The One Where We Need To Pump The Brakes on Celtics Trades

 

Hello everyone.

It has been quite a while since I posted on my Benchwarmers blog. However, I had to admit the past few weeks have riled me up with so many talk show hosts - and CALLERS - coming up with stupid premises and ridiculous ideas. I decided this is going to be my forum for expressing my own thoughts.

 

 So, I am going to start by addressing the current stream of ridiculousness that is permeating the airwaves - Celtics Trades. I have heard it all. The ridiculous posts online that suggest "Who says no to this trade?", to pundits on afternoon radio explaining that the Celtics might have to revisit the biggest need that Danny Ainge professed on the Toucher and Rich show, suggesting that point guard, and not a big-sized wing who can shoot - as the most pressing problem. There have even been those who have called for Kemba to be benched or traded. And then there is the nightly diatribe by local internet writers against Jeff Teague.

 

LET'S JUST STOP!!!

Sure, I get it, the Celtics have been subpar. They got off to a strong start and somewhere between the Covid outbreak and the return of Kemba Walker they have been derailed. But, before we pressed the PANIC button, let's pause a moment.

 

First, there are many reasons for this roller coaster stretch the Celtics have been on. The lack of a preseason is the most pressing one. This team has a lot of young players on it. The veterans added are new to this system. And one thing is clear - the Brad Stevens has more idiosyncracies then the Red Sox under Joe Morgan. It is a little wacky. You might start one game and get an DNP the next. It is the Chaim Blook version of playing basketball, using stats and analysis to help create better matchups. That's what explains some of his wacky lineups. However, a lack of playing together and having even a hint of a summer league has posed a problem to the players. Young players are still trying to catch up and figure out this system. And yes, you Peyton Pritchard fans like me have to realize that this means he will have off nights like last night. This lack of preparation has also posed a problem for Tristan Thompson and Jeff Teague from getting fully integrated into the team....though they have had inconsistent moments of truly helping the team. The fact that neither one of them played viable basketball for months, let alone joined a new team, has not helped either one get their basketball legs fully going this year...and Stevens weird lineups don't help. The lack of practice time doesn't help, either.

Second, this team has not really had its full complement of players playing together at one point in time. There were Covid problems.  Kemba trying to come back slowly and avoiding back to backs.  Marcus Smart and Peyton Pritchard injured. Jaylen Brown resting a knee. Waiting for Romeo Langford to come back. It is hard to have a consistent output from this team when players are always missing. You never know who to count on. In fact, it is hard to see where this team is and what it is capable of. There has not been a game yet where the Celtics have their full top ten roster ready to perform. And to me that is: Tatum, Brown, Walker, Theis, Smart, Langford, Pritchard, Thompson, Teague, and R. Williams.

Before everyone says exactly what the Celtics need - and suggest that the "NEED TO DO IT QUICKLY" - what is really needed is patience. Let's get everyone back together on the court and actually see what this team needs. With players wafting in and out like the smells of barbecue at a Pat's tailgate, there is no sense what this team needs. In fact, what it really needs is patience. Kemba Walker is going to figure it out. Marcus Smart is going to get back into the lineup when healthy. Teague and Thompson may not be great fits now, but they are going to figure out a role. We need to also see what Langford can do. He had impressive, almost Avery Bradley-esque flashes - down the stretch. We all know what Bradley turned into. Who knows what this team needs quite yet? In fact, Danny Ainge's guess is far better than ours because he sees what is going on behind the scenes.

So let's stop. Let's wait (I know it is hard). And let's see what this team is in early March. Then, we will better know how to use that TPE. Because that TPE should put us over the top for years to come.

 

 

 

In Bill We Still Trust?

Almost a week has passed, but the images are still clear....

A national anthem playing...
Patriots players with arms on each other's shoulders in solidarity....
Pink doing an absolutely great job singing....
The video of an overwhelmed Malcolm Butler.

Little did anyone know that this was the beginning of series of unfortunate events that led most of New England to no longer have a full, unyielding allegiance to Bill Belicheck. 

There have been knicks in the armor before. The failure to sign David Givens and Deion Brach. The head-scratching 4th and 2. The epic collapse in the 2008 Super Bowl. The whole implosion of the Adalius Thomas team. But Super Bowl 52 was different.

