How to Survive a 16-2 Loss …

In the interest of full disclosure, that headline is bullshit. There is no surviving a route of such epic proportions. Maybe in the NFL (though, if that was the final – it was a pretty interesting game, but I digress) but not in MLB … and certainly not in Boston.

Lord Have Mercy.

Leading up to Friday night’s game, the Sox had had their way with the Toronto Blue Jays winning nine of their twelve meetings this season. This game, however, was a virtual batting practice for Toronto with three different players contributing four homeruns in this crushing 14-run loss. It was the most runs the Red Sox have given up this season.

So what options were left to desperate Red Sox fans on Friday night? From my view in the bleachers (yes, I was one of the lucky 37,000+ fans who witnessed this abortion) there were only two: drink and fight Canadians. Or, if you were me, you would have continued to drink while watching other members of the Fenway Faithful wage war against the (oddly plentiful) Blue Jays fans that were present. Either way, it was better than what was unfolding on the field.

The score was 15-0 during the top of the 7^th and it was becoming increasingly unlikely that some sort of rally would be seen. An inning later, Kyle Overbay drove in his seventh run of the game (a career high), which ironically was the same number of runs the police had to make up to the bleachers. [T1AOB side note: actual number of police ‘visits’ remain unconfirmed but the number of beers consumed at this point was definitely on par with Overbay].


The Sox went on to take the next two games against Toronto and enter tonight’s first of three against the Seattle Mariners 6.5 games behind the Yankees. If Friday is an indicator, I think it’s safe to assume that I am not alone in my feelings of utter frustration towards this Red Sox team. This season needs to hurry up and end.

Insert Dramatic Eyeroll ... Here

If you haven’t seen a Rex Ryan post-game press conference meltdown – and subsequently hated him for it – then you clearly aren’t the NE football fan you claim to be. It’s sort of like the proverbial ‘accident you can’t help but stare at’ scenario … except fatter and more obnoxious. But I have to tell you, after watching the first episode of this year’s Hard Knocks series, Rexy may have gained a little bit of favor in my eyes. His preseason pep talk was nothing short of priceless. I really wish I could find a transcript just so I could reread it whenever I am in need of a laugh. Please don’t misunderstand what I am saying, I am by no means ready to grab a silver helmet and join Fireman Ed in the stands of the new Meadowlands buuuut I’d be lying if I said Rex Ryan wasn’t my favorite reason to tune into Hard Knocks.

Apparently, though, my opinion is not shared by all – namely, the Holier Than Thou Tony Dungy. Really guy? A couple of f-bombs offended you so much that you felt it imperative to rush to the airways and denounce his choice of language? He even went so far as to say that he would never hire Ryan as a coach (because of his foul language) AND that Commissioner Goodell should get involved in the “matter”. Give. Me. A. Break. Can this guy ever jump off that high horse of his? So you decided to read some psalms to your guys before a game … Ryan is taking a different approach. Please just do me a favor and STFU.

Rex Ryan had a similar reaction, saying that Dungy was “unfairly judging” him. Perhaps a little hypocritical for him to accuse Dungy of not minding his own business, but I have to agree with Ryan on this one. You don’t like the language? Find something else to watch on Wednesday nights at 10:00.

The most ridiculous part of this story, though? After the two talked things out on the phone “man-to-man”, Ryan invited Dungy to visit a Jet’s practice and get a chance to see the “real” Rex. An invitation that Dungy gladly accepted.

Now that these two have smoothed things out and are trying to play nice, could we be witnessing new BFFs in the making?? 

Moss “Quietly Magnificent” In Camp

It is fairly standard for New Englanders, on the brink of a new season, to approach with caution … skepticism. After three weeks of camp, anxiety levels are high as discussions swirl around the depth at outside linebacker and the ability to stop the run. So consumed by possible pitfalls, the everyday extraordinary often goes unappreciated. 

In a word: Moss. 

The Patriot’s have been focusing on the deep-ball in practices as of late. In both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, Moss was able to beat out coverage for the catch. While participating in joint-practice with upcoming opponent the Atlanta Falcons, Moss made an impressive one handed grab despite tight coverage by cornerback Brian Williams. 

Despite his age (he’s creeping up there at 33), Moss can still burn a defender(s) and come away with the ball – and in a way that makes it look easy. So over the past four years, we have taken him for granted. Now, as he enters into the final year of his contract, it’s a safe bet that NE fans can expect a show. Whether it’s with the Patriots or another team, Moss will be looking for a solid season to translate into his next contract (possibly his last) … it has already started in camp. 

