Weekly Musings

1. The Bruins and the Celtics give us New Englanders optimism, and one hell of an upcoming week.
2. The birthmark on Sheed's head was more productive than he was against the Heat.
3. Hopefully the addition of two young studly Tight Ends means the Pats' Offense will have a new element this year.
4. Posting a 2.18 GAA and a .927 save percentage through the first six playoff games of his career … Tuukka Rask is the shit.
5. Sox need to focus on run production, in addition to their run prevention.
6. Lyrics in Eminem's new song Despicable: "I'd rather turn this club into a bar room brawl. Get as rowdy as Roethlisberger in a bathroom stall."  Well done, Em.
7. New on the Tiger Woods front: 24% of pro golfers believe Woods used PEDs and a new report claims he had sex with 121 women while he was married. Ut oh.
8. Last week, Stephen Hawking claimed that alien contact could be devastating for Earth.  Ummm are we sure that he's not an alien?
9. Apparently Dez Bryant's mom might be a prostitute. Um, ya.
10. Savard is one tough summabitch. He survived a broken back in 2008 and the infamous Grade 2 concussion earlier this year … now he is medically cleared and will make his return to the ice in the second round of the playoffs.
11. The state of Kentucky has pretty much two things going for it: bourbon whiskey and the Kentucky Derby. While one is a treat be enjoyed all year long, the other is set to commence in a little more than 24-hours. I’m craving a mint julep just thinking about it.

I Loooooooove Tommy!!!

If I could chose one person in the world to drink a beer with, it would be Tommy Heinsohn.  Nothing is more enjoyable for me then watching a Celtics game and listening to Heinsohn analyze the game.  Yes he is very biased, and yes he is over the top sometimes, but that is why I love him.  Tommy Heinsohn is the Boston Celtics.

Heinsohn became a Celtic in 1956, played 9 seasons with the C's and won 8 rings as a player.  He then coached them from 1970-78, leading Boston to another 2 banners.  In 1981 he joined up with Mike Gorman and began his amazing broadcasting career as the color commentator.  They are the perfect team who each knows what the other is thinking, and work together like peanut butter and jelly.  Tommy is quite the entertainer.  He gets super riled up, has a great laugh, and absolutely hammers the refs throughout every game.  TH has a very nice grandfatherly voice as well.  Sometimes you wonder what he's sipping on during the broadcast.  Tommy Heinsohn = Passionate. 

Tommy really knows his shit when it comes to basketball, and has adapted nicely to the newer, different style they play today.  He emphasizes an up tempo run-run-run style and is also an advent proponent of the fading hook shot.  I've learned a lot about the game by listening to him over the years.  Nothing pisses me off more then when I turn on a Celts game and hear Donnie Marshall, or Gary Tanguay sitting in for Tommy  (Usually on a long road trip, because Tommy has a bad back).  I don't know what I'm going to do with my self the day the 75-year-old legend decides to hang up his microphone.  I'm just gonna enjoy the Tommy Heinsohn ride while it lasts…  

A Letter to Ben Roethlisberger

Dear Ben –

Apparently no one in your camp is looking out for your best interest, so I thought I would take a moment of my time and offer you some sound advice, gratis of course (I know legal fees must be putting the squeeze on finances lately).

This sense of entitlement that has been guiding your actions – both on and off the field – is clearly no longer working for you. When girls are pressing charges and teammates are talking shit, it is probably a good time to reevaluate.

Let’s start with your entourage, shall we? I know that everyone loves to know a cop – they come in handy in the event of an ‘indiscretion’ – but rolling to a college bar with a bunch of off-duties in tow? It just seems tacky. And since we are on the topic, let’s discuss your choice of venues. C’mon, bro, you're 28 years old and make millions of dollars a year … there are plenty of girls who are willing to look past that ugly mug and give you a chance. Why don’t we widen our dating pool beyond intoxicated minors, k?

And what is this I now hear about you blaming your questionable moral character on concussions? “My concussion made me do it”. Seems a little flimsy, yes? I appreciate that your legal team went out and tracked down a forensic pathologist to back up the claim but I’m still not convinced. It was a nice touch though, really.

Here’s a heads up: the BU Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy extensively researched the impact of repeated head trauma (concussions) on professional athletes (especially those in the NFL and NHL) and determined that depression, suicide and dementia all appear to be related to sport-induced brain injury. Unfortunately, Ben, the list does not include sexual aggression or lack of accountability.

I’m no lawyer, but I’m pretty sure that defense could be shredded fairly easily. Let’s compare stats: you‘ve had four concussions and two sexual assault allegations (plus one additional claim that was sexually aggressive in nature). At that rate, shouldn’t Troy Aikman and Steve Young (10 and 7 concussions, respectively) have degenerated into total sociopaths by now??