Exactly what happened, no one will ever know. Belicheck is not on to say why he does things and will also not throw a player under the bus verbally. But the puzzling disappearance of Malcolm Butler and the decision to sit him will gnaw on Pats fans for years.

Sure, it will blow over. And, truth be told, I am not even sure if Malcolm Butler would have made a difference. The secondary was being shredded without him and he has had an off year anyway. He could have been just as horrific as Eric Rowe or Jonathan Badamosi.

However, one thing is clear. "In Bill We Trust" was no longer the motto of Patriot Nation as of February 4, 2018.

Enough With the Conspiracy Theories about the Patriots

When it comes to Superbowls, the Patriots definitely come to mind.

But when it comes to the Patriots and Super bowls, well, that is when conspiracy theories come to mind. Clearly, the two weeks before Super bowl 52 are going to be synonymous with conspiracies. And we definitely already saw it.

First, there came the Dan Le Batard question as to whether or not that Brady might be taking something beyond his special health drinks and snacks created in tandem with TB-12.

Then, there was Jon Ritchie on Philadelphia radio, suggesting that the Patriots filmed their practices and benefited from a wrong call (later turned into a bad rule) with the Tuck game.

Added to that was radio host Colin Dunlap who pondered why TB isn't spoken of in the same company as "Bonds, McGwire, Rosie Ruiz (tossed in a Boston one there), Armstrong, and Johnson..."


And so it goes....people sharing their own thoughts is part of the American way and the first Amendment. But when people stretch what they say into ridiculous realms, it is time to say "Stop." And it is great to see people like Tom Curran and WEEI take a stand and start fighting back.

Its about time for people to stop this Patriots lunacy. Sure, I get it. It gets tiresome seeing the same team in championship games. No one wanted to see the Yankees in the World Series year after year in the late 90s. After awhile, people were rooting against the Jordon lead Bulls. So it is understandable.

To to continue the unyielding diatribe by making faulty comparisons, offering loose insinuations, and showing ignorance to facts is just plain ludicrous. It is time to stop and take the Patriots for what they are - a talented team that, in an era of unbridled parity - has found a way to develop, recycle, and replenish talent with a solid management group - to create a strong team capable of contending for the playoffs each year.

So, take your screwy logic, you complaints, your "oh they cheateds" and stuff it. Sure, the Patriots may have been caught "spygating" by doing something other teams had done in a way they were not suppose to do and potentially tampered with footballs (but with deflategate, there are too many reasons to believe it did not happen to suggest that it did) which other teams have been busted for doing as well. Quit crying sour grapes, admire what they have done, and challenge your local team to do the same.

And go Pats!

All Will Be Okay With Brady

The big news story of this past week is Tom Brady's thumb.

Will he be 100 percent or won't he? Will be pull a Michael Jackson and wear a funky glove? And what exactly happened anyway?


Well, it appears that Tom got a gash that was "gushing blood." The visual alone is awful. The fact that Rex Burkhead - who is still recovering from an injury, yet the team could use in the AFC title game - did it is a little ironic. He is making an effort to come back to help Brady, only to be the source of the injury.

That being said, no doubt the doctors, and Tom's own guru, will have him in tip top shape for tomorrow's game.

Here are my predictions for the 7th consecutive Patriot's trip to the AFC championship game

1. Tom plays and plays well.

2. He wears a glove of some sort and then comes out in second half taped

3. Tom throws for two TDs and orchestrates 3 rushing TDs.

4. Rex Burkhead will score one of those rushing TDs.

5. All will be well in New England.

The One With the Great Farrell Family Moment

Tonight provided one of those opportunities when sports means more than just wins and losses. Tonight was a moment to celebrate.

At about 6:40 or so PM, Luke Farrell took the field for the Cincinnati Reds, coming in relief in the 9th inning. As he did, his father stood on watching from the Red Sox dug out.

A transcendent moment between father and son. Opposite teams, but family ties. A moment where baseball was more than baseball.

It is these moments that bring greatness to a sport. Seeing a father and son on the field at the same time - a rarity in sports (the last time it happened was when Moises Alou took the field against his father, Felipe's, team).

Luke got out of the inning unscathed. He tipped his hat to his father. Baseball went on.

But it was a special moment to cherish.

A baseball moment.

Not a Time to Panic Celtics Fans

Sure, this Celtics team was nowhere close to the Cavs....but we all knew that. Of course, there is always the inevitable panic and overreaction that follows the type of loses the Celtics have endured, but that is to be expected. As we get further from the reality of these two losses, a few things will be clear.

