is said and done.  It's very possible that Housh and Sharper come into Foxborough today, work out, and go right on home again tomorrow without a new Flying Elvis helmet.  But I have a feeling that Belichick will grab at least one of them.  This late into the preseason, Belichick isn't going to waste his time on unsure opportunities.

Tom Brady: America's Quarterback

When The Onion is creating spoof news stories about how much America loves Tom Brady, America must reallyyyy love Tom Brady.

Click Here To Read: The Onion Tomb Brady Article

Highlights from the Patriots' First Pre-Season Game

Boy it is nice to see some football being played again!  After all the agony with the lockout, it's great to see the players actually out there again.  It's reassuring.  It's final now.  There will be pigskin this Fall.

The first pre-season game is always interesting.  You get to see some new guys out there who may be regulars all season long.  You may be watching a future Hall-of-Famer's first game ever...you never know.

Anyways, here are some things I noticed last night while watching the game:

1) The MHK patches: All of the Patriot jerseys have a new patch this year with the initials "MHK" on the left shoulder in honor of the late Myra Kraft.  I think it's a great gesture by the players.  It's clear how much of an impact she had on the entire organization.

2) Stevan Ridley:  I think RB Ridley was one of the biggest stories of the game last night.  The rookie from LSU had two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown in his first game last night.  Not a shabby first impression if you ask me.  It's premature, but I can picture the small and quick Ridley and the imposing Law Firm becoming an unstoppable duo.

3) Aaron Hernandez:  I was cringing when Hernandez fumbled that first pass of the game.  You know Belichick loves that type of stuff in the preseason games.  He wants fodder to use at practice this month.  And the more he has, the better this team will be.  I guarantee Hernandez doesn't fumble again this season.  It will be the only thing on his mind after last night's game.

4) Tom Brady:  Was he listening to his iPod on the sideline?  I couldn't tell what those headphones were attached to.  I suppose if you're Brady it's not a big deal to listen to some jams during a pre-season game.  What do you think is on Brady's iPod anyways?

5) Chad Ochocinco:  Seeing him on the sideline just felt right.  Am I wrong?

SOX WIN! SOX WIN! SOX WIN!

GREAT game last night at Fenway.  There was suspense, big moments, and classic story lines.  The Sox won in 10 innings on a walk off by budding fan-favorite Josh Reddick.

But to put it simply, this weekend series between the bad guys from New York and the good guys from Boston was for bragging rights.  Just bragging rights.  Neither team was going to take a commanding lead in the division.  3 games was the most a team could pull ahead.  So as high stakes as this series seemed going into it, nothing much has changed coming out of it.  Your Boston Red Sox have a one game lead, that's it.  We're happy about it, don't get me wrong, but this lead can evaporate as quickly as A-Rod's dignity.  However, this series was also a chance for these two teams to test each other out...get a sense of how future meetings this year will go.


The Sox did learn quite a few things.  For one, beating the Yankees is not easy and, realistically, will never be easy.  They're the Yankees.  They're very good.  As much as every Sox fan enjoys the "Yankees SUCK" chant, he also understands that the Yankees will always have talented players and tough teams.  But the Sox also learned something very valuable: that the Yankees aren't scary this year.  Good, but certainly not scary.  C.C.?  Beatable.  Jeter? Aging.  Swisher? Overrated.  


So now these teams know how it's going to be.  It will be a fight to the finish.  A fight that will carry right into the playoffs and very likely end up with a Red Sox-Yankees ALCS showdown.  Here...We...Go...

I Am Jacoby, Hear Me Roar

It must be rough to be a Cleveland fan today.  The Indians stand at 54-54 on the season, second place in a measly AL Central division, and have been sent home packing the last two nights on two walk-off hits by Jacoby.  As if simply losing a game isn't bad enough...

I have a hard time feeling too badly for them though.  The Red Sox were nice about the beatings!  They let the Indians hang around, garner some hope, get a few hits...we let them feel good about themselves!  But, sadly for the Indians, the better team needs to win in the end.  And the Red Sox, my friends, are a much better team.

Jacoby must be on top of the world right now.  He had never hit a walk-off hit before two nights ago and now he has two under his belt.  That's a weight off of his shoulders.  Now he knows he can come through in the clutch when his team's fate lies on his shoulders.  What am I getting at, you ask? The Red Sox just got even better.  Jacoby just got better, making this team even deadlier.  

In other news, A-Rod is giving the country even more reasons to dislike him!!  What's he doing messing around with poker in the middle of the season?  Do the right thing Bud, suspend him.  Give him some time to get his mind off of baseball and to get into a nice slump that'll last through October.

