Celtics Rambling Thoughts

Please bear with me. I'm exhausted from watching the whole draft, from 1-60. The Allen Iverson rumor will not die and the way Danny acted today just adds more fuel to the AI fire. Just take a quick look at the roster as of 12:13 am: Paul Pierce - G/F Wally Szczerbiak - G/F Delonte West - G Sebastian Telfair - G Tony Allen - F/G Gerald Green - F/G Orien Greene - G Rajon Rondo - G Al Jefferson - F Kendrick Perkins - C Theo Ratliff - C Ryan Gomes - F Brian Grant - F/C Brian Scalabrine - F Dwayne Jones - F/C Leon Powe - F That is sixteen total players -- just enough to swap out a few for one. If the C's are serious about Iverson (and apparently they are), who would/could/should leave? Szczerbiak, because of his money (roughly $10-million) and the lack of shots on a team with Pierce and Iverson. Rondo, acquired from Phoenix along with Brian Grant and cash for a future first round pick (most likely Cleveland's in '07), might be attractive to Philadelphia to fill part of the void in the backcourt. Telfair could be in this mix too. Al Jefferson, mainly because he's young, big, talented, and comes cheap. Gerald Green could be used along the same line of thought -- young, athletic, talented, and cheap. The word is that Boston needs to find a third (or fourth) team to make this all work. Utah has been mentioned, possibly moving Carlos Boozer. Say it falls out like this: AI to Boston, Boozer and Rondo to Philadelphia, Szczerbiak, Gerald Green and a throw in like Dwayne Jones or Leon Powe to Utah. Here is how the C's would look: Guards: Iverson, West, Telfair, Greene (4) Wings: Pierce, Allen, Gomes (3) Forwards: Jefferson, Grant, Powe/Jones, Scalabrine (4) Centers: Perkins, Ratliff (2) An Iverson, West, Pierce, Jefferson, Perkins starting five is an upgrade over '05-'06 but is it enough to make the leap within the division or the Eastern Conference? Doubtful. The fallout in the next few weeks will go a long, long way to determine the status of the '06-'07 season.

Some Things To Remember

117-37. 2.52 ERA. Two Cy Young's. Four AL Wild Card's. Three ALCS appearances. One AL Championship. One World Series. Stand up and cheer your ass off tonight when he walks to the mound. Let him know we love him like we've loved no other. Without this man, baseball in Boston would not be as important as it is today. Never Forget!

C's Trade

Okay, I just heard from Ian Thomsen that the Boston-Portland trade looks like this: Raef LaFrentz, Dan Dickau, No. 7 pick to Portland Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff, 2007 second round pick to Boston We'll see.

Celtics Trade

So much for my Mock Draft. ESPN.com is reporting that the Celtics have traded the No. 7 pick to Portland for point guard Sebastian Telfair. Dan Dickau of Boston is most likely in this deal as well. The C's will make the pick for Portland at No. 7. I'm not sure what to make of this trade. Telfair is unproven but hopefully he can help the C's although I have serious doubts. I just hope against hope that someone like Adam Morrison or Andrea Bargnani doesn't drop. ESPN also is saying that the Allen Iverson-to-Boston rumor is still alive. Whatever.