Superteams like the Cavs have a shelf live in the NBA. Typically, it is no more than five years before they erode for a variety of reasons. It is designed that way. Lebron's first super team lasted about four. The Celtics were competetive from 2008-2012. The Lakers in the early 2000s failed in their super team attempt. The Celtics really don't have so long to wait.

Keeping the pick, trying to add a free agent, and trading some of their current players for a rebounding big (such as Terry Rozier, Avery Bradley, one of this stashed players, and a pick - not Brooklyn's next year), could easily bump them up to the next level, which is still one below the Cavs at this point.

Allowing the young players to evolve while maintaining the stable of Crowder, Thomas, Horford, Smart, Brown, and Olynyk (who can be resigned because such trades, will make a team that has solid young and older veterans that will be hard to beat.

The Celtics have created their own recipe for this rebuild. It is ahead of schedule...and will work fine. Probably not next year - though they will be even more competetive - but things should look very promising the year after that.

 

(originally posted as a response to John Tomase article in WEEI  May 20, 2017)

This Week With the Pats

It will be interesting to see what teams become involved in the Jimmy Garappolo trade talk and how actively the Patriots pursue it right away. It would also be great to see Alan Branch back on a similar contract. He plays a solid role on the defense.

Time for Fire Claude Not Cowardly...Just a Little Too Late

I have to admit that I am a little disappointed and there is plenty of blame to go around. However, I am mostly disappointed with the views on this article and some - not all - of the people who call themselves Bruins fans.

I know, like most of you, I will miss Julien and thank him for the time on our team and the Stanley Cup win. And, like most of you, I realize that he is the type of rare coach that can take a team that looks dead in the water and get them places. However, what is most disappointing is the take that "This is cowardly timing" or "It is not his fault."

While some might argue it is cowardly timing, I would actually argue that it is poor timing. To actually fire a coach during the Patriots parade is obviously going to cause a lot of flak - and it is not going to be buried as a story - which was evident by the takes of fans yesterday, despite the fact people alluded to the idea their timing was sneaky. If for some reason they decided that Saturday was the last straw, cowardly would be to fire him at 6:30 on Sunday as the kickoff commenced. I would argue that it probably should have been done sooner.

As for taking the blame off Julien, yes there is a lot to go around. But, he has been defended far too often by the Dale Arnolds, Fluto Shinzawas, DJ Beans, and other voices here whose opinions I typically respect. However, sadly, his time had come and his voice has been tuned out. We should not be surprised with this in Boston. We have witnessed it with the last two championship coaches to leave. Francona said it himself, suggesting it was time for a new voice. Rivers took off in part because he knew his voice had grown old. And so it was with Julien. In fact, the signs were there two years ago...I am shocked it took this long.

We are fortunate because we see an anomoly in Foxboro with Bill Belicheck. His voice has not grown old....but he has figured it out. He changes players around so much that they can't grow tired of his voice. They are gone before it can happen. So, unfortunately, it was time for Julien to go. Thanks for all you did and I wish it could have ended better. But it is time to turn the page on a new chapter....one that may lead to the departure of other front office officials as well.

 

note I posted this on WEEI one of my favorite forms

The one with the new year

The new year is off to a great start. However, here is what we did to start off the new year, by ringing out the old one.

On December 31, we did the following:

• We watched Rudolph's Shiny New Year
• We watched Charlie Brown New Year
• We made 2015 glasses
• We did a toast with red grade cider
• We did our yearly interview sheet
• We had Chinese food.

All and all, a fun, and quiet new year.

Boston Hope Springs Anew

It is almost here...waiting to pounce...like spring itself.

The Red Sox season. Approaching to a TV set near you.

Sure, you have heard the hype. The Red Sox can't capture that spirit again. How can they emulate last year's miraculous performance? Lightning can never be caught in a bottle twice.

Well, I am here to tell you that it can. And probably will.

Now, I don't think they will be a 100 win team. However, like Steve Buckley, Lou Merloni, and Mike Felger, I do believe they will be a 92+ win team.  

Here's three reasons why.

STARTING PITCHING: The Sox have a lot of it. They are solid, proven, and performed well last year. They are all veterans - as of now - and even their depth in the minors has experience. This should be a solid strength.