So the next time our d-line starts to make you sweat or you give yourself a headache trying to add the ages of our running back corps, just think about #81 and the highlight-reel season he is about to embark on.

The Return of Pedroia The Destroya

A little less than two months (June 25th) after fouling a ball off his left foot and fracturing the navicular bone, all-star second baseman Dustin Pedroia makes his much anticipated return from the DL. If you believe in signs, his return – the day of his 27th birthday – may be just what the Red Sox need.

With 43 games left in the season, and the playoffs still a possibility, the Sox are hoping that Pedroia’s return will have an immediate impact. Prior to his stint on the DL, Pedroia was batting .292 with 12 HRs and 41 RBIs. Without him, the Sox went 23-21 (compared to their 44-31 record with him in the lineup). More missed than his offense, however, was his defense. The pitching staff certainly relies on both his uncanny ability to scoop up any ground ball that came his way and his high-energy presence on the field.

"He's the spark plug of our team,” said Jon Lester. “It'll be nice to get his energy back. It'll be nice to have him back. He's one of the leaders of this team, so anytime you get a guy like that back it'll help you in the type of situation we're in. We've got to play some good baseball, high-energy baseball, and he's good at that."

The Sox return to action tonight after a 10 game/3 city road trip (where the team went 5-5) and yesterday’s day off. They begin a 9 game homestand against the LAA Angels. Against Pedroia’s favor is Anaheim’s starting pitcher, Jered Weaver, who is currently leading the league in strikeouts.

Pedroia will be batting 2nd tonight, allowing the recently hot David Ortiz the chance to drive him home. Despite going 0-for-3 in Pawtucket on Sunday, Pedroia believes he is ready for his big-league return. He admitted to media today that he is not 100% but at this point in the season, there was no time to wait. True to his “spark plug” personality, Pedroia fired back when further questioned about his return. “What are you getting, a scouting report for the other team?’’ he said. “I don’t know. Man. I’ll figure it out when I’m out there.’’

Boston trails the first place Yankees by six games and the wildcard leading Devil Rays by five. 

Are You Ready For Some Football??

The NFL (pre)season kicks off tonight with a match-up of the two best teams in the league (one, the actual best team – the defending Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints; the other, the best in the eyes and minds of all New Englanders – the Patriots). This should be interesting, especially considering that the last time Patriots’ fans watched a NFL game, they were cheering for the Saints.

Gronkowski does work during joint-practice

Leading up to tonight’s game, both teams participated in a joint-practice … the first joint-practice for the Patriots since the 2001 season (against the Giants) and the first ever to be held at Gillette Stadium. The Saints are no stranger to the concept, practicing with the Texans before the start of last season. 16,455 people turned out for the open-to-the-public event.

It was reported that both teams were a little sloppy and inconsistent at times but Belichick went on record saying that it was “one of the most productive practices that [he’s] been part of in [his] career”.

I always like pre-season games because they give you an opportunity to confirm/deny all of the rumors that have been floating around during the weeks of camp. Here are a few things to watch for tonight:

• The pass-rush. Last season the Patriots were only able to record 31 sacks, which was less than stellar. The secondary is still very young, though showing signs of maturing in camp … and the best way to protect the secondary is to get a pass-rush. This is probably the #1 thing the Patriots need to show they can do tonight: rush the quarterback. Keep your eye on Jermaine Cunningham to be a factor.

• OLBs. With (reserve) Marques Murrell going down in camp this week due to heat-related cramping-type issues, this already thin position became an even bigger issue. Though mostly used in special teams situations, Murrells absence will put added pressure on and increase playing time for Banta-Cain, Ninkovich, Cunningham and Woods … not an ideal situation.

• Camp stand-outs. Randy Moss has had a solid camp so far and looks to be in mid-season form already. TEs Hernandez and Gronkowski have repeatedly impressed the coaching staff as receiving and red-zone threats. 2nd year receiver Brandon Tate is healthy and looking strong. Matt Light and Fred Taylor have also received gold-stars for their camp performances.

• Strugg-a-ling. It has been reported that Gostkowski and newcomer Zoltan Mesko have been struggling through camp. DE Ty Warren is considering surgery on his hip and OL Nick Kaczur is rumored to need season-ending back surgery … combine that with the fact that that POS Mankins is still holding out and our line of scrimmage is in some serious trouble. And as we all remember in last season’s Week 12 match-up, the Saints dominated the Pats’ o-line. You can probably expect something similar tonight.