Remembering Randy

Randy Moss has officially retired.  Part of me feels like this will be a "Favre-esque" retirement - a retirement where the word "retire" is used very loosely.  I wouldn't put it past Randy to make a comeback.  But only time will tell for that.

For the moment, however, he has ended his NFL career.  And what a career it was.  Spectacular catches, dozens of touchdowns, and plenty of off-field antics.  All of this characterized Moss and helped him develop into one of the most talented wide-receivers to ever play the game of football.

He started his career as a Viking and with a beautiful afro in 1998.  He got off to a fast start in his rookie season, being named a Pro-Bowl starter and Offensive Rookie of the Year.  He had tremendous success in Minnesota playing alongside strong-armed QB Dante Culpepper.

Moss spent some time in Oakland after being traded from Minnesota in 2005.  His stay in Oakland was largely unsuccessful.  In 2007, he was traded to the New England Patriots and all of us Boston fans began our love story with Moss.

Moss and Brady were an unstoppable duo.  His presence on the team made the Patriots' 2007 season one for the record books.  Brady set all-time records at QB.  Moss set all-time records at WR.  Moss was a machine, blowing past cornerbacks, distracting defenses, and making inhuman catches.  It was spectacular to watch.

Although Moss' career ended on a rocky note, it will not dampen his reputation as a great player.  Yes, he spoke his mind, but he made up for it with his play.  He may not be a perfect role model for the youngsters, but they can learn a lot about the game of football by watching him perform on the field.

Thanks for everything, Randy.  Best of luck.

Ahh Sweet Memories

I was perusing around YouTube and stumbled upon this gem of a video.  It's a Boston sports montage...that almost brought me to tears.  It has the former greats, the future greats, and all the moments in between.  This town has had a tumultuous affair with sports, but these last ten years have made all the past hurt disappear.  Enjoy the look back.

Who Needs Randy...We Got Chad!

After the big news yesterday morning about the Pats getting Haynesworth, I was content with their moves so far.  I thought they made a great deal to get Big Al, and I was expecting a period of calm before any other big move.

So much for that.  Late yesterday afternoon, news came in that the Patriots made a deal with Pro-Bowl wide receiver Chad Ochocinco (formerly Johnson.)

Envision my excitement for Haynesworth.  Now multiply that by ten.  That's how I feel about getting Ochocinco.  The guy is a legitimate deep threat.  And he's also a decoy.  He'll entertain Revis in the backfield while Brady's plethora of other talented wide receivers run all over the field in ease.

The flood gates have opened for Brady, just as they did in '08 with the signing of Moss.  Look for another superb year by our QB.  This is gonna be exciting.  Are you ready??

Welcome To New England, Mr. Haynesworth

Defensive tackle and former Pro-Bowler, Albert Haynesworth, has been traded to Bill Belichick's Patriots from the Washington Redskins.  This is the first big move the Patriots have made in this year's chaotic free agency period, and it's a decision that will garner heated debate about just how skilled Belichick is at turning troubled players around.

Haynesworth is very high on the long list of misbehaving NFL egos.  He has been a hinderance in Washington during his recent time with the Redskins, skipping workouts and generally disobeying head coach Mike Shanahan.  Haynesworth's problems go back further than his time with the Skins.  In 2006, while a member of the Tennessee Titans, Haynesworth was suspended five games for stomping on Andre Gurode's head with his cleats.  Gurode needed thirty stitches to repair the damage, but the damage to Haynesworth's career was even more life-threatening.

Since that incident, Haynesworth has had a permanent label as a bad guy in the NFL.  But he's remarkably talented.  At 6-foot-6, 320-pounds, Haynesworth is a force on the defensive line.  The Patriots were looking to add pass rush to their soft defensive pressure and this will surely help.  The duo of Wilfork and Haynesworth on the DL will put opponent QBs into a frantic state as they approach the line.

I think the Patriots have made a good move here.  Belichick brought a lot of talent to the team by making this trade, just like he did when he traded for Randy Moss.  Moss' maturity issues worked out (well, for a while anyways) and I think Belichick can work the same magic for Haynesworth.  Players like Haynesworth like to play on good teams.  They like to win.  Well, Big Al, you've found the right team.  Welcome to New England.

Second Half MLB Predictions

The second half of the Major League Baseball season is underway and it's time to make some predictions.  Now I understand that most people make their "picks" for the AL Champ and NL Champ before the season begins...it's more impressive if they're correct that way.  However, I'm going to make my picks right now, at the half-way point, knowing that if I'm correct about my picks then I can't really brag about it.  All I'll be able to do is give myself a pat on the back.

