Ah, it is that time of year again. The free agent signing period is close, the time to designate a franchise player is at hand, and the draft is only two months away. And, wouldn't you know it....the Pats are in the news. Here are a few thoughts about recent events.
Vince Wilfork franchised - you may have heard, but if you didn't, today Vince Wilfork was franchined. Though he might not be happy with it, this is a no-brainer. With the uncertainty of the CBA, the possibility of an uncapped year, and the fact that the Pats NEED Vince for their defense next year, franchising him was a must,
Moss wondering if he'll be back - Randy has a year left, but this is Randy being Randy. Whenever he wants to get a point across, he says something obtuse. This is one of those cases. Sure, he probably is wondering where he will be in 2011....but so are a lot of players....it seems possible that there will be a lockout. This alone makes it doubtful Randy will be signed until mid season at the earliest.
Peppers - these rumors keep coming up. Julius Peppers to the Pats. Well, JP is still property of another team, and until that free agent period starts soon, he has to be considered untouchable (re: untamperable). However, the idea of him coming to NE is enticing. He could help cure the pass ruch problem, anchor the defense solidly,and help make the secondary look that much better. As long as the price is right, this is a no brainer. Sign 'im up!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Top Stories in Spring Training
Well, Sox fans, it is that time of year again. The sun is shining, the temps are in the 70s, and the Sox are set to take the field. No, it's not another summer day at Fenway...it is the beginning of another Spring training!
A ton has been made of the Sox off season....so be it. However, now that Spring training is here, there are five top stories to look at:
1. How does the starting pitching staff shake out - many pundits have said that the Sox have the best staff in the majors. Perhaps. But, as well learned in 2005, you can NEVER have enough pitching. Looks like that may be the case this year. With the Dice-K situation a little more tenuous, it will be interesting to see how this shakes out. Who is number 1? What is the order? Will Wakefield be the number 5? Wait and see.
2. How will Jason Bay be replaced - sure, you've heard that this team is based on D. However, Mike Cameron, Mark Scutaro, and Adrian Beltre are no slouches. Sure, they may not put up Bay numbers, but combined, they should more then make up for Jason's offense....and together make a much more formidable lineup, despite what you have heard.
3. What happens to Lowell - here is hoping they keep him, but this is the big question. It is difficult at best to say what might happen....but this merits watching
4. Which David Ortiz shows up - supposedly he lost some weight and put on some muscle...is he in the best shape of his life? Let's hope so, because there is no way this team can put up with the David Ortiz of April and May 2010.
5. Who is the fifth outfielder - the first four are locked down, with Hermidia taking up the fourth spot. But, who will lock up the fifth? Reddick....or will someone step out of the wood work....it will be interesting to see.
Ah, I can smell the pine tar and foot oil already. Let's get this party started!
A ton has been made of the Sox off season....so be it. However, now that Spring training is here, there are five top stories to look at:
1. How does the starting pitching staff shake out - many pundits have said that the Sox have the best staff in the majors. Perhaps. But, as well learned in 2005, you can NEVER have enough pitching. Looks like that may be the case this year. With the Dice-K situation a little more tenuous, it will be interesting to see how this shakes out. Who is number 1? What is the order? Will Wakefield be the number 5? Wait and see.
2. How will Jason Bay be replaced - sure, you've heard that this team is based on D. However, Mike Cameron, Mark Scutaro, and Adrian Beltre are no slouches. Sure, they may not put up Bay numbers, but combined, they should more then make up for Jason's offense....and together make a much more formidable lineup, despite what you have heard.
3. What happens to Lowell - here is hoping they keep him, but this is the big question. It is difficult at best to say what might happen....but this merits watching
4. Which David Ortiz shows up - supposedly he lost some weight and put on some muscle...is he in the best shape of his life? Let's hope so, because there is no way this team can put up with the David Ortiz of April and May 2010.
5. Who is the fifth outfielder - the first four are locked down, with Hermidia taking up the fourth spot. But, who will lock up the fifth? Reddick....or will someone step out of the wood work....it will be interesting to see.
Ah, I can smell the pine tar and foot oil already. Let's get this party started!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Goodbye Celtics
Well, Green fans everywhere. It is time to say so long lads. Our team in green is officially done for this season. If you take a long, hard look at the Boston 15, there is no doubt that it is time to go in another direction. During the past few weeks you have heard arguments that they are too old (that excuse is overrated), too passive (which is true at times), too hurt (definitely true), and too unmotivated (perhaps).
While all of these arguments may be true - only to a degree - there is something bigger at play. As I am watching the team implode against the Hornets, it is evident that this team lacks a leader. And leadership is what they need.