DEPTH: The bench and the bullpen are again first rate. The fact that Jackie Bradley was one of several solid hitters to return to Pawtucket lets you know just how deep this team is. Sure, they may have lost Ellsbury....but he is definitely replaceable. The depth they have around will help replace his production - and others' - and also provide for a smooth year. Incidentally, the PawSox should be pretty darn good, too.

NO PRESSURE: A lot of people think the Sox have pressure to repeat. Sure, last year caught us by surprise, but fans know this team is still in the evolution process. There was a degree of happenchance last year - though everyone knew the misery of the previous year was an aberration. Still, this team was good last year and will be this year. However, fans know that this year is still a step on the journey.

As you can see, there is no doubt that this year, the Sox should be a first place team once again.

Stop Criticizing Celtics Fans

The other day, I heard a ridiculous conversation on WEEI

Minihane and Dennis were actually criticizing the fans who cheered at the Celtics-Heat game for the raucous approval of the Celtics march toward a win.

"Huh?"

I nearly did a triple take in my car, driving to work.

Look, I know Minihane is the Mini-Felger of WEEI. I appreciate his ability - and the need - for him to be positively contrarian.  That works for me...as long as he realizes how annoying he can be.

But to take contrarian to a positively ludicrous step is simply appalling. There is no need to criticize those fans, make fun of their green face pain, or call them "green hats (a true ugly Felgerism if there is one.").

Bottom line - those Celtics tickets cost bucks even if the Celtics stink and are trying to get the best possible pick (I'm on board for that). However, that is not a Celtics fan's problem if they are at the game. Indeed, the emotion of a game with Miami, which has had "mortal enemy" status for a couple of years, is understandable. Paying money for those tickets, which were routinely advertised on the HUB as the cheapest in years for a Miami-Celtics game - allows fans to do that. And sure, if you get swept in that moment, it is perfectly fine to cheer. For 48 minutes, it is fine for a fan to forget about "tanking," to ignore the idea of loosing but developing talent, and for thinking about next year.

It is perfectly fine to cheer on the win.

No Celtics fan - or Green Hat - should apologize.

Minihane knows that. But again, he is stirring the pot.

A pot that clearly says "The Celtics are going to lose a lot more than they will win....but for one moment it is okay to be number one again."

What is the problem with the Red Sox

Simply put, a lot.

These Sox have had a lingering problem since last August 31....and it is hard to pinpoint who is to blame.

Obviously management had two culprits for the blame - Terry Francona and Theo Epstein. While both may have had a role in the disaster that unfurled last year,  it has become increasing apparent that the problem is not solely their responsibility. Otherwise, the addition of Bobby Valentine, and to a lesser extent, Ben Cherington, would have solved the problem.

No, the blame for this one now falls squarely on three parts

First, the positional players have to be held accountable for the dismal starts. As Dustin Pedroia mentioned yesterday, the Sox have had three straight seasons of rough starts. This is not something new. Well, if this is the case, then obviously the Sox have the wrong players on the team. A quick look at the team shows you that they can score runs....but they have trouble early in the year. It may be time to start saying goodbye to some of this crew. After all, several players seem to regularly get injuries on this team. As the team did with Jed Lowrie, it may be time to consider bidding farewell to Youk and even Ellsbury while there is a chance to get something for them (Ellsbury really).

Second, this pitching is abysmal; not even counting the chicken and beer fiasco. So much for the idea they had the best starting 5 last year. Two are gone because of injury. While Felix Dobrount has been a nice surprise - he should have stayed in longer - and Lester has been serviceable, another starter is needed. And, it may be time to say so long to Beckett.

As for the Bullpen, Bard needs to close, period. Put Aceves in long relief and make Morales the lefty specialist. Build around that.

Finally, we need to thank the trio for this debacle. As was warned by Tony Massarotti last year, once there interest started to wane as they pursued a soccer team, it because clear that the Sox were not a priority. It definitely seems that way, now. Time for them to either "Cowboy Up" or "Get Out of the Saloon."

Just my thoughts...for what they are worth.

Happy 100th Birthday
Fenway Park......


Thanks for all of the great memories!!!

February Ramblings

Logan Mankins Franchised

I heard a lot of debate about this yesterday, particularly with people who felt that Logan was being given a stiff arm by the team. Even today on the T and R show on 98.5, they were advocating that Mankins should put up a fight and challenge this in court....which he could do.