Keeping that in mind, here they are:

AL Winner: Boston Red Sox

Shocking, I know!  I'm not just picking the Sox because they're our hometown team.  I'm picking them because they're the best team in the American League, and that's even while playing with many, many injuries.  They're going to get healthy and they're going to enter the post-season on a tear that will take them all the way through the World Series.

NL Winner: San Francisco Giants

The natural pick for the National League is the Phillies.  They have the best record in baseball, a scary starting lineup, and an even scarier pitching rotation.  But for some reason, I just don't have that feeling that they are the team this year.  I think the Giants, coming off their championship run last year, with all of that experience, will get to the World Series again.  They'll do it with moxie.  They'll fly a bit under the radar, assume the position as the underdog team, and will surprise the city of Philadelphia by making it to the Series.  This is also a pick in favor of Giants pitcher Brian Wilson.  I love the guy and would like to see him and his beard get some more national airtime.

Marathon Win In Tampa Ending The Weekend Right

Technically, last night's Red Sox game versus the Tampa Bay Rays was the Sunday Night Baseball game on ESPN.  However, it took until Monday morning to decide a winner.  The game finally ended at 1:54 a.m. this morning.  Pedroia drove in the go-ahead run in the top of the 16th inning on the way to a 1-0 victory.

This is the type of game that defines a team.  When a game goes that long, it becomes as much a mental game as a physical game.  Usually, the team that perseveres and withstands the physical tiredness with a strong mind ends up on top.

This Red Sox team doesn't quit.  They play through injuries better than any other team in the league.  I think overcoming the rocky start to the season has made them a stronger team because they know that no obstacle is too high to overcome.  It is a characteristic that creates championship teams.  Just ask the '04 Red Sox.

Randy Moss Rumblings

Since leaving the Patriots in the middle of the season last fall, this YouTube video has pretty much been the biggest thing that's happened to Randy Moss.  These 3.2 million hits are the most attention he's gotten.  He was disappointing in Minnesota.  Disappointing would be an understatement to describe his stay in Tennessee.  He has been very quiet and very unproductive.  These are two words that just don't go with "Randy Moss."  It's like describing fire as cool and refreshing.

Randy Moss is loud.  He is showy.  He is vain.  And that is exactly why I've spent the last 9 months waiting for Moss' return to the spotlight.  I've been on the edge of my seat waiting for him to make some sort of big return.  I think we may be close, folks.

Moss' agent made a statement today saying that Moss is in incredible shape and is ready to play like the "old Randy Moss."  He says Moss will be a difference maker on whatever team he ends up with because he's playing with a chip on his shoulder.

So get ready NFL fans...Randy "One Clap" Moss is about to make his last ditch effort to join a squad for next year (assuming there is a football season -- Brady's working on it, so I have faith).  It will be exciting to watch where he ends up.  Will Belichick and the Pats show interest?  Do we even want them to?

Now we play the waiting game...

All-Star Highlights: Adrian Gonzo and Brian Wilson's Beard

Well it was a pretty disappointing All-Star Game for the AL last night.  Nothing too exciting to speak of at all actually.  Beckett didn't feel right during warm-ups so we didn't get to see him pitch.  Let's hope he isn't seriously hurt, or Jeter is going to start to look like a genius.

But the one bright spot last night was the source of the American League's only run: Adrian Gonzalez.  Naturally, the front-runner for AL MVP after the first half of the season hits a solo shot in the All-Star Game.  He deserves that after losing the Derby to a Yankee the night before.

The other highlight of the night came from NL Pitcher, Brian Wilson.  In his post-game interview, Wilson discusses the creatures living inside of his enormous beard.  I love how dead-pan he stays during the discussion.  This guy is bringing some life and comedy to the diamond and it's absolutely hilarious.

Jeter's Decision

I really don't know what Jeter's thinking.  He's not going to go to the All-Star game?? He's not going to go to the one game of the year that honors the best players in the league, less than a week after he joins the prestigious 3,000 hit club? Are you kidding me Jeter?  I honestly don't think Jeter realizes his career is on the fritz.  If he did, then he would also realize that his moments in the spotlight are going to be few and far between in the upcoming years.  This could have been a huge moment for him to bask in his own glory in front of thousands of fans.  I just don't see his reasoning.