Think of all the commercials you see; all of the press conferences you watch; and all of the video clips you see. KG and Paul Pierce play prominently in them.
But what's the deal. They are both older, hurt, and just simply not able to get it done anymore. There leadership qualities are impaired....perhaps indefinitely....and they are scrambling around at a loss for what is going on.
Simply put, they have snowballed out of control. They have no answers, yet search for them. They have no defense, and cannot play it. They have no clue, and will not get it. They are a sad collection of players who will be good and who were once good who lost any common ground back in December.
Sure, injuries have played a role...but somewhere along they way where Rajon has become their only true reliable player and the team morphed into a technical collecting bunch, it became clear that this is not the Celtics of old.
2007-2008 was a great memory. A nice way for the Celtics to reclaim, as Sean Grande said, their place as the NBA monarchy.
But, it is time to move on. A new Celtics team has to reign. It won't be this year. And perhaps not next. Yet, a new regime is dawning. It is time to say farewell to the old, and usher in some newer players who actually want to play, want to lead, and have some fresh athletic ability.
So enjoy the swan song. The three amigos will slowly become two, then one...and then undone. And with it, hopefully, will become a better, stronger, faster, more clued in Celtics team.
While all of these arguments may be true - only to a degree - there is something bigger at play. As I am watching the team implode against the Hornets, it is evident that this team lacks a leader. And leadership is what they need.
Think of all the commercials you see; all of the press conferences you watch; and all of the video clips you see. KG and Paul Pierce play prominently in them.
But what's the deal. They are both older, hurt, and just simply not able to get it done anymore. There leadership qualities are impaired....perhaps indefinitely....and they are scrambling around at a loss for what is going on.
Simply put, they have snowballed out of control. They have no answers, yet search for them. They have no defense, and cannot play it. They have no clue, and will not get it. They are a sad collection of players who will be good and who were once good who lost any common ground back in December.
Sure, injuries have played a role...but somewhere along they way where Rajon has become their only true reliable player and the team morphed into a technical collecting bunch, it became clear that this is not the Celtics of old.
2007-2008 was a great memory. A nice way for the Celtics to reclaim, as Sean Grande said, their place as the NBA monarchy.
But, it is time to move on. A new Celtics team has to reign. It won't be this year. And perhaps not next. Yet, a new regime is dawning. It is time to say farewell to the old, and usher in some newer players who actually want to play, want to lead, and have some fresh athletic ability.
So enjoy the swan song. The three amigos will slowly become two, then one...and then undone. And with it, hopefully, will become a better, stronger, faster, more clued in Celtics team.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Lost Art of the Freethrow
Admit it. You're scared. The game is winding down. Less than a minute to play. The Celtics are up by two. You know what that means. The opponent is either going to try to foul Rajon Rondo or Kendrik Perkins, or Doc Rivers needs to get them out of the game entirely.
Stressful, isn't it? Just like last night or the Lakers game. The time is ticking off the clock, slower than molasses. You are just hoping, ney praying, that they game will end soon.
Obviously, there is a problem. Free throws, which should be one of the easiest shots to hit - it's free isn't it - are becoming quite a dilemma for the Celts. What has happened to the fine art of the free throw? Do we have to be subjected to Hack-A-Rondo? These questions need to be answered as the year continues onward.
I keep hearing people say "Oh, it will come." or "Oh, Kendrick and Rondo will learn to love shooting free throws." Well, it appears the time is now. Whether it is spending a little extra time after the game, or perhaps a little less time stressed about the refs (Perk), these two guys are key cogs that, at some point in time, might become weaknesses if they don't take their game to the next level. Let's hope they get cracking in practice. In the meantime, here's hoping they make a plan to practice free throws ALL SUMMER LONG!
Stressful, isn't it? Just like last night or the Lakers game. The time is ticking off the clock, slower than molasses. You are just hoping, ney praying, that they game will end soon.
Obviously, there is a problem. Free throws, which should be one of the easiest shots to hit - it's free isn't it - are becoming quite a dilemma for the Celts. What has happened to the fine art of the free throw? Do we have to be subjected to Hack-A-Rondo? These questions need to be answered as the year continues onward.
I keep hearing people say "Oh, it will come." or "Oh, Kendrick and Rondo will learn to love shooting free throws." Well, it appears the time is now. Whether it is spending a little extra time after the game, or perhaps a little less time stressed about the refs (Perk), these two guys are key cogs that, at some point in time, might become weaknesses if they don't take their game to the next level. Let's hope they get cracking in practice. In the meantime, here's hoping they make a plan to practice free throws ALL SUMMER LONG!
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