• Intensity. Apparently, camp has lacked a competitive edge and mental mistakes have been an issue. False starts, lackluster play and two dropped kickoffs by the return unit have caused frustration on the field – especially from Brady who reacted with a fiery outburst when New Orleans’ DE Will Smith stripped the ball on his blindside during the joint practice.

This will be the 9th preseason meeting for the two teams. Heading into tonight, the teams are split with a 4-4 record. The Patriots are 2-2 at home against the Saints.

Who dat say gonna beat dem Saints? I’m kinda hoping it’s the Patriots …

Can the Sox Hold On?

We are moments away from the first pitch of the final game in this New York Yankees series and if you are stuck at work, unable to get away to watch the game … are you really even that upset about it?

The optimists here in Boston would probably tell you that today is a do-or-die scenario for the Sox. With Tampa Bay losing their fifth straight yesterday, a few wins against NY could adjust the standings in the division enough for some last minute momentum. That is, however, if the Red Sox can get out of their own way. Last night, they could not.

Boston needed greatness out of Beckett, who had been looking strong since his return from the DL. Instead, he gave up seven runs in 4 2/3 innings and raised his already piss-poor ERA from 5.95 to a dismal 6.21. Of course, last night’s 7-2 loss cannot be blamed on pitching alone.  Typically reliable sluggers went dormant and a nonexistent defense was riddled with errors.

Pessimists – and probably most realists – would argue that it is too late to ride a wave of momentum into the post-season. Last night’s loss to the Yanks dropped the Sox to 7 back in the division (and 2.5 behind second place Tampa Bay). In the Wildcard standings, Boston is now tied for second with Minnesota at 4.5 games back.

It’s not that Boston hasn’t had a lot to overcome – 19 players on the DL this season (including 9 All-Stars and 6 Opening Day starters) – but it all cannot be blamed on injuries. This season has been marred by countless blown opportunities. Case in point: last night’s pitching match-up. A.J. Burnett was scratched at the last minute because of back spasms and replaced by a no-name RHP named Dustin Mosely. Instead of being destroyed at the plate, he held the Sox to two runs in 6.1 innings. That is just one example but the list could go on and on.

Today is Lester’s turn for greatness as he must try and salvage the remainder of the season. Unfortunately, in his past four starts Lester has gone 0-4 (with a 4.59 ERA), which is a career high streak for the Sox ace. A win today would mark the first for Lester since the All-Star break.

Maybe, just maybe, a win today could mark the beginning of an upswing for Boston but I think I’m sticking with the pessimists on this one.

Laurence Maroney Likes It Rough

New England Patriots’ running back corps resident young gun, Laurence Maroney, has one objective for the upcoming season – and he wants both fans and critics to take notice. Summed up in a word: Rough.

Tonight I'm not taking no calls,
'cause I'll be dancing ....

“This is my statement. Rough,” said number 39. “That's how I've got to be on the field. Rough. I can't go out there being all pretty because then you're all going to say I'm dancing."

At 25-years old, this will mark Maroney’s 5^th season in the league. The Patriot’s 2006 first round (21^st overall) draft-pick out of Minnesota came to the team with high expectations of turning around the running game. Unfortunately, as anyone who has watched more than 4 downs could tell you, Maroney has more of a tendency to run suicide sprints behind the line of scrimmage, analyzing potential routes, instead of finding a hole and going for it. (You know, kind of like you on a Friday night … ooooh. Burn.) His knack for turning over the ball at the worst possible times has also limited fans’ trust in his abilities. Of the nine fumbles lost last season, four were (literally) at the hands of Maroney. Even worse? Two were in the red zone. Worse still? One directly aided in the Colts come-from-behind victory last November in Indy.

Not this season, says Maroney. "I feel like I ran the ball harder than I ever ran," he said. "I felt comfortable running the way I ran last year, had some good successful games running. Now it's just basically taking what I did last year and bringing it to this year and improving on it."

Last season was also the only season in Maroney’s short career in which he did not miss any games due to injury. He started in five games and led the team in rushing yards with 757 (on 194 carries). His fellow backs – Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, Fred Taylor and BenJarvus Green-Ellis – all return this season, competing for carries and time on the field.

Consistency will be key. As was the case last season, the running back by committee approach will likely be seen again. It’s not the ideal scenario but without a standout lead back that can handle the brunt of the carries, it makes the most sense. Recognizing that a 100+ yard game followed by a 40-yard game cannot happen again, Maroney vows to be more consistent this season.