Out of all the Yankees, I respect Jeter the most.  So I'll stop myself from criticizing him too harshly.  Perhaps he is truly emotionally and physically drained as he says he is.  Nonetheless, I still think he could show up at the All-Star game, stroll out onto the field, give a couple waves as the announcer talks about his milestone accomplishment, maybe he could even say a few quick words about his emotions and his love for baseball, and then kick back in his seat to watch the game.  Sounds like a great night to me.  All the attention without any of the effort.  But if he wants to piss off MLB and MLB fans nationwide, power to him -- He's just giving more people even more reasons to hate the Yankees.

It's Derby Time!

The All-Star Break has begun and the Red Sox sit atop the AL East by a game over our pals from New York.  It's been quite the tumultuous season so far for the Sox, starting off dismally, battling back to .500, and then fighting for first place in the division.  Now they can rest.

Well, not those on the team who are taking part in the All-Star festivities this week.  Most notably, Big Papi and Gonzo are both competing in the Home Run Derby tonight and The All-Star Game tomorrow.  The MLB is trying to mix things up a bit this year by naming an AL Team Captain and an NL Team Captain for the Derby.  Ortiz was selected as the AL Captain and Prince Fielder was selected to represent the NL.  

The captains are given the right to choose whomever they wish to fill the other three spots on their squad.  Ortiz selected fellow BeanTown hero Adrian Gonzalez, Toronto's Jose Bautista, and New York's Robinson Cano.  Fielder will be representing the National League alongside Matt Holliday, Matt Kemp, and Rickie Weeks.  

I think this year's Derby has the potential to be more entertaining than those from years past.  The Derby seemed to become a stale event in recent history.  Ever since the glory days of Mark Mcgwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds, when home runs were on everyone's mind, the Derby has become less exciting.  

But at least for Boston fans, this year's contest will be a fun one to watch with half of the AL Team being represented by Red Sox players.  So look forward to a lot of Big Papi grins and "Gonzo" chants tonight!

P.S. I hope you were able to watch the U.S. Women's Soccer Team play Brazil yesterday.  Hands down the most dramatic soccer game I've ever witnessed.  Tops the '99 Women's Final, which is not easy to do.  Catch the Semi Finals on Wednesday! 

In Wake We Trust

When did Timmy Wakefield become the new Brett Favre, except without all of Favre's annoyances?  At 44 years old, Wake is still out there tossin' the knuckleball around like he's in his prime.

Last night he improved his record to 5-3 on the year, which is an impressive record for a man who's being used to start games based on necessity.  He's not in the everyday rotation.  He can't get into a routine like the other starters.  He's got to always be ready to pitch the next game if Tito calls his number.

It's almost impossible to not love Wakefield.  He's been a member of this team for nearly his entire career (since 1995).  He goes out to the mound and does his job.  Plain and simple.  He doesn't give attitude and doesn't blame others for his own mistakes (e.g. All the catchers who allow passed balls).  He's the type of player that coaches love to have.

With the win last night, Wake is now only 8 wins away from tying Roger Clemens and Cy Young for the most wins all-time by a Red Sox pitcher (192).  I'd love to see him break this record.  Probably not this year, but next year for sure.

So keep plugging away, Wake.  We're rooting for you.

Bye Bye, Kaberle

On the day defenseman Tomas Kaberle got a three-year deal from the Carolina Hurricanes, the Boston Bruins acquired defenseman Joe Corvo from those same Hurricanes in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2012 draft.

Kaberle’s deal averages $4.25 million per season, according to the Canes. Corvo stands to make $2.5 million this season (with a cap hit of $2.25 million) in the final year of a two-year deal.

The 34-year-old Corvo appeared in all 82 games for Carolina last season, registering 40 points on 29 assists and 11 goals.

The 33-year-old Kaberle had 47 points in 82 games last season, 9 of those points coming with the Bruins after being traded to Boston in February. 


- ESPNBoston.com


So the first signs of life after the Bruins Stanley Cup Championship are among us.  Tomas Kaberle is no longer a Boston Bruin.  It's a bit sad, yes.  But this is what happens to every team after it wins a championship.  It's what happens to every team after it doesn't win a championship.  Moves are made.  Players are lost and players are added.


Kaberle was a late addition to the Bruins this past year and he played his role quietly, yet effectively.  Must be nice to be traded to a team at the trading deadline, during the regular season, only to have that team end up winning it all.  Show up for a few months, play hard, leave with your name forever engraved on Lord Stanley's Cup.  


It sounds like Corvo will be a good addition to this team.  He's a rugged player who can play many minutes and play hard for those minutes.  He'll fit in with the "Big, Bad Bruins" mentality.  