In closing, I’d like to share with you something I just recently heard said on television: “Did you know that the universe contains millions of planets? Millions of planets revolving around millions of suns revolving around millions of galaxies all revolving around one point in the center of the universe. That point is NOT you”.

Hugs and Love, 

T1AOB

Red Sox Sign Cuban Catcher

After writing a post about the Red Sox catching woes it was good to hear some news break in that department today.  Nothing too earth shattering, but noteworthy.  They announced the signing of Cuban defector Adalberto Ibarra for 5 years and a reported 4.3 million dollars with a 1.5 million signing bonus.  Apparently he has played every infield position for his Cuban team (Camagüey), but scouts claim catching is his most natural position.  He is 22 or 23ish, and apparently has quite the bat. Word on the street claims he has a build similarly to all star Pudge Rodriguez (in his pudgy days).  I'm down with this signing.  Cuba is know for raising some great baseball talent, and what the heck, he's probably got a better arm than what we've got now.  Unfortunately he's gonna have to spend a good amount of time in the minors, so they can judge where he's at and get him at bats.  The Sox currently have 2 other Cuban defectors in their system: stud prospect SS Jose Iglesias, and outfielder Jorge Padron.

Adalberto Ibarra (left) and Jorge Luis Toca

Belichick, Patriots Do Work In The Draft

1 #27 (27)   Devin McCourty (CB) Rutgers McCourty, based on preliminary accounts, is a total stud. A physical, jam you at the line of scrimmage defensive back with sub 4.4 speed. It's alleged that the Jets were going to take him 2 picks later at the 29, but we completely blew them up. Notice that they took a corner also......Kyle Wilson out of Boise State. No blue field turf here, pal. 2 #10 (42)   Rob Gronkowski (TE) Arizona We moved up 2 spots (from 44 to 42, giving Oakland one of our FIVE 6th round picks to do it) and took Gronkowski who, if not for back surgery in early 2009, might have gone in the top fifteen picks. After a seventeen minute phone call from Coach Belichick that saw Deion Sanders, Drew Rosenhaus and Commissioner Goodell all get really annoyed, Gronkowski bypassed the more traditional "Team Jersey With a #1 On It" and straight up strapped on a  Patriots helmet. Then he danced around with his entourage of gigantic white boys for another painfully awkward, yet totally cool 5 minutes before finally getting off the effin stage. This kid is a BEAST. He's also a prime example of why this year's draft is so deep, him being a 20-year-old Junior that declared because of the potential 'Rookie Pay Scale' being implemented in 2011. He should still be an Arizona Wildcat. 2 #21 (53)   Jermaine Cunningham (OLB) Fla. Yea, Bill has a pipeline straight down to Gainesville. He loves Urb's players. Cunningham is no different. Although technically an End, they announced him as an 'OLB' because it's clear that that'll be his place in this defense. Long and strong, he's a young, black Mike Vrabel. Tell me that doesn't get you excited. 2 #30 (62)   Brandon Spikes (ILB) Florida BOOYAKASHA!! The Gator's best player in 2009. Mel Kiper, shortly before turning into a bat and flying back to his castle, ripped this kid about three different times for running a 5.0 or a 5.05 in the 40-dash. It's a good thing he's not a wide out then, isn't it? Inside linebackers don't have to run a 4.4 40 bro. They have to be instinctive, sure tacklers, have a command of the defense and, in this system, do their job. Getting this kid in the late second made my whole night. Paired with Mayo, lined up behind Vince ... don't even think about running the ball. 3 #26(90)   Taylor Price (WR) Ohio I wasn't really sure what to think until I watched this. 6 feet, about 215 with what the scouts call 'top flight elite speed'. He also comes out of breaks excellently, has sure hands, and has the kind of speed that will make you think twice before rolling a safety out on #81. Plus he's got Brady throwing to him which makes him better in each area of his game by a multiple of five. 4 #15 (113)   Aaron Hernandez (TE) Fla Blessed with 2nd round talent, this First Team All-American, 6-2 240 lb tight end fell to the middle of the fourth round. If I had to compare him to someone we're familiar with, think Ben Watson without his Johnny Depp Scissorhands. This kid should have gone in the top 60 picks. Now, in addition to not having to start deadbeat Alge Crumpler, we also have more Gators than a ride up Route 75 from Miami to Naples. If you don't know what that means, you will. 5 #19 (150)   Zoltan Mesko (P) Michigan Historically, the Patriots have been pretty solid in rounds 1-4, but have yet to hit big (other than Brady, obviously, and Dan Koppen) in rounds 5-7. In fact, in 2007, every single pick they made after the 4th round was released (like 6 players). Belichick and company found a gem in Zoltan, the magical, boardwalk-arcade wizard from "Big" that granted Tom Hanks whatever wish he wanted after skillfully depositing a quarter in his mouth. Apparently he can also punt the shit out of the ball as well. 6 #36 (205)   Ted Larsen (C) N.C. State According to experts, this was a woefully weak draft at the center position. Fortunately for us, we have one of the better centers in the NFL, my homeboy Dan Koppen. People underrate Kop, in my opinion. Here's a guy who has to snap the ball in the shotgun about 500 times a year, and always puts the snap right in Tom's hands. Anyhow, one thing this regime favors is depth, particularly on the offensive and defensive line. At 6-3 and 305 lbs, Larsen is a lot bigger than Koppen and can probably be taught to rotate in at guard or tackle on the right side, where both Nick Kaczur and Stephen Neal get schooled routinely by strong defensive ends.