NBA Mock Draft

Yes, it's NBA Draft night. Reading through the millions of mock drafts that are trying their hardest to pinpoint every pick, I'm going a different route. My mock draft will literally mock the draft. I won't pretend to know what's going on -- because I don't -- and I'm basing my picks on the real fun part of the night ... the unexpected. 1. Toronto Raptors: Brandon Roy, G, Washington Why Roy? Because the Raptors are already set in the front court with Chris Bosh and Charlie Villanueava. Roy gives Toronto the guard they need. 2. Chicago Bulls: Shelden Williams, F, Duke Why Williams? Because the Bulls need an interior presence who can defend, rebound, and score when open. Ty Thomas and LaMarcus Aldridge may have more "upside" but Williams is the real thing who can help the Bulls now. 3. Charlotte Bobcats: Adam Morrison, F, Gonzaga Stop trying to find the negatives with this kid and look at the positives. He can score on anyone and has the motivation to be great. MJ has to love this kid's will to win. 4. Portland TrailBlazers: Andrea Bargnani, F, Italy He makes sense because he won't be able to understand all of the crap coming from the mouths of Zack Randolph, Darius Miles, and the rest of these scumbags. Plus, he's going to be a terrific player. 5. Atlanta Hawks: Randy Foye, G, Villanova Why Foye? Because he's a two-way guard who can play. Last I checked, Atlanta desperately needs someone like that. 6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Tyrus Thomas, F, LSU The perfect fit in the Twin Cities. He may not be polished but his energy and defensive capabilities will have KG smiling again. 7. Boston Celtics: Rudy Gay, F, UConn Take Gay, package him with whatever contract -- Dan Dickau, Brian Scalabrine, Wally Szczerbiak, Raef LaFrentz -- and trade him. Come on Danny, find Pierce a player to get him to the next level so he doesn't have to hear Antoine talk about winning the ring for eternity. 8. Houston Rockets: J.J. Redick, G, Duke So what if America hates him? He can shoot from anywhere and that will help Yao and McGrady more than another athlete that will just get in their way. 9. Golden State Warriors: LaMarcus Aldridge, F, Texas Aldridge may be Joe Smith, circa 2006, but they do need a post player. And "Big Baby" Glen Davis -- the man who tortured Aldridge in the NCAA's -- is still at LSU. 10. Seattle SuperSonics: Cedric Simmons, F, NC State They did trade for Chris Wilcox, an athletic big man from the ACC who couldn't score in a YMCA old timer's game, so why not Simmons? 11. Orlando Magic: Marcus Williams, G, UConn They do have Jameer Nelson but if he's the point guard the Magic are banking on for the next 10-years than Dwight Howard will go insane. So what if Williams steals, is fat, and underachieved in college, this is the NBA Draft ... everyone gets a second chance. 12. Oklahoma City Hornets: Saer Sene, C, Belgium Maybe Chris Paul won't notice? 13. Philadelphia 76ers: Rodney Carney, F, Memphis I guess Andre Iguodala isn't enough in the "athletic wingman who doesn't shoot all that great" department. 14. Utah Jazz: Ronnie Brewer, F, Arkansas A guy who can defend. Jerry Sloan couldn't be happier. That is, unless his GM had taken Chris Paul over Deron Williams last year. 15. Oklahoma City Hornets: Hilton Armstrong, C, UConn Okay, now Chris Paul is taking notice -- that his life will suck next year. 16. Chicago Bulls: Patrick O'Bryant, C, Bradley The knock on O'Bryant is that he doesn't always play hard. Shouldn't be an issue with Scott Skiles on the bench. 17. Indiana Pacers: Kyle Lowry, G, Villanova Teams that need a point guard beware: Rajon Rondo sucks. The Pacers will gladly take the underrated Lowry. 18. Washington Wizards: Shawne Williams, F, Memphis A team in need of an athletic forward gets one. Won't get them past the Cavaliers however. 19. Sacramento Kings: Thabo Sefolosha, G, Italy Cool name. What kind of game? 20. New York Knicks: Shannon Brown, G, Michigan State I get the feeling Isiah likes his shooting guards. 21. Phoenix Suns: James White, F, Cincinnati Who cares if all he can do is dunk? That's why he's perfect in the desert. 22. New Jersey Nets: Sergio Rodriguez, G, Spain Yeah, Spain is where to find Jason Kidd's backup. 23. New Jersey Nets: Kevin Pittsnogle, C, West Virginia A big man who can shoot to keep the paint open. The "White Trash" Bill Laimbeer? 24. Memphis Grizzlies: Rajon Rondo, G, Kentucky When looking for a point guard, the terms "overly fast in the open court" and "big hands" don't get me excited. Is Jerry West still alive? I betcha Pau Gasol is pissed they didn't get the Spanish guy. 25. Cleveland Cavaliers: Will Blalock, G, Iowa State At this point, does it matter unless you are the Spurs, Pistons, or Mavericks -- teams that actually find players at this point of the draft. 26. Los Angeles Lakers: Maurice Ager, G, Michigan State Everything I read says the Lakers need a point guard but that makes zero sense when one considers they run the Triangle Offense (doesn't require a true pg) and they have Kobe, who serves as the primary ballhandler. Ager can score and isn't named Kobe -- something the Lakers need more of. 27. Phoenix Suns: Jordan Farmar, G, UCLA I guess Nash does need a breather every now and then. 28. Dallas Mavericks: Oleksiy Pecherov, C, France Totally going with Ian Thomsen on this one. 29. New York Knicks: Josh Boone, C, UConn What do you think Isiah will be doing a year from tonight. And can James Dolan do us all a favor and hire Rick Pitino to "fix" the Knick mess. He could even bring in Patrick Ewing as a powerless GM. 30. Portland TrailBlazers: Leon Powe, F, California Russ Granik, you're on....