Easy fellahs -

First, Logan is a big boy. He knows how this works and he also gave himself the double oops last year. First, by backing off a long term agreement, then refusing to return until week 10, when had had to come back, he was his own worst enemy. Sure, he stuck to his principles, but the league has them too, for a reason. So, yes, he can challenge it, but don't feel bad for that. His union negotiated it

Second, as Tom Curran pointed out on the Big Show (850), the franchise tag will probably be back with the new CBA. This is a situation that won't go away, so why exacerbate it now.

Finally, Logan may not have the long term security yet, but his paycheck will be more than expected. He is being paid an average based on the top 5 offensive lineman....not a bad payday. Plus, there is room for more negotiations.


Bruins
Fear not fans. Sure, the Bruins took a header this past weekend with the Detroit games. But, part of it is a natural letdown that follows big games, particularly for a young team. No need to worry about it...they will be fine.

Felger!
Mike Felger yesterday on CSNNE and 98.5 advocating that the league should not interfere with the fighting in the game. Wow, Mike. While most broo-hahas are not a problem, the display at the Penguins and Islanders game was a scene out of gladiator with premeditation abounding and people hitting people to hurt them. That stuff has to go the way of Matt Cooke headshots. The Bruins and Habs was different....no comparison. Only a fool would compare the two.

Great to see spring training here. NEXT!


Celtics get good news
Nice to see that the injuries are becoming a little less worrisome....finally, some good news.

Delonte - should be back Wednesday for a little action...and if not, right after the All Star break. That should help the bench immensely.

Semih - at the beginning of the year, who thought he would be a contributor. But, Danny finds a way to get these gems. He should be a factor after the break and can provide good, productive minutes behind Perkins.

Paul - glad to see that the injury is nothing bad. Good news there, too. Now, let's shut it down until Feb. 22.

February 7 Tidbits

BIG HANDS

Here is wish Marquis Daniels a speedy recovery from his spinal cord bruise. Hope you heal well, get some rest, and we'll see you in March.

Same speedy recovery to Marc Savard. Here is hoping you a speed and healthy recovery as well. Make sure to rest up and make sure to fully heal from the concussion and get back well next year.


BRUINS MOVES

Big debate is about whether Bruins should make a move or not. Hey, let's scrap the "looking for a puck moving defenseman" route. They are fine of defense - though could use a puck move. Instead, let's go for another scorer....this is what got them down last year.


RED SOX ROUNDING OUT
Keep hearing people saying the Red Sox are slightly better than the Yankees. Are you kidding? They are way better. They keep building that pen and that depth....they are going to be quite well.


SUPERBOWL POST MORTEMS
Everyone around here was excited to see that the Steelers are not on par with the Patriots for team of the decade. And sure, Mike Felger is making sure to point out that if that is all the Pats fans care about, than you got your wish. Sure, but let's face it....the Pats need to follow the Steeler defense model. Let's keep building this D and make sure it gets back strong.


BOWL BLUNDERS

Blunder One - Jerry, what were you thinking about not having all of the seats ready for the game. Know your place before selling the seats.

Blunder Two - Christina A, I used to be a big fan, but come on. If you are singing the anthem, you gotta know the words....hey, you did in LA before game 7 of the NBA finals last year.

Blunder Three - not a bad halftime show (I know some disagree), but please, if the are going to have the BEP, have the sound system working.


Ray's Countdown - 4 to the record. Good luck!


Wishing you all the best this week.

Welcome Back Perk

Hey Kendrick Perkins,

It has been 224 days. Welcome back. It is great to have you on the team. Congrats on your 7 points and return to the parquet!

News for October 25

NBA Season is about to arrive
The most anticipated NBA season in years - as it is being dubbed from coast to coast - is just about to dawn on us. And, standing at the precipice are your Boston Celtics. Expecting interesting things tomorrow??? It will be definitely be the first chapter of an exciting adventure. I cannot wait to see what happens.
The team, as currently constituted, presents a formidable obstacle to any opponent. Take a close look at that lineup. One through twelve, the roster is comprised of veterans. Solid veterans. Almsot all of whom have served as starters at one point in time or another. On paper, they look like the real deal.
Should be FAN TASTIC...especially if you are a Celtics fan

NBA PREDICTIONS
Interesting thoughts by Tommy Heinsohn on the CSNNE Basketball Show. Tommy, Mike Gorman, and Gary Tanguay think that the Celtics, if healthy, might indeed be NBA champions. Very interesting insights. Great quote on the show....Gary Tanguay "We basically have 82 preseason games" to look forward to."