Rd 7 - #1(208)	Thomas Welch (OT) Vanderbilt
Rd 7 - #40(247)	Brandon Deaderick (DE) Alabama
Rd 7 - #41(248)	Kade Weston (DT) Georgia
Rd 7 - #43(250)	Zac Robinson (QB) Oklahoma St

All the 7th round choices project to be scout team players. For the first time since the 2005 draft (Mankins, Ellis Hobbs, Nick Kaczur, James Sanders, Matt Cassell), the Patriots hit an absolute homerun. On paper at least. Each of the first six draft choices, even the magical punter, project to contribute immediately. The only reason I use 'contribute' instead of 'start' is because Taylor Price won't be on the field in a standard 3-wide set.

In the record breaking 2007 season - we went five wide with Moss, Welker, Stallworth, Gaffney and Watson. Figure this year we'll go Moss, Welker, Holt, Edelman and either Gronkowski or Hernandez. We'll also have Taylor Price and last year's 3rd round pick who blew his knee out, Brandon Tate. Not to mention old school fan favorite, David Patton. I don't expect them to keep seven receivers, but what the hell do I know? I figure Tate starts the year on PUP and if he doesn't play special teams, might get the axe. David Patten - who will be 36 in August - could be released at the end of camp as well.


Enough about the Patriots, here's a quick look at what our enemies did.


New York Jets

Round 1 - Kyle Wilson, CB Boise State
Round 2 - Valdimar Ducasse, Guard UMASS
Round 4 - Joe McKnight, RB Southern Cal
Round 5 - John Conner, FB Kentucky (Also will lead the human resistance against the machines in fifty years)


Indianapolis Colts
Round 1 - Jerry Hughes, OLB Texas Christian University
Round 2 - Pat Angerer, ILB Iowa
Round 3 - Kevin Thomas, CB Southern Cal
Round 4 - Jacques McClendon, Guard Tennessee
Round 5 - Brody Elridge, TE Oklahoma
Round 6 - Ricardo Matthews, Defensive Tackle Cincinnati
Round 7 - Kavell Connor, OLB Clemson


Miami Dolphins
Round 1 - Jared Odrick, DT Penn State
Round 2 - Koa Misi, OLB Utah
Round 3 - John Jerry, OT Mississippi
Round 4 - A.J. Edds, OLB Iowa
Round 5 - Nolan Carroll, CB Maryland
Round 5 - Rashad Jones, SS Georgia
Round 7 - Chris McCoy, OLB Middle Tennessee
Round 7 - Austin Spitler, OLB Ohio State

For the record, we made 12 selections, the Jets made 4, the Fish and Colts both made 8. We made 8 in the first six rounds. Indy and Miami made 8 selections including the waste of time known as Round 7.

Other than Jerry Hughes (he could be the next Dwight Freeney), I'm not impressed. We drafted a first round stud corner, two stud tight ends, two Gator linebackers who will contribute from Day One and a big, strong receiver who will be the heir apparent deep threat when Moss leaves.

Make no mistake.....this is Randy's last year. The Jets made only four selections and traded underrated runner and return specialist Leon Washington to Seattle so they could trade up in the fifth and take a fullback. I don't get that at all. I've been trying to wrap my brain around it and I can't. They've now cut Thomas Jones, traded Leon Washington, signed a washed up LT and plan to give the ball 250 times to Shonn Greene?? If you say so.

Miami's draft is a disgrace. Odrick is a solid but boring pick, and everyone else is a coin flip. Granted they used a pick to acquire Brandon Marshall, but the Tuna, contrary to what he believes to be the truth, has been a pretty lousy evaluator of talent throughout his career. SEE: Pat White, Round 2.