"I feel real comfortable coming into my fifth year." Let’s hope so. As one of the only positions on the team to remain untouched from last season, an improved running game rests squarely on the shoulders of a unit that boasts three of the four oldest backs in the game (Taylor – 34, Morris – 33, Faulk – 34). The need for a healthy and productive season by Maroney has never been greater.  

The AFC East: A Breakdown

While not typically in my morning rotation, the other day I happened to put on Mike & Mike in the Morning (ESPN) … just in time for their AFC East division breakdown. Aside from the occasional humorous commercial, I don’t really know too much about these clowns and - after giving them 20 minutes of my life – I have no intention of becoming a loyal listener. Their prediction for the 2010 Pats, however, caught my attention. Greenberg had them going 8-8 this season, while Golic went 9-7. They proceeded to give some pissy breakdown, riddled with disdain, about how winning in New England is over. Phhffft. 8-8? G.F.Y.M. Err, I mean, I respectfully disagree.

The AFC is one of the most competitive divisions in the league – and the 2010 season shows no signs of being different. What keeps things interesting are the heated rivalries that exist within the division. These four teams, no matter how they are playing overall, manage to bring their A-games when facing each other on the field.

NFL “experts” have gone on record saying that the Jets and the Dolphins are the biggest competitors for taking the division title from the Patriots. No shit. You think this is the year the Bills decide to win a couple? Doubtful. The Patriots have won the division seven times since 2000 and, while having experienced some pretty serious setbacks over the past 2 years or so, remain contenders to win it again this year. That’s right, Mike and Mike, I went there. And now I’m going to break it down a little bit more …

I’ll start with the division’s most obvious non-factor: the Buffalo Bills. This team has seemed to do everything in its power to follow in the footsteps of the 2008 Detroit Lions. Glaring problems on both sides of the ball; drafting the best available player instead of addressing specific needs (ie – selecting a running back, the position with the most depth, versus a quarterback); Lee Evans assuming the role as the team’s offensive weapon after TOs departure; weakest passing game in the league; hiring a head coach (Chan Gailey) that couldn’t hack it as an offensive coordinator in Kansas City … this team is effed. The consistently dwindling Bills fan base has gone on record saying that expectations are low in year one of this rebuilding period. This is understandable – not that expectations have been high in Buffalo since the late 80s. If you are a Bills fan, prepare for a train wreck of a season … and may God have mercy on your soul. At best this team is going 4-12 but we wouldn’t be shocked with a 2 or 3 win season.

The Miami Dolphins did some serious work in the off-season and certainly will enter this year as the division’s most unpredictable team. When Pennington went down last season, Chad Henne was able to step up and play really well … especially considering he didn’t have many targets on the field to throw to. This year, Ronnie Brown returns after lisfranc surgery on his foot and Brendon “The Beast” Marshall has been added to the receiving corp. That being said, Henne does have potential but is still a year or two away from being a true impact player. This, combined with a suspect pass-rush defense will cause some problems for the Phins this season. Because the defense is such a liability, Miami is going 9-7 this season … invert those numbers if Henne really blows it.

Many are predicting that this is the year the AFC will experience a shift in power, with the Jets taking the title. I admit that the two teams will be neck-and-neck for the division title this season, but I’m not yet convinced that the crown has already been claimed.

For the Jets to succeed, Mark Sanchez will need to be consistent. Last season’s ranking of 28th in passer rating and a 12-20 TD/INT ratio will not fly if the Jets want another run at the AFC Championship. A notable off-season move was acquiring shutdown corner Antonio Cromartie who, despite his baby-mama drama off the field (7 kids with 6 women), is reliable and consistent. The Jets had two big losses as well, saying goodbye to both Kerry Rhodes and Thomas Jones. The overhyped Shonn Green will be taking over Jones role. Santonio Holmes will sit out the first four weeks of the season due to a suspension and is one good fuck-up away from sitting out the entire season. It is worth noting, though, that he is in a contract year so he has all the motivation in the world to lock it up. Boiled down, Sanchez has plenty of weapons – he just needs to gain their trust, and be able to find them on the field. This, combined with a dangerously good defense could have the Jets heading towards a near perfect season … it’s unlikely, though, that all of those stars will align. More probable is an 11-5 season. (T1AOB sidenote: 14 or 15 are numbers that will more likely refer to the number of post-game press conference meltdowns by Rex Ryan).