We hope you enjoyed your time here in Boston, Tomas.  How could you not have?  Good luck in Carolina.  But better luck is wished to our newest addition to the pack, Joe Corvo.   

Nathan's "In"-Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

I'm confused by Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.  Who are the real winners?  Does this Joey Chestnut guy, who recently won his 5th straight contest, go home feeling good about himself?  15,000 calories and 5 bottles of Extra Strength TUMS later, is Chestnut a happier man?  He gets his face and name all over ESPN the next day...that's kind of cool.  I'll give him that.  But on the other hand, the entire country just saw footage of him stuffing overwhelming amounts of processed meat into his mouth.  Not exactly a good reputation-builder.  He gets a trophy at the end.  Hey Joe, have fun explaining that one to your house guests when they ask what it is. "Oh...that's my trophy for being the most disgusting person to ever eat a hot dog."

Maybe I'm being too critical.  But I just don't think Chestnut understands the true spirit of the event.  The guy competing to the right of him had some sort of face paint mask going on.  The guy to the left of Chestnut was sporting a mohawk and a bandanna.  It's like these other guys are trying to entertain the crowd, but Chestnut is just in it for the glory.

Someone needs to tell him to relax.  I'd personally love to see him come back next year, pull out a fork and knife, tuck a napkin into his collar, and just start eating the hot dogs in a slow and polite manner.  The crowd would be stunned.  I'd think it was hilarious.  He already has 5 titles.  Everyone knows he's unstoppable with a hot dog and a glass of milk.  He needs to do something no one's expecting...that's how you become a legend.  That's how he gets his spot in the Nathan's Hall of Fame.

Mix It Up With Some World Cup Action

Besides the random MLS games that are on every once in a while, there is not much soccer to be found on television these days.  It makes sense, considering soccer is one of the less popular sports in the U.S.

But it's the world's most-played sport for a reason.  If you learn the rules of the game, the strategies, the dynamics, then soccer can be a thoroughly enjoyable game to watch.

My recommendation: take advantage of the Women's World Cup that is currently on ESPN for the next couple of weeks.  Watch a few games.  Try to learn how the game is played.  I know... there isn't a lot of scoring.  But there is constant action.  After some time, you'll start to appreciate the game and the emotion. 

The U.S. Women's team even has some Boston pride associated with it.  Five players - Kelley O'Hara, Amy LePeilbet, Lauren Cheney, Stephanie Cox, and Rachel Buehler - have played for the hometown  team, the Boston Breakers.  So support the country, support BeanTown, and support the under-appreciated sport of soccer.

A Defining Series

The Sox take on the Phillies this week in a series that will decide which team is truly the best in Major League baseball so far this season.  The Phils still maintain the best record in baseball at 50-30.  The Sox are right behind them at 45-53.

The Red Sox have been praised for their potent offensive attack, led by Adrian Gonzalez and David Ortiz. On the other hand, the Phillies have been successful through their overwhelmingly strong pitching staff that includes Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, and Cole Hamels. Baseball analysts have argued all season about which team is the ultimate power in the league.  The series this week will help answer some of those questions.

Unfortunately the Sox dropped the first meeting last night, 5-0.  Cliff Lee bedazzled the Sox by only allowing two hits on his way to a complete-game shutout.  But no fear...the Sox will be back with a vengeance tonight.  They understand what's at stake in this series.  Yes, it's only the mid-point of the season.  Yes, it's only inter-league play.  Yes, this series will mean nothing for either team after they've finished 162 games.  But right now, when reputations are on the line, it's very meaningful.

Lackey's on the mound tonight, and we need him to be AWESOME.  He could use a good game to win back the allegiance of many of his doubting fans. Fingers crossed.

Boston All Over The ESPYS - VOTE!

ESPN is holding the 2011 ESPY Awards on July 13th this year and Boston is very well represented in the nominations.  

Here's what's at stake for Boston:

- Tim Thomas has been nominated for BEST Championship Performance and BEST NHL PLayer. Is there even the slightest chance he doesn't win both?  I don't even need to hear the other nominations.  He's a shoo in.

- Ray Allen has been nominated for BEST Record-Breaking Performance.  I remember the game when Ray hit the threes to break the all-time record.  His reaction was priceless. I've only seen him more happy after winning his ring in 2008.  He deserves some recognition for that sweet stroke of his.   

- The Boston Bruins have been nominated for BEST Team.  With all of the momentum that the Stanley Cup Final brought to fans, it's going to hard for a team to beat the Bruins right now.  Especially since they're a team with no real stars or phenoms.  The Bruins define team.  