The Pats hit on everything. Both of those tight ends are TWENTY YEARS OLD and sick, athletic freaks. We also drafted the most jacked kicker/punter since everyone's favorite Slav, Sebastian Janikowski. Hopefully Zoltan doesn't date-rape drug himself to near death the way See-Bass did back in 2001.   JC

The 1 And Only Blog: Roster Addition

well-round·ed   (wěl'roun'dĭd) 
adj.  

1. Comprehensively developed and well-balanced in a range or variety of aspects
   
   

Here at T1AOB, we like to keep things simple: either you share in our unwavering love for Boston sports or, well, I'm sure you love something else ... but we truly don't care what that is. And we're sure it's stupid. Regardless, while we are not well-balanced in our scope, we try to be in topic. So, from time to time, we will be heading to our bullpen and bringing you blog posts from a new T1AOB contributor. We'll call him JC (because that is what he calls himself) - he's die-hard, cynical and just a little bit audacious - and we think he will fit in perfectly here. Check out his first article analyzing the Patriot's draft selections.

Douche Bag A-Rod Strikes Again

A-Rod's rap sheet of unsportsmanlike shenanigans on the field just got a little longer.  In a bizarre course of events he broke another one of baseball's unwritten rules Thursday afternoon against the Oakland Athletics.  It all started in the top of the sixth inning.  A Rod was on first base when Robinson Cano fouled off a 1-1 pitch.  Rodriguez had to return to first base and in doing so he trotted onto the pitcher's mound while on his path back to the base.  In what appeared to be a harmless part of the game, the act may have actually had deeper intentions. Well according to A's starter Dallas Braden anyway, who was pitching at the time.

Cano grounded into a double play to end the inning and Braden stared A Rod down and had some profane things to say to the diva.  Some pitchers feel violated when a hitter from the other team walks on the mound while he's pitching. Braden explained himself after the game, ""The guy ran across my mound. He had his foot on my pitching rubber. Any kind of disrespect like that has got to be handled and that's what I did.  If my grandmother did what he did, I'd tell her the same thing.'' Way to call him out Dallas. 

(Haven't seen it? Click here to watch Dallas Braden Tweak).

  

Yes Braden might be a little tapped himself, but A Rod's bush league history backs up Braden's complaint.  It's a popular belief by many players and common folk that A Rod will take any step necessary to get an edge and doesn't respect the etiquette of baseball.  Braden then said A Rod " should probably take a note from his captain over there."

Remember during the 2004 ALDS when A Rod swatted the ball out of Bronson Arroyo's glove while trying to beat out a ground ball?  A-Fraud has also been called out for stealing the catcher's signals when he is on second base.  He then signals to the batter what the next pitch will be.  Oh yeah there was also that time he yelled "Mine!" while rounding third, throwing off Troy Glaus.  Glaus thought it was the short stop calling for the ball, and it dropped in fair territory allowing A Rod to score.  Ummmm he also did steroids and lied about it to the world, and lived a Tiger Woods-esque style marriage. 

Seriously Red Sox?

Yes, as Boston sports fans we all know by now that the Sox are struggling in the first few weeks of the season.  They have raised major red flags both offensively and defensively, but there's one flaw in their game that is flat out grotesque.  Their two catchers can't throw out a runner for the life of them.  Opposing teams  have stolen an astonishing 36 out of 37 bases in just 16 games.  That stat is freakin ridiculous, embarrassing, and out right laughable.  V-Mart has thrown out 1 runner (Robinson Cano of the Yankees haha) out of 26 attempts, while Tek is 0 for 11.  It's almost surreal how bad they are at one of their job requirements.

The fact that Tampa Bay swiped 10 bases in 10 tries in their weekend series was outright pitiful.  They one-upped themselves Tuesday night against the Rangers.  Texas base runners stole 9 bases in one game (5 in the 3rd inning).  That is an abominable feat.  Tim Wakefield who has a slow ass delivery and pitch was on the mound, but still, 9 SB's in a single game… Unacceptable.

Singles and walks are turning into doubles.  In last night's game Buchholz threw over to first at least a dozen times. He became noticeably flustered a few times focusing too much on the runner, and not on the batter.  It doesn't help any to the cause that it's definitely in all of their heads now, and fans let them have it after every failed attempt.  It's now a physical and mental problem.

Martinez and Captain Tek have never been known for gunning runners out, but they've been able to hold their own during past seasons.  There's a rumor swirling around that Boston is interested in Arizona catcher Chris Snyder who is a more serviceable defensive catcher then what the Sox are dealing with now.  He's got a career 25.9% throw out rate, which would be a major upgrade.  Yes it would screw up the lineup adding another catcher but, for god's sake this can't be tolerated much longer.