BOYCHUCK CHECKED OUT
You may not have seen this, but Boychuck is out for the next month or so due to an arm injury. Here is wishing Boychuck a speedy recovery.


NFL GIVES KUDOS TO MERIWEATHER
No big secret that the NFL made an example of Brandon Meriweather last week. But, did you notice that the NFL came out and praised how Meriweather made to "effective" hits in yesterdays muck-a-luck with the Chargers. They actually noted how well he was able to do the hit within the confines of the rules.

Check it out here in a link to the LA times:

http://www.latimes.com/sports/football/nfl/wire/sns-ap-fbn-patriots-persevere,0,1100886.story


IAN THOMSEN'S OUTLOOK FOR DAY ONE
Count SI's Ian Thomsen as an initial non-believer. On CSNNE's Sports Tonight, he mentioned how he initially thought the Celtics would be destroyed in Game One because the Heat had to win it much more than the Celtics. But, interesting point is made by IA - the closer it gets to game time, the less sure he is about that.


Oh MannyDa!
Did you hear the rumor going around? Manny may want to reunite with former Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell in his new job as head of the Blue Jays. Oh Boy!


Felger strike again.
Great call on the Sports Hub today. Felger, when chewing out a resident NY fan (deservedly so, who was trying to explain why the Pats win yesterday would never be repeated in the playoffs), suggesting he was mad at Felger because Felger's prediction that the Pats would be better without Moss, was met with a great one liner. When Felger suggested his own potential divine skills as creating such a prediction - tongue and cheek of course - the caller, Mike, responded.
"You're a real Nostr- adass - mus."

Nice.

News for October 22

Rave reviews for Celtics
Did you happen to see the quintent on Comcast NE Celtics Preview tonight. Fun show, but what is most interesting is the optmistic view of the Celtics presented on the show. All five announcers -Tanguay, Marshall, Dickerson, Heinsohn, and Gorman - acknowledge the Celtics can probably contend for a championship. However, the most prescient comments probably came from Mike Gorman who said this Celtics team was the deepest team he has seen since covering the team (which began in 1980). High praise for the man who called the 2008 champs, who were deep, and the 1986 champs who were considered one of the best teams ever.


Congrats Tim Thomas
Hearing a lot of Bruins talk on WEEI and Sportshub. That's great. But even better is to see that Tim Thomas is back. Now, while some clowns like Felger think he is trade bait, let's wait a bit on that. It is great to see him back. And, not sure if you caught it on Sports Tonight, but Steve Buckley mentioned that Thomas's doctor, who did off season surgery on the torn labrum in hip, did not know how Thomas could play last year. Now we know why he had an off year

Fired up Tom Brady
Great to see Tom Brady fired up over the Terrell Suggs comment. Think it was hilarious that he mentioned Suggs did a lot of talking for a guy who has only beat the Pats once in nine years. Sounds like Suggs sour graped it when he said he was moving on.


Oh, Neal
Hear the report that Jermaine O'Neill has torn wrist cartiledge....here us hoping you a speedy recovery.

Another Felger moment
Zoinks, this dude doesn't quit. After harping on how excited he was about the Bruins, he began downplaying the Bruins yesterday. And, after receiving enough hate email to wall paper a cyber room, what does he do. Offer another joust, suggesting yahoo fans are ready to plan the rolling rally. Hey, Migeulito....relax. Sure, Bruins fans finally have a reason to feel some excited. Surely, you have to playyour Debby Downer role, but let them be excited. There have been few and far between opportunities for this. And as for a rolling rally down Route One....maybe they can go all the way to the Golden Banana...there is a true black and gold site for fans....zoinks!

In for Gonzalez
Those Red Sox and Adrian Gonzalez rumors are heating up again. May not be hot stove time, but don't be surprised if there is more movement on that in December.

News for October 15

Justine Beiber calls out Tom Brady

Check this out. There is a Yahoo story about Beiber calling out Brady for stealing his look.

