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.