NFL Draft - Round 1 and Done

The first 32 picks of the NFL draft have been selected. The Patriots, after trading away their pick twice, finally settled on Rutger's cornerback Devin McCourty. This selection got mixed reviews from Pats fans as many believed the team has far greater issues to address: pass rushers, wide receivers and tight ends.

New England, with a recent history of drafting defensive backs early, started the evening with the 22nd pick. After trades with both Denver and Dallas, McCourty was the 27th selection of the first round.

Looking ahead to the second round, here are what a few have been speculating:

• OLB - Sergio Kindle, Texas ... Ricky Sapp, Clemson

• DE - Brian Price, UCLA ... Everson Griffen, USC ... Carlos Dunlap, Florida

• DL - Linval Joseph, East Carolina

• WR - Golden Tate, Notre Dame ... Marcus Easley, UConn ... Andre Roberts, Citadel ... Mardy Gilyard, Cinci

• RB - Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss

Round two commences tonight at 6:30 PM. The Patriots have four picks coming - 44th, 47th, 53rd and 90th.

Check out our survey and let us know what you thought about the McCourty selection: NFL Draft - NE Round 1 Selection.

“Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son”

It’s a well-known fact that Philadelphia has some of the most surly sports fans in the country. And yet somehow the fans in the City of Brotherly Love hit a new low this week.

Here’s a quick recap of some of Philly’s classiest moments in sports history:

• These people actually booed and threw snowballs at Santa Claus during the 1968 Eagles-Vikings game. I mean, who boos Santa?? (As legend goes, upon hearing the boos, Santa waived to the crowd with only one finger, telling them they wouldn’t be getting anything for Christmas).

• During the Eagles-Cowboys game in 1999, the crowd cheered mercilessly as Michael Irvin lay motionless on the ground after sustaining a career-ending neck injury.

• Also in 1999, fans threw batteries at J.D Drew (then an outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals) because he didn’t sign with the Phillies after they drafted him in 1997. Think it had anything to do with the fact that, at that time, the team had lost more games than any other team in baseball history? And on a side note – who the *%$& brings batteries to a baseball game??

This list could go on, but I digress. So, how can these fans get any less tasteless you ask?  Please, let me tell you…

Michael Vangelo took his young daughter to Citizens Bank Park to watch the Phillies-Nationals game this past Wednesday. Sitting directly behind the family was 21-year-old Matthew Clemmens and his friend. Apparently these two were wasted and swearing like truck drivers. Vangelo turned around and asked the two men to watch their language around his daughter. Not only did the two men not stop but they began spitting on the family. Vangelo reported the men to CBP security and Clemmens friend got the boot. Not sure why Clemmens was still there. Obviously not happy, Clemmens leaned over the family and pulled the trigger. After puking all over Vangelo (who luckily was able to shield his daughter) Clemmens hit him in the head.

A few fans who witnessed the incident grabbed Clemmens until security came to remove him. In true Philly fashion, one of the fans jacked him in the face, leaving him with a black eye for his mug shot. After seeing his picture I would say the black eye was an improvement.

Clemmens was arrested and held on $36,000 bail on three complaints containing 15 counts of the different offenses. If Dean Wormer were alive today, I’m sure his message to Clemmens would be, “fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son.”

And that, my friends, is how one man can make the (arguably) worst sports fan base even more classless.

 So many captions come to mind ... But my mother reads this blog 

Tuukka Rask: Is. The. Man.

Tuukka Rask, the Bruin’s 23-year-old phenom netminder, posted 35 saves in last night’s 3-2 double OT victory over the Buffalo Sabres, boosting Boston to a 3-1 lead in the series. This marked the Finnish rookie’s first OT playoff game.

The B’s entered the 3^rd period trailing 0-2, but two quick goals by David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron left things all tied up with only 13:20 until the final horn. The most impressive moment of the game, however, belonged to Rask. With just over seven minutes left to play, Sabre’s right-winger Mike Grier took a shot that could have given Buffalo the goal they need to tie the series. Could have, that is, until Rask went fully horizontal in a headfirst dive, knocking down the puck with his blocker. The stop, which was nothing short of flawless, was something even Hollywood couldn’t script. Overtime.

Ryan Miller, the Sabre’s goalie and Team USA’s hero, and Rask both finished with 25 saves at the end of regulation. Oddly enough, both goalies went 8-8-9 through three. It was Rask, however, that shined during the two grueling overtime periods. Not only did he make 10 saves through the two periods but he was also credited with the secondary assist on Miroslav Satan’s game-winning goal. Rask’s assist on the game-winner was the first by a goalie in an OT playoff game in eight years.

Entering last night’s game, Rask was second among NHL goalies in the playoffs thus far with a 2.01 goals against average and a .936 save percentage in three starts.