Last but not least, the New England Patriots. With the best quarterback and one of the best receivers of the decade in Moss, this offense cannot be ruled out. Maroney is a question mark but if he can manage to hold on to the ball in the red zone, the Pats will benefit immensely. Belichick must commit to sitting him down if he struggles. Our secondary could only be described as shaky last season … but they were young. Merriweather and Sanders are improved and we have two solid corners in Bodden and Butler. Top draft-pick McCourty is expected to contribute immediately – hopefully addressing an issue that has existed in New England ever since Asante Samuel left in 2008. Our schedule this year is tougher than others in the division as we face San Diego and Indy while Miami and the Jets face shitty teams like Oakland and Tennessee, and Denver and Houston (respectively). Miami scored again by facing the Steelers at home in week 7 – which should be Big Ben’s first week back, unless the league does something stupid and shortens his suspension. NE faces Pitt in week 10 at Heinz Field. This team is certainly not without its hurdles – the defense is young and the offensive line is aged – but the Patriots prove time and time again that they can find ways to reinvent themselves using what is available to them. Being aggressively optimistic, I’m going 12-4.

How do you like them apples, Mike x2?

Poll Question of the Day

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Celtics (+ The Big Shamrock) vs. Heat
Patriots vs. Bengals (+ VH1 All-Stars)



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Celtics Are Partying Like It’s 1999

It’s official: Shaquille O'Neal is coming to Boston. According to reports, Shaq has signed a one-year deal for the league minimum of $1.4 million. The Celtic’s have gotten their big man … and left fans with a lot of questions.

First, and most obvious, is his age. At 38-years-old, Shaq is clearly past his prime. In fact, he is the last player from the 1992 draft still in the league. But with age comes wisdom, right? As a 4x Champion and 15x All-Star, this vet will certainly bring enough experience and wisdom to the team.

To immediately address the naysayers who are no doubt rolling their eyes at that last statement: I said “wisdom” but I know you all heard “ego”, which is fair. The man does have a reputation of arriving in town like a shiny new penny, getting everyone excited with promises of championships … only to result in drama on the bench and in the locker room. This is fact. Fortunately for the C’s, Doc Rivers has a proven no-bullshit policy and has a track record of keeping runaway egos in check. Umbuntu, baby.

Speaking of running … Shaq is slow as shit. This will be a problem, especially with Rondo pushing the ball down the court like he just downed six 5-Hour Energy Shots. I mean, what is he? 350 lbs? More? But that’s not why we wanted him to begin with. We got him because he’s big – real big. At 7-foot-1, he certainly has the impact body that will fill the paint while Perk is recovering. Plus, he is a low-post scoring option that Boston desperately needs. The Lakers did a phenomenal job of exposing this weakness when it mattered most. So that, combined with the fact that he loves to throw elbows, could make him quite the bargain for the price.

His defense has actually proven to be the bigger liability for O’Neal, especially in the pick-and-roll. This should, however, be balanced out by Boston’s more quality defenders like Rondo, KG and Pierce. Besides, what he lacks in agility he makes up for in size. Shaq, along with KG (6’ 11”), Perk (6’ 10”), Jermaine O’Neal (6’ 11”) and Big Baby (6’ 9”) will help make the C’s front court the biggest in the league.

Basically, the Celtics have added depth on the cheap. Keep in mind this is not a rebuilding year for the C’s … this season is a last run at a Championship title (for this squad). Shaq adds depth to the roster, becoming the third legitimate starter for Boston. If he can play 20-25 minutes a game until Perk can return, then this pick-up will prove to be quite the coup by Ainge.

All of the above, combined with the fact that there were literally no better options available, should result in a solid move by Boston. And if it turns out that I am wrong, well, blame Pierce … he’s the one who has been whining about big-name additions since the ink dried on his contract.

That Had To Hurt

Nothing beats being at the game, no matter what the sport is … but sometimes you miss stuff, and that kind of sucks. Take last night for example: a gorgeous night to be at Fenway Park. Good friends, Bud Lights and the chance to see the Red Sox win three in a row for only the second time since mid-June. Nice little Monday night. That is until the 7^th inning, when Ryan Kalish collided with Indians’ catcher Carlos Santana as he was trying to block the plate.

From the bleachers, all we could see was the collision and then the ump throwing the “out” sign. Boos erupted immediately. We had no idea what had happened until the dust settled and we could see Santana was still on the ground. [T1AOB note: still probably would have booed, I mean what the hell, you’re rolling those dice every time you move up the line and try to block the plate].

Now, if we had instant replays or DVR readily accessible, we would have seen this incredibly disgusting hit:

Carlos Santana went on the disabled list this afternoon with a sprained left knee.