Red Sox-Mets (June 27, 28, & 29)

The Red Sox, pillagers of the NL East, winners of nine straight, face their toughest challenge in two weeks as the New York Mets travel to Boston to open a three game series. In Game One, impressive rookie Jon Lester (2-0, 2.76) will get his first real test against this powerful Met lineup that features Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, David Wright, Carlos Delgado, and Cliff Floyd. I don't think Lester will be bothered by the increased talent that he will be opposing, this kid looks like the real deal on the mound. The Mets will send Alay Soler (2-1, 3.32) to the hill. On Wednesday, the marquee game of the season to this point will take place as Pedro Martinez (7-3, 3.01) returns to Boston for the first time since the 2004 World Series. Please, give Pedro the respect he deserves when he walks to the rubber for the first time -- without this man, baseball in Boston would be far less important than it is today; Pedro is the major reason that from 1998-2004, the Red Sox won that elusive World Series, played in three ALCS', and made the playoffs four times. After that, do as you please, but at least give him the standing ovation he deserves when he first appears. Josh Beckett (9-3, 4.84) gets the nod for the Sox. In Thursday's series finale, Curt Schilling (9-2, 3.61) goes for his tenth win for the fourth time against an early NL Cy Young candidate, Tom Glavine (11-2, 3.33). As excited as I am for a Schilling/Glavine duel, I would love to see the drama of a Schilling/Pedro matchup. I'm hoping against hope that Pedro and Glavine switch turns in the rotation -- Pedro must have a stubbed toe or something that would allow for the change.

Red Sox Minor League Player of the Week (June 19-25); Red Sox Note

TheBostonInsider's Red Sox Minor League Player of the Week for June 19-25 is Jeremy West, firstbaseman for the Class-AA Portland Sea Dogs. West is batting .304 with 7 HR and 34 RBI. His on-base percentage is .382 and his slugging percentage is .479, good for an OPS of .861. West may never truly fit into the long term plans in Boston but his consistent minor league production is bound to attract the eye of some talent evaluator somewhere. Don't be surprised if West is flipped to a new team this July, possibly for a pitcher. As for the Red Sox, they will make up Sunday's rain-out with the Phillies on Monday afternoon at 1:05. Sunday's starters -- Tim Wakefield for the Sox and Cory Lidle for the Phillies -- will be on the mound for the rare Monday matinee at Fenway. The Sox are shooting for their ninth straight victory -- with the previous eight all coming courtesy of the NL East.

Red Sox-Phillies (June 23, 24, & 25)

It's pouring in Boston and the Phillies projected starting pitcher for Saturday was arrested last night for allegedly assaulting his wife but the Red Sox and Phillies still plan on playing baseball this weekend. In tonight's opener, Josh Beckett (8-3, 5.09) goes for career win No. 50 against Ryan Madson (7-4, 5.79). Back in May, Beckett handled the Phillies fairly easily in Philly but since then he has had stretches of looking like John Wasdin. Last Saturday's start in Atlanta was promising and a good start tonight will ease some fears. On Saturday, Curt Schilling (9-2, 3.55) looks for his tenth win against Brett Myers (5-3, 3.77). That is, if Myers gets the start after his alleged behavior on Thursday night in Boston. Finally, on Sunday, Tim Wakefield (5-8, 3.82) gets the call opposite of Cory Lidle (4-6, 5.00). The Red Sox have won six straight games -- thanks to the NL East -- and have won 8-of-9 against baseball's worst division so far in 2006. With the Yankees holding on to dear life and the Blue Jays poised to make some noise now that A.J. Burnett is healthy, the Sox must continue their dominance of late to increase their AL East lead.