Rask, who beat out Tim Thomas during the regular season for the role as starter, has quickly established himself as one of Boston’s most valuable players … and one of the league’s rising stars. In 45 regular season games he led the NHL in GAA (1.97) and in Save % (.931). He was the only goalie to finish the season with a GAA less than 2.00 and a save % higher than .930. Ryan Miller was runner-up in both categories.

Roethlisberger Suspended For 6 Games … And No One Cares

Sort of like that old adage about little Jimmy and whether or not he did crack that corn - except I think at least one of his friends would back up his story: yes, they would say, he's telling the truth! ... Unfortunately for Big Ben, no one is taking his side in the matter of the 20-year old college student who accused him of sexual assault. Not his fans, not his team and certainly not the NFL.

Just a week after prosecutors decided not to press charges, Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Roethlisberger for six games. Goodell explained, "The Personal Conduct Policy makes clear that I may impose discipline 'even where the conduct does not result in conviction of a crime' as, for example, where the conduct 'imposes inherent danger to the safety and well being of another person’".

He went on to say, in a letter directly to Ben, “you are held to a higher standard as an NFL player, and there is nothing about your conduct in Milledgeville that can remotely be described as admirable, responsible, or consistent with either the values of the league or the expectations of our fans".

The Steeler organization is equally upset with their tarnished star. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that the franchise has begun contacting teams about trading Roethlisberger. The Rams, 49ers, Raiders, Bills, Jaguars, Seahawks and Browns have all been contacted. (Neither the Rams nor the Bills are interested. Ouch).

Roethlisberger must undergo a comprehensive behavioral evaluation during his suspension. Failure to do so could result in a longer suspension. Until the evaluation is completed, Roethlisberger is banned from attending any team offseason activities.

In his letter to Ben, Goodell urged him “to take full advantage of this opportunity to get your life and career back on track”. I’ll start taking bets now but my money is on the fact that this guy has at least one questionable “date” during those six weeks …

Sox Playing Like Bad News Bears

If the first two weeks of the season are any indication of how the Red Sox' season is gonna go, then Yikes.  It's gonna be a long bleeping year.  They are struggling in many different aspects of the game of baseball and I don't know where to begin.  Lets start with their pathetic offense.  Dustin Pedroia is the only batter who's hitting the ball well with any consistency (Varitek's also been killing it, but in limited at bats).  Ortiz and Drew have flat out sucked, while Youk, V-Mart and the rest of the lineup have been struggling mightily.   The Sox have failed to hit in a runner from scoring position in their last 30 opportunities.  That's just gross.

       

And if this is what run prevention looks like, I want out.  The Red Sox thought they upgraded defensively this year, but so far they look like a sub par little league team out there on the diamond.  They have 10 errors in thirteen games, with Scutaro leading the way with 3.  Teams are also running all over the Sox with ease.  Martinez and Varitek have only thrown out 1 runner in 23 steal attempts.  For real fellas?  The Rays just toyed with us on the base paths going a perfect 10 for 10 in their painful 4 game sweep.  Yes this is a very small sample size of the season, and the Sox did play 3 of the best teams in baseball, but eww, they're playing putrid baseball.

            

As I was writing this depressing post Darnell McDonald just won the Sox game with a pinch-hit tying HR in the 8th, then the game winning bases loaded single to end the game in the 9th.  Huh, Darnell McDonald?  Who?  A 31 year old out fielder who just got called up from Pawtucket tonight.  It was just his 3rd career homerun in 148 professional at bats.  The players stormed the field like they did many times during the mid 2000 golden days.  The Fenway magic that was so badly needed made an appearance tonight …

Bruins Crowd Prettttttyyyyy Riled Up Last Night

Hockey was alive and well in the TD Garden last night.  The crowd was chanting and rowdily cheering the 6th seeded Bruins in a very entertaining game  (even to the untrained hockey fan).  Throughout most of the game the fans were into it hardcore chanting, "Lets Go Bruins" and "Tuuuuuk" whenever their up and coming stud goalie Tuukka Rask made a save.  When I turned the game on it sounded like a Manchester United Chelsea soccer match.   The very loud and riled up sellout crowd there helped pump their team up in the crucial game 3 win against the 3 seeded Sabres.  Boston now leads the best of 7 series 2-1. 

            

Bruins fans didn't have too much to cheer about this year.  They were dead last in scoring and just didn't click at all during the regular season.  In their first 3 playoffs games the B's have given fans a pleasant surprise, meshing at the right time and finally playing with a sense of urgency.  Hopefully the game 4 crowd will bring the same energy Wednesday Night to the TD Garden.  Although last night will be tough to match because half the crowd was probably drunk from the good ole Patriot's Day festivities. 

The Return of Savard?