- Tom Brady has been nominated for BEST NFL Player.  He already won the MVP, right?  This decision has already been made.  Just give Brady the crown now, no one was better this year.  

The link to vote can be found HERE. 

Vote and support our favorite Boston teams and players!!

Say Hello To JaJuan Johnson

Take a good look at the Boston Celtics' first round draft pick, JaJuan Johnson.  Johnson is a 6' 10" forward/center from the Purdue Boilermakers.  I heard of this guy while watching March Madness this past year, but never realized how much of a force he was in the paint.

It's clear from this highlight video that Johnson has a lot of potential.  He reminds me of KG, hitting fade away shots in the paint with ease over his defenders, but also having the ability to hit the near-three point shot too.

I don't think it's possible for this kid to not become a great player with the likes of KG himself as a mentor during his rookie season, telling him all the tricks to succeed in the NBA.

Watch for great things next season - assuming he even gets a chance in a regular season game. Only time will tell...

Watch Out: Here Comes Rory

LONDON -- U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy is confident he can handle the pressure that comes with being considered the heir apparent to Tiger Woods.

Comparisons were made between McIlroy and Woods after the 22-year-old Northern Irishman swept to his first major victory in record-breaking style at Congressional on Sunday.

His status will undoubtedly soar as a result, but McIlroy said he'll try to stay grounded.

-From ESPN.com

Can you even imagine being Rory McIlroy right now? You wake up, roll out of bed, flip on SportsCenter, and hear John Anderson and Hannah Storm comparing you to one of the best golfers to ever hit the links.  

There's no denying Rory has talent; that is clear.  But what's clearer is his confidence.  This kid knows he's got enough talent to become the next face of the golf kingdom.  And there's nothing wrong with that! A little bit of confidence is refreshing in a sport that urges overwhelming humbleness (complimenting opponents on their shots and giving pointers at every free moment.)

It's part of why we love(d) Tiger. The fist pumps, the high fives with Stevie, and the raw emotion he brought to every round of golf he played was a significant movement for the sport.  It made golf more popular.  It made golf "cool."  It made it okay for middle-aged men to use animal driver headcovers.  

But are we ready for Rory yet?  Is the sport of golf ready to forget about Tiger and accept Rory as its new golf idol? I'm not so sure.  

I think we're going to see many epic battles between Tiger and Rory in the upcoming years. Mentor v. Apprentice style. Obi Wan v. Anakin.  Eventually Rory will come out on top, but not after earning it.

May the birdies be with you, Rory.  

Player Profile...Zdeno Chara

Chara swatting flies

It's only appropriate to write a Player Profile in honor of the Boston Bruins.  And who better to cover than the CAPTAIN of your 2011 Stanley Cup Champions: Zdeno Chara.

This man is a literally a monster in the NHL.  At 6' 9" he is the tallest player to ever grace NHL ice.  The Godzilla of the Bruins. 

Chara's gargantuan stature does more than just intimidate any threatening forwards (wink, wink, Sedin twins), it comes equipped with the ability to produce the fastest slap shot ever recorded.  At the 2008-2009 Skills Competition, Chara set a record with a blistering 105.4 mph slapshot.  I'm not sure what defender would even dare throw himself in front of that puck to try to block it.

Chara is from Slovakia, and was drafted by the New York Islanders in the 1996 Draft.  He spent time with the Islanders and the Ottawa Senators before making his way to Boston in 2006.  And boy are we glad to have him.  About the time that Chara showed up, this Bruins team started to play with a bit more swagger and confidence.  And it finally paid off.

Boston United

One of the biggest attractions of team sports is the sense of unity that is formed within a particular roster.  It is evident to all fans when a group of players come together and become not only good teammates, but also good friends.

Clearest example: the 2004 World Champion Boston Red Sox.  This group of players had fun together.  They had their ultimate goal always in mind, but seemed to stay light-hearted about the ordeal.  It helps when you have the likes of Kevin Millar, David Ortiz, and Manny Ramirez showing up to play everyday.  In the end, this unity was entirely necessary.  This Red Sox team had to win four straight against the Yankees, a feat that was nearly unheard of at the time.

But they did it.  They "cowboyed up" and did it.  Together.  

Seeing the newly-crowned Boston Bruins ride the duckboats around Fenway this weekend, many clad in Boston Red Sox hats, pushed this sense of unity to a whole new level.  The Boston Bruins didn't just unite together to win this trophy.  They united the entire city.  They united all of the sports teams in the area.  Big Papi lifting the Stanley Cup high above his head in the locker room says it all.  This was a victory for every player in Boston, as the Bruins finally fulfilled an era of Boston sports dominance. 