Check here for the link:http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Justin-Bieber-vs-Tom-Brady-The-hair-rap-battle?urn=nfl-276981

Come on, kid. Be real. You became a hit because of You Tube. Now, you think you have the right to call out someone who has taken the "Super Cuts" look to the next level. Be real you goof. Your look - and Tom's for that matter - is straight out of those silly posters you see at Super Cuts and say "don't do that to me." That is the last thing you should call Tom Brady out for.


Micheal Felger adds another knucklehead moment

If you were unlucky enough to hear another Felger whine yesterday - dude grow up - you will have heard him talk about the history of the Celtics being crybabies and that their fans have their own whiny, self-righteous attitude. According to his doofusness, the Celtics have been afforded wonders by the NBA, and have no right to complain. He says that their legacy is one of complaining (not his true words, but his implication).

Then, in the next breath, we hear it all. From afar, as a Milwaukee Bucks fan, he watched it transpire...and is sick of it. Dude, no wonder why you are whining. You had to grow up watching the Milwaukee Bucks! Wow....I'd be crying, too, if I were you. Listen pal, the Bucks may not be as whiney as the Celtics, but lets face it....you also didn't have too many opportunities to see them whine on center stage. When was the last time they actually had something to whine about. Sure the Celtics complain. But, let's face it....the NBA has to do something about the refs. This preseason so far has been a pitiful failure.

Best Wishes Mark Savard

WEEI and the Sports Hub both reported that the Bruins center was at least a month away. Here is wishing you well, Mark. Let's hope you heal soon. We definitely need you.

Liverpool Soccer No Reason to Complain
By now, you've heard that the Sox's JH is buying British football club (let's get it straight, its not really soccer across the pond). I keep hearing people say that this is going to be a reason why Red Sox fans complain if they do nothing this off season. But, here are two points to ponder.

1. If JH does by the team, he has got a bargain. Those clubs are more of a gold mine than anything we see in the U.S. And, if he can flip it, even better.

2. The Red Sox essentially did nothing last off season. Did we complain? Yes. So, news flash - they don't need a football club as a reason to whine. If Theo and the crew do nothing, that is reason enough.

Dumb moment of the day

Yesterday Felger actually said Robert Parish traveled everytime he shot the ball. Huh? That's like saying Kevin McHale's pivot move was a travel every time. Oh, wait....you probably thought it was.

Deja Borges
Did you hear Ron Borges two days ago on the Big Show (on WEEI). Wow, he didn't even remember who he was co-hosting with the previous week. Wow. No wonder he seems so clueless about the Pats. Actually, he does have some useful insights, but others are plain "out there." Must have been all that time in Oakland.

Plea For the Day
David Stern....stop the nonsense. Let's not pretty up the NBA. As Dave Cowens and Tommy Heinsohn both mentioned on the last Celtics preseason game, this is not the NBA. And frankly, it is not "Fantastic!"

Ease Up on the Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox have it all. All the reasons to claim why this is a lost season. All the excuses as to why they might not make the postseason. All of the the explanations as to why this year wasn't meant to be.

That being said, this team has something most Red Sox teams don't have. Spunk. We're talking beyond dirt dog status here. SPUNK! Players who were called up from the minors - not expected to do anything. Players who have outperformed expectations. Players who have offered a glimpse of the future.

For those who are down on the Sox, those who think this is a lost season, those who think that this season has been less than expected, ease up. This team, based on what has happened to it, has exceeded all expectations.

First, let's go back to winter. Many people thought the Sox would easily be a 3rd place team WITH the players they had. But, without most of them for prolonged periods of the season, no one would have given them a chance.

No, this team has spunk.

Think back to July, when the Sox were close to 1st. Expectations exceeded. Everything clicked. There was reason for optimism. Then the injuries hit. They mounted. They snowballed. There was trouble in paradise.

But, through it all, they have fought, clawed, and dug in. They are a true team.

Sure, they've lost many of their position players for chunks of the year. A lesser team would have mailed it in. This team has not.

There is reason to be optimistic. Perhaps not this season - though I am not ready to wave the flag yet (it is close, though). But, it is set up great for the future. The rotation is solid. Some of the younger position players are signed for a while. The bench is good. With some money to spend this off season, this team is ready to strike. Go on the rise.

So for the rest of this season, ease up. Watch how Doubront and Bowden work in the bullpen. Watch how Kalish plays. See how Nava and McDonald can perform for long stretches. Then, think about next year. The Sox are no longer playing for the championship...they are playing for next year.

And next year looks pretty darn good....thanks to SPUNK!