Bruin’s center Marc Savard, who suffered a Grade 2 concussion on March 7^th, will undergo neurological testing today to determine if he is ready to be medically cleared to return to the ice.

Savard skated for the first time yesterday, stick handling and taking shots with no problems. He is scheduled to take the ice again this morning. Assuming he passes the test this afternoon, the B’s sniper will begin to prepare for his return to play.

"I haven't done anything in six weeks. I felt a little short-winded out there [Monday] because of that and it's going to take some time. Hopefully a little sooner rather than later because I'm a little excited because I'm feeling good and it's playoff time."

Savard is anxious to return and hopeful that he will be able to do so before the end of the series. Realistically, he has some work ahead of him to get back into playing shape. It’s now on the rest of the team to stay alive long enough to give Savard the opportunity to play.

Patriots' Day: The Sox, The Bruins and Some Colonial Pride

Aahhh Patriots’ Day ... known to historians and history nerds alike as the commemoration of the battles of Lexington and Concord, which kicked off the colonies fight for independence. This year the holiday - which is only celebrated in Massachusetts, Maine and (for some reason) parts of Wisconsin - fell on the exact date of the historic battles. It's also known to Boston natives as a day designated for two reasons, and two reasons only: sports and beer.

The day began with one of the world’s best-known races, the Boston Marathon. 26,700 runners turned out to compete in the world’s oldest annual marathon. Coinciding with this race was the annual tradition of a morning Red Sox game. The 11:00 AM start time encouraged copious amounts of day drinking … unfortunately, fans were not given an equally abundant number of reasons to cheer. The Sox fell to the Rays 8-2, resulting in a five-game losing streak.

Luckily for beantown fans, the day was not yet over. The Bruins rallied to beat the Buffalo Sabres in front of a rowdy hometown crowd, 2-1. This win gave the B’s a 2-1 lead over the Sabres in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference playoff series.

Hopefully fans won’t be too hungover to cheer for the Celt’s tomorrow as they take on the Miami Heat for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals ….

J.D. Drew Not a Huge Fan Favorite

Although J.D. Drew is a well-behaved, very mild mannered guy, he's one of the most controversial members of the Red Sox.  Since he signed his ridiculous 5-year, 70 million-dollar contract in 2007, Sox fans have been all over him and have questioned Theo about the move.  For 14 million dollars a year fans expect a lot more production than a .276 average, 18 HR's and 65 RBI's (his 3 year average with Boston). 

            

Many Passionate Sox fans have a problem with the way Drew plays the game.  He plays the baseball in an emotionless manner.  ESPN Contributor and New England native Bill Simmons summed it up nicely.  "The Sox just signed someone who, by all accounts, plays without any semblance of passion or intensity. He's the exact type of player that Boston fans have always hated. We have a century-long track record of proving this point. That's the part I don't get. It's not like Theo is from France -- he's from freaking Brookline." J.D. was also replacing fan favorite (also #7) Dirt Dog Trot Nixon in right field, who was beloved by ALL.

            

Another problem with J.D. is his injury proness.  In the past two seasons he's missed 78 games due to numerous injuries (back, neck, knee, hamstring…). Are Dice K and J.D. Drew competing in an injury contest or something? He's been given the nicknames D.L. Drew, Nancy Drew, and J.D. Boo. Fortunately for Drew, he did kind of redeem his image in 2007 against the Indians in the A.L.C.S with a clutch grand slam in game 6.  The hit propelled the Sox to a game 7, which they won.  Then they swept the Rockies in the World Series sending Boston fans into a frenzy, and to another parade.  Sox fans will never forget any player from the 04, and 07 teams whom contributed.  The 2010 Sox desperately need Epstein's binky to pick it up with the lack of power they have this year.  Not looking so good after the first 9 games…

A Thursday Afternoon Laugh, At Tiger's Expense

Sure, I was rooting for him at the Masters but that doesn't mean I can't recognize comedy when I see it. And this video? Hilarious.

You're welcome.

Early Sox Observations

Yes it is waaaaaayyyyy too early to draw any major conclusions for the 2010 Boston Red Sox.  After 7 games they post a 3-4 record, and we've seen some good signs, and some bad signs from these guys thus far…

Positive Signs

Pedroia and Youkilis killing it: These two are hitting great early on (as expected). Pedroia is batting .357 and already has 3 bombs.  Youk is hitting .320 and already has scored 7 runs. 

Lackey's 1st start what we hoped for: Lackey's first start against the Yanks was a gem.  He pitched 6 strong shutout innings against the stacked Yankees lineup, striking out 3.  Unfortunately, the bullpen blew it for him. 

Hermida's off to a hot start: It's gonna be tough to keep the newly acquired 4th outfielder out of the lineup if he continues hitting like this.  Jeremy is 4 for 10 with a HR and 3 RBIs. 