During the duckboat parade on Saturday, Claude Julien made a brief speech.  He thanked Terry Francona, Doc Rivers, and Bill Belichick for helping him in his journey to a championship.  He said he never quite felt that he belonged in the prestigious club of Boston coaches.  Well, Claude, you certainly should feel welcome now. 

It's that statement by Julien that sums up Boston sports.  There is no in between for a Boston sports fan.  If you love one team, you love them all.  No questions asked.  It is one unit, one well-oiled Boston sports machine that we have here in Massachusetts.  It is rare, and only a few other cities can boast such an entourage of succesful teams.  So don't be greedy, and root for them all. 

Go Revs. 

We Are The Champions, My Friends

I’m speechless.  We’ve all seen those “There are no words” commercials for the NHL, where they show clip after clip of hockey players choking back tears after a reporter asks them about winning the Stanley Cup.  I always thought it was a bit over-dramatic. But I was dead wrong. 

Every player on the Boston Bruins poured his heart into last night’s game.  And when the time finally ran out, and we saw Tim Thomas tap the posts of the goal with his stick for the last time this season in a triumphant and assertive manner, it was clear to every Bruin fan watching that there truly are no words for such a moment.  The emotion is overwhelming. 

This team is a conglomeration of varied players.  There is the very-seasoned veteran in 43 year-old Mark Recchi.  There are the young, confident rookies in Brad Marchand and Tyler Seguin.  There are players from the U.S. and players from abroad.  Despite all this variation, they became united as a group and were determined to achieve the ultimate goal of every NHL player.

We can thank the Boston Bruins for completing the cycle.  To repeat a statistic that you have already heard and will hear hundreds of times again in the next week, professional Boston sports teams have won championships seven times in the last ten years.  That is remarkable.  We are all blessed to have witnessed each major sports team attain its goal of a championship.  Some fans will go their entire life without seeing one of their teams win a championship.  Gotta love that dirty water*.

Enjoy the parade on Saturday, and keep in mind that you just witnessed something very special.  You witnessed triumph against all odds.  You witnessed another underdog team fight hard and win another title for Bean Town.

Now we just have to wait on those slacking football players in Foxboro to come through.  Jeez Tom, it’s been a little while. 

*I hope everyone saw Nathan Horton pouring some of that dirty water he had brought from Boston onto the ice before pre-game warm-ups.  Great moment.   

Adding Insult to Injury

Well that's embarrassing...

In case you hadn't heard, The Miami Herald included this Macy's ad in the newspaper on Monday, congratulating the Miami Heat on winning the NBA Finals.

Really?  How does something like this happen?  There was no way Miami could have won it all on Sunday night anyways.  The earliest this ad could have gone up was on Wednesday (had the Heat actually eventually won in seven games).

This is just another example to add to the long list of reasons why Miami and its fans are sub par.  I often wonder whether some of the people who showed up to the Heat games were more interested in buying an expensive white-collared shirt that would accentuate their spray tans than actually appreciating the action on the court.  As much as  Mark Cuban annoys me at times, one can tell from his over-worn navy t-shirt that he is a true fan at heart and goes to the games to root passionately.

So my departing message is directed toward the Boston Globe and The Boston Herald: Do Not Make The Same Mistake.  We are better than that here in Boston.  Let's not give anyone a chance to think otherwise.  We are knowledgable fans who show up to games in classy gear, and we know what's happening on the ice.

Unsolicited Prediction for Game 7 Tonight:  The stadium in Vancouver is eerily silent by the middle of the second period as the Bruins put up another quick early four goals, the Green Men can be seen sitting still in their seats for the first since they started their shenanigans, the Spoked-B's bring home the Stanley Cup for the first time since '72 with a dominating win over the Canucks, proving to the entire country that the more deserving team won.

It All Comes Down To This: Game 7

Boston fans are very accustomed to Game 7’s.  The Bruins themselves have already endured a pair of Game 7’s this postseason.

But the Game 7 of a Championship series is different.  The stakes are never higher than the moment the players step onto the ice, grass, or parquet floor, knowing that if their team wins, they are the best in the world; But if their team losses, they go home with nothing.  Second place means zilch in the world of professional sports. 

Just ask the 2009-2010 Boston Celtics.  Last year’s NBA Finals went seven games.  The Celtics, after holding a 3-2 lead going back to L.A., needed just one more win.  Just one.  But after the demoralizing loss of Kendrick Perkins to injury in Game 6, the boys in green couldn’t pull it off.  That Game 7 was heartbreaking just as a fan, and I can’t fathom how the players must have felt. 