NBA Mock Draft -- Lottery

The NBA Draft is just over a week away -- June 28 -- so TheBostonInsider is as ready as ever to post a mock draft. Like most other mock drafts, this is nothing more than a shot in the dark. And for today, I am only mocking the lottery teams (picks 1-14). Check back next week for a full, updated mock draft -- most likely on TheBostonInsider homepage. 1. Toronto Raptors: Andrea Bargnani, PF, Italy Bargnani is the best of a weak top of the draft. The young Italian is very talented -- the Dirk Nowitzki comparisons may be a bit off however -- and has been closely watched by new Raptor general manager Bryan Colangelo for over two years. LaMarcus Aldridge, the favorite of star Raptor Chris Bosh, is a possibility as is a trade out of the top spot. 2. Chicago Bulls (from New York Knicks): Tyrus Thomas, PF, LSU 19-year-old Thomas, a nobody before the college basketball season began, has skyrocketed to the top of the draft. He is powerful and athletic, a trait most talent evaluators love at this time of year. Chicago is hoping against hope that Thomas doesn't turn out like another athletic prospect from LSU did a few years ago ... Stromile Swift. Brandon Roy could be an alternative. 3. Charlotte Bobcats: Brandon Roy, G, Washington Now that Michael Jordan is running the show in Charlotte, things have dramatically changed. Remember that Jordan was burned the last time he fell for talent and promise -- Kwame Brown -- so the experienced Roy should be in a Bobcats uniform unless Jordan opts for either Adam Morrison or Rudy Gay. 4. Portland TrailBlazers: Adam Morrison, F, Gonzaga The Blazers are in dire need of positive public relations and taking the player with the clean cut image who lead the nation in scoring in his final college season who calls the Pacific Northwest home will pay off. If Morrison is gone, LaMarcus Aldridge or Brandon Roy will be playing in the Rose Garden. 5. Atlanta Hawks: Shelden Williams, PF, Duke The hot rumor is that Williams has received a promise from the Hawks so he has canceled all of his other workouts. The Hawks desperately need the rebounding, interior defense, and toughness that Williams brings to the table but Billy Knight might be reaching at No. 5 for Williams. Will the Hawks move down a few spots to get their man and add another needed piece (point guard)? 6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Rudy Gay, SF, UConn Gay has been considered something of an underachiever but his talent is too much to be ignored, especially by the talent-deprived Wolves. Kevin McHale may also turn to Aldridge if he is available. 7. Boston Celtics: Randy Foye, G, Villanova Foye has been called a poor man's Dwayne Wade and after seeing him play for the Wildcats the last two years, including his great performance against Boston College in the Sweet Sixteen, I don't disagree. Though with the uncertainty in this draft, who knows what will go on at No. 7. 8. Houston Rockets: LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, Texas The Rockets would love for this Longhorn to fall to them at No. 8. If he doesn't, Duke's J.J. Redick is an option. 9. Golden State Warriors: Patrick O'Bryant, C, Bradley O'Bryant may not be truly ready for the NBA -- one more year at Bradley with Jim Les could have made him No. 1 pick material -- but he is tall, athletic, and can score. The Warriors will gladly take him. 10. Seattle SuperSonics: Hilton Armstrong, C, UConn By this point, teams will begin reaching and the Sonics will reach on Armstrong, gambling that his rebounding and defense will make him worthy of the tenth pick. 11. Orlando Magic: Cedric Simmons, PF, NC State Simmons is a solid rebounder and playing next to Dwight Howard, he could blossom into a scoring threat as well. 12. Oklahoma City Hornets: J.J. Redick, SG, Duke The Hornets would love a big man but will gladly grab Redick who will keep defenses homest when Chris Paul begins to penetrate to the basket. 13. Philadelphia 76ers: Marcus Williams, PG, UConn If the team plans on trading Allen Iverson than count Williams as a piece of the rebuilding process. If they keep AI, Williams will allow him to move to his normal position at shooting guard. 14. Utah Jazz: Ronnie Brewer, SF, Arkansas Utah needs scoring and defense at the wing position and the 6-7 Brewer can instantly provide that. This pick may used to move up to get a big man.