Beltre holding it down:  He's looked GREAT at third, and is swinging a hot stick as well, hitting .375.  Looks like a great replacement for Lowell.

Negative Signs

Ortiz is sucking:  Ortiz is off to another miserable start. Sadly worse than last year. He's only 3 for 22, with 11 strikeouts. How long of a leash does Tito have on him?

Beckett and Lester Struggling:  It's way too early to worry about these two work horses but they've both struggled in their 2 starts.  Beckett's got a 6.17 E.R.A. and Lester's is 7.20.  Ew. 

Bullpen looks sketchy:  Studs Papelbon and Bard both have losses already, and the other guys (Okajima, Delcarmen, Atchinson, Ramirez…) look mediocre so far.

Defense hasn't been stellar:  Scutaro had a crucial error in their first loss to the Yanks, and then Ellsbury was part of 2 nasty collisions the other day in Kansas City.  Lets go, communication is key fellas.

Sequin or Hall? Bruin's to Pick Second in Draft

Through the NHL Draft Drawing, which took place last night, the selection order for the top picks in the 2010 Draft have been determined. The Edmonton Oilers won the first pick in the upcoming draft with the B's and the Florida Panthers taking the second and third picks, respectively. 

The Oilers are sure to take one of the top two prospects entering the draft: either No. 1 ranked Tyler Sequin or No. 2 ranked Taylor Hall. Each from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), they shared the league scoring title with 106 points apiece during the 2009-10 regular season. 

18-year-old Sequin is a 6'1 Center from Brampton, Ontario. He recorded 48 goals during the regular season, ranking him third in the OHL this season. With his 106 points, he became the first player in Plymouth Whaler's history to lead the OHL in scoring. 

Hall, also 18 years old, is a 6'1 Left Wing out of Kingston, Ontario. He led the league is assists with 66. His team, the Windsor Spitfires, are currently competing in the Western Conference Finals of the OHL playoffs, having knocked off Sequin's Whalers.

What does this mean for the Bruins? Which ever player remains after Edmonton's pick will come to Boston, adding an effective offensive forward to the roster. Hall, who wears the number 4 in honor of his favorite player Bobby Orr, acknowledges that it would be a dream to play for Boston. Sequin's grandfather, Marcel Sequin, was drafted by the Bruins.

The lottery picks are assigned to the 14 NHL teams that did not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Bruin's received their first round pick in the deal that sent Phil Kessel to the Toronto Maple Leafs last fall. The B's also received a second round pick from the Leafs in the deal.

The 2010 NHL Draft will be held June 25th and 26th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Celtics Will Face Heat in Opening Round

With one meaningless game left to play tonight against the Bucks, the Celts have clinched the 4 seed in the East. They will be taking on Dwayne Wade and the 5th seeded Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs.  The official playoff schedule comes out later today, but they will most likely begin the best of 7 series in Boston this weekend. 

            

Boston beat Miami all three times they played this year, but they were all pretty close (92-85, 112-106, 107-102).  One win took a miracle ally oop pass to Rondo from Pierce with .6 secs left to send it into overtime, where Boston prevailed.  Miami is a defensive minded team and are completely dependant on star guard Dwayne Wade.  Rondo should have a big advantage playing PG Carlos Arroyo, and Garnett should be able to contain their second best player Michael Beasley.  If you ask the Big 3 none of them care who they play or where they play.  They all have been looking forward to the playoffs since the first day of practice.   

            

This has been one hell of a roller coaster season for the C's.  Many ups, but many more downs for this veteran team.  Early on many analysts favor the Celtics in the best of 7 series.  When asked if the Heat have a chance at winning this series TBS analyst Charles Barkley replied, "No. The Celtics are going to be energized and fresh for the first round. Quite frankly, Miami is just a decent team. Dwyane is that great and he's playing with a bunch of Marlon Jacksons, Tito Jacksons."  Yes it is coming from Barkley's mouth but it does carry some substance…

Ben Roethlisberger Wants To Be "A Role Model For Kids"

Well, Ben ... maybe you stop sexually assaulting women. Just a thought.


And cut your hair.

What Do Karma and Matt Cooke Have In Common?

They both can be a real bitch ... Happily, karma had some help from Evander Kane on Saturday. The Atlanta Thrasher's 19-year old rookie center, who had been taunted throughout the first period by the Penguin's most notorious player, landed one punch and put Cooke on the ice. It might not have happened in the Garden, but I'm sure I speak for the majority of Bruins' fans when I say: well played, sir ... well played, indeed.

Missed it? Worry not. Click here to watch Cooke Get TKO'ed. 

Goodnight ....