Emotions run highest in Game 7’s.  This Bruins-Canucks series has already had its fill of intensity and it will inevitably come to a point tomorrow night.  All of the biting, all of the talking, and all of the blind-side hitting that has occurred over the series will boil over into this final game. 

Looch and his crew will hit hard.  Thornton will assume his role as the Enforcer.  The sparkplug, Brad Marchand, will continue to play at a level light years ahead of his rookie status.  Timmy will be Timmy: an unforgiving brick wall.  And Chara will dominate the Sedin Sisters one more time.  Neither Thelma nor Louise will know what hit her. 

So prepare for this Game 7, Bruins fans, because it’s going to be one hell of a ride.  No other team deserves it more. 

It’s the Bruins turn to take a spin on the Duckboats. 

Dirk and Company Saving the NBA

The Dallas Mavericks just saved the NBA. 

It’s not an exaggeration or an overstatement by any means.  Last summer, an evil entity was born in Miami, creating universal sentiments of detestation and loathing across the league from fans and players alike. 

The creation of this good vs. evil motif strengthened the NBA and its following, surely.  People tuned in all over the country hoping to see the Heat lose.  The city of Cleveland has never been more jubilant than when the Celtics defeated the Heat on opening day, temporarily stunting the Heat’s unearned confidence. 

But, just like any good super hero film, the movie can’t end with the bad guy on top.  It goes against basic instinct.

That’s why Dirk and company had to win last night.  They had to set the world straight.  They had to prove to NBA fans all over the country that justice does exist, and that perseverance and hard work do pay off in the end.

Had Miami won the Championship, the NBA would have suffered.  Fans would have viewed the Heat’s victory as manufactured and illegitimate.  A shortcut taken by LeBron to buy his way to a championship because he couldn’t do it himself.  The exact opposite of the path taken by the 7-foot German phenom in Dallas.  It would have been demoralizing to see a team win in that fashion.  Fans would have lost the motivation to support their own team, when other teams were creating unstoppable forces.

So congratulations to the Dallas Mavericks, on not only winning the 2011 NBA Championship, but for ensuring a proper ending to this year’s NBA script.   

P.S. Snap Backs are officially back and here to stay.  I need one of those Locker Room hats.  Jason Terry rocking it with the crooked headband underneath officially sold me on them. 

Classic Moment of Greatness - The Snow Bowl

It’s easy for us Boston fans to get caught up in all of the excitement of the Bruins and Red Sox.  But we must not forget our other beloved teams.  It would remiss of us to push the Patriots and Celtics towards the depths of our minds during all of this Bostonian success. 

Therefore, we wanted to bring you the first “Classic Moment of Greatness,” where we remind you of important and defining moments in the history of Boston sports. 

This week’s moment was the turning point for Bean Town sports this past decade.  It’s the moment that marks the beginning of the New England Patriots’ dynasty.

Adam Vinatieri’s overtime, game-winning field goal in the 2002 AFC divisional playoff game against the Oakland Raiders.  This game is better known as the “Snow Bowl” or the “Tuck Rule Game.”

I’m sure most of you remember where you watched this game.  It was just one of those games that you don’t forget.  It evoked such emotion: doubt, anxiety, excitement, worry, jubilation. The fans were not sold on Brady yet.  It was too early in his career, and he hadn’t won anything yet.  But seeing Brady march the Patriots down that snowy, slippery field multiple times during that game changed everyone’s mind.  This guy was good.  This guy will change the Patriots forever. 

And he did. 

The football gods must have been on our side that night; that is clear.  The infamous “tuck rule” still doesn’t make sense.  It looked like a fumble.  How was it not a fumble?  Brady thought so, the crowd thought so, I think even the omniscient Belichick thought so.  But the powers that be had different ideas for the flying Elvises that night.  They were merciful. 

There were no snowplows that night to help Adam kick those two clutch field goals.  Instead, the players using their feet to clear a path for their kicker is an image I won’t soon forget.  It showed the unity of this team.  It defined them that year, right up to their unprecedented introduction as a team at the Superbowl. 

As we watched Vinatieri’s line drive kick fly directly through the uprights, we changed as fans.  We realized we were witnessing something special.  It’s a feeling very similar to watching Brad Marchand dodge defenders to score that amazing goal in Game 3.  The Bruins have that same unity.

Let’s hope my gut feeling about the Black and Yellow is right.  Go Patriots, Go Bruins, Go Boston.