Craig Hansen

The Red Sox have recalled Craig Hansen from Class-AAA Pawtucket to reinforce the bullpen. Jermaine Van Buren, who is apparently on the Kevin Youkilis Memorial Bus from Boston to Pawtucket, has been sent back down to the PawSox. Hansen may be in Boston for more than a quick stay this time around. On a team in need of serious help in the 'pen, Hansen should be able to provide immediate help.

Jacoby Ellsbury

As a side note to yesterday's post about Jacoby Ellsbury, the Wilmington Blue Rocks centerfielder -- and a 2-time TheBostonInsider Minor League Player of the Week in 2006 -- was named to the Carolina League All-Star team. Congratulations!

Len Bias

Yes, it has now been 20-years since Len Bias died from a cocaine overdose. The University of Maryland product was just chosen by the Celtics with the No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft (courtesy of trading Gerald Henderson to Seattle) and was destined to lead the Celtics, coming off of winning the 1986 NBA Title, to even more championships. What would have happened if Lenny Bias lived? No one knows. Celtic fans, Maryland fans, basketball fans -- they all love to wax poetic about the promised greatness and despite some hyperbole, most of it seemed probable. From what I have heard, read, and seen (I wasn't even 5-years-old the day Bias died), Len Bias could do no wrong on the basketball court. He was tall, strong, fast, athletic, and talented on a level that few players ever reached. Bias was the total package -- but the package was never delivered. The Boston Globe, Boston Herald, ESPN ... they all have stories on this sad anniversary today. Read them. Read them all. Because sometimes it's fun to imagine what might have been while we forget what actually happened.

Red Sox Minor League Player of the Week (June 12-18)

This week's Minor League Player of the Week is Jacoby Ellsbury of the Class-A Carolina League Wilmington Blue Rocks. Ellsbury, one of two Red Sox first round picks in the 2005 draft, is off to a great start in Wilmington. He is batting .335 with 4 HR and 24 RBI. The Oregon State product has an on-base percentage is .400 and he has swiped 16 bases in 23 attempts. Count on Ellsbury, who has been compared to a young Johnny Damon, to make the major leagues sooner than later. He could help out in Boston by late 2007. This is Ellsbury's second time as TBIMLPotW in 2006. He was also the winner for the week of May 5-11.

Red Sox-Nationals (June 19, 20, & 21)

The Washington Nationals make their first trip to Fenway Park, opening a three game set with the Red Sox beginning tonight at 7:05 on NESN and WEEI. Kyle Snyder (0-1, 22.50), who was just picked up by the Sox from the Kansas City Royals, makes his BoSox debut against Tony Armas (6-3, 4.18). Snyder is filling in for Matt Clement, who was put on the DL on Friday, and I have serious doubts about a pitcher who couldn't cut it in KC making a successful turn in Boston. We'll see. Armas, one of the prospects traded in November of 1997 by Dan Duquette for Pedro Martinez (Trivia: Who was the other prospect? Answer at the bottom). He has been a bright spot in Washington and will probably be moved this July to a contender -- possibly even Boston. Tim Wakefield (4-8, 3.97), a victim of a lack of run support recently, gets the ball tomorrow night against Livan Hernandez (5-7, 5.18) at 7:05 on NESN and WEEI. Hernandez is another Nationals hurler who may be looking for new digs this July. On Thursday night, Jon Lester (1-0, 3.48), coming off of a strong outing Friday night in Atlanta, will be opposed by Shawn Hill (1-1, 2.42). This is a 7:05 game on NESN and WEEI. The Nationals are hot right now -- taking 2-of-3 from the Yankees over the weekend -- but the Red Sox should win this series. The Red Sox are in a position to pull away from the banged up Yankees and Blue Jays and need to seize this opportunity to make a move in the AL East. (Trivia Answer: Carl Pavano.)

Red Sox-Braves (June 16, 17, & 18)

It's time to put Minnesota in the rierview mirror and head into interleague play. The Battle of Boston (at least Boston circa the Eisenhower Era) will take place this weekend in Atlanta as the Red Sox and Braves meet in a matchup of two teams that aren't exactly living up to expectations at the moment. The Red Sox trail the beat up Yankees in the AL East by one game. The Braves are in third place in the NL East, already 12.5 games behind the Mets. In the series opener, rookie lefty Jon Lester (0-0, 6.23) faces Tim Hudson (6-4, 3.79) at 7:35 on NESN and WEEI. Hudson may be a target of the Red Sox if Atlanta can't make up any ground in their division. That is, as long as the talented Lester isn't in the discussion. On Saturday afternoon at 1:25, Josh Beckett (7-3, 5.26) will once again try to regain his April/May form as he takes on lefty Horacio Ramirez (2-2, 5.06) on FOX and WEEI. It is imperative that Beckett pitches well as this staff needs a boost from the man expected to be a co-ace with Curt Schilling. Finally, on the ESPN Sunday night game at 8:05, Ace Schilling (9-2, 3.59) matches up with John Smoltz (4-5, 3.78) in a game that features two pitchers who have sustained excellence and dominance for over a combined 30 years. As redundant as this may sound, this series is critical to the Red Sox. Yes, it does seem like every series carries the weight of the world for the BoSox but coming off a sweep in Minnesota to the scuffling Twins, the Red Sox desperately need to win this series. With Lester, Beckett, and Schilling on the hill, the Sox should have a good chance to win all three games. I will settle for 2-of-3.

About The Bullpen

Okay, so maybe Jermaine Van Buren and Manny Delcarmen aren't the final solution to the Red Sox bullpen woes. On the night that TheBostonInsider asked Theo Epstein to make Van Buren and Delcarmen -- along with Craig Hansen and Edgar Martinez -- go-to-guys in the 'pen, both pitchers struggled against the weak hitting Minnesota Twins. Van Buren pitched 2/3-inning, allowing four earned runs on four walks and one hit. Delcarmen relieved Van Buren and immediately allowed a grand slam to Justin Morneau. Delcarmen's line for the night was 1 2/3-inning, giving up two hits, one walk, and one earned run. Van Buren's ERA is now 9.64. Delcarmen's is 5.25. For the record, Rudy Seanez did pitch a perfect eighth inning on fifteen pitches to lower his ERA to 4.39. Hopefully for the Sox he can maintain that type of performance. What this illustrates is that the bullpen needs some help. Other than Jonathan Papelbon and Mike Timlin, there has been absolutely no consistency from the relief corps. Theo, it's time to start looking for help!

Red Sox Bullpen

Last night was the final straw. Blow up the bullpen and get the kids to Boston as fast as possible. Coming off a year in which the Red Sox lost the AL East by one game, we here in Red Sox Nation need to truly understand that a Tuesday night loss in Minnesota to the Twins means as much in the standings as a September loss to the Yankees. With Curt Schilling pitching brilliantly for 8-innings against Johan Santana -- now that was a pitching matchup that lived up to the hype -- the Red Sox had a great opportunity to get a win last night to maintain their 1-game lead in the AL East. This game was so great that it was too much for 9-innings to hold so the Sox and Twins entered extra frames, tied at 1-1. In the top of the 12th-inning, Alex Gonzalez drove in the go-ahead run to give the Sox a 2-1 advantage. Enter Julian Tavarez. Tavarez filled the bases in the 12th and then allowed a walk-off grand slam to Jason Kubel. Game over. And with the Yankees shutting out the Indians 1-0, the AL East is once again tied at the top. What this tells me is that the Julian Tavarez' and Rudy Seanez' of the world can't quite hack it in Boston. So, if you're Theo Epstein, why not introduce Craig Hansen, Manny Delcarmen, Jermaine Van Buren, and Edgar Martinez to the bullpen to go along with Mike Timlin and Jonathan Papelbon. It might seem crazy to have five rookies in the bullpen but the thought of seeing Tavarez and Seanez in the 'pen for much longer gives me mental illness for sure.

Celtics Draft Options

The NBA Finals are on the verge of becoming one of Jay Leno's punchless jokes so my attention, as far as it goes for the NBA, is now being fully turned to the Draft. The annual, overhyped, hopeless (for many) gathering of teams to select the best the NCAA and Europe have to offer is just over two weeks away, on Wednesday, June 28 in New York. My Boston Celtics are picking at No. 7, in the lottery for the first time since 2001, when they took Joe Johnson and Kedrick Brown. What will Danny Ainge and the C's have up their sleeve come the 28th? There are three options. Option Number One: Stand Pat at No. 7 This is the most likely option from where I stand way, way, way in the back. For the most part this is a very weak draft. The potential top pick is a 7-foot, 20-year-old Italian power forward who is compared favorably to Dirk Nowitzki. Meet Andrea Bargnani. The rest of the best include the underachieving Rudy Gay, the talented-but-raw Ty Thomas, the overweight Marcus Williams, the underweight LaMarcus Aldridge, and the not fast enough Adam Morrison. Hopefully for the Celtics, the six teams picking in front of them (Toronto, Chicago, Charlotte, Portland, Atlanta, and Minnesota) won't find fault with those players, allowing University of Washington combo-guard Brandon Roy to slip to the Green. Roy is a versatile, tough player who can score and defend. If Roy doesn't fall to Boston, I am pulling for Ainge to go after Bradley University center Patrick O'Bryant. The 7-foot O'Bryant comes from a system in college where he was forced to rebound and run the floor to get his points -- two skills that will help him fit in Boston. Option Number Two: Trade Down An option that may be attractive to Ainge. Take the seventh pick and move it to a team such as Orlando, who is rumored to be trying to move up, and gain an asset, such as 2005 first round pick Fran Vasquez. If the Celtics move down that would assure me that they believe that the 2006-'07 season will be finished with a deep playoff run. By moving down, Ainge & Co. are telling Celtic fans that we don't need any more youth and that this current roster is on the verge of contending -- whether or not that is correct will have to be seen. Option Number Three: Trade Up Sam Smith of the Chicago Tribune has mentioned the C's trading Paul Pierce and the seventh pick to Chicago for Luol Deng and the second and sixteenth picks. If that were to happen -- and the chances of Manny Ramirez winning the Nobel Peace Prize in physics may be higher -- then the C's would be admitting that there just isn't that much chance of contending in the near future so why not look 4-5 years down the road. At No. 2 the Celtics would have a chance at a player like Thomas, Bargnani, or Morrison. At No. 16 the C's could then search for a point guard, possibly Rajon Rondo of Kentucky. Whatever the Celtics do count on one thing, another year in between championships.

Red Sox Minor League Player of the Week (June 5-11)

Sorry for missing a few weeks with the MLPotW award. This week's winner is Pawtucket outfielder David Murphy. He batted .400 last week with 2 HR and 8 RBI and was named International League Player of the Week. The first pick in Theo Epstein's first draft in 2003, Murphy is batting .344 on the season with the PawSox, belting 3 HR and driving in 13 runs. Maybe it's time to replace "Chilly" Willie Harris with Murphy in Boston.

Red Sox-Twins (June 13, 14, & 15)

The BoSox make their first and only visit of the season to Minnesota to play the Twins. Minnesota is 28-34, 12-games back of the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central. In the series opener tonight, one of the marquee pitching matchups of the season will take place between two early favorites for the Cy Young. Curt Schilling (9-2, 3.81) will face Johan Santana (6-4, 3.16). Santana survived a rough beginning to the year and the 2004 Cy Young winner has been on his game since May. The first pitch is at 8:10 and the game will be carried on NESN and WEEI. In Game Two, Matt Clement (5-4, 6.68) will return to the rotation after missing more than a week with arm fatigue. His opponent from Minnesota will be Brad Radke (4-7, 6.17) at 8:10 on NESN and WEEI. This is a matchup of two of the "jewels" of the 2004 free agent pitching class and to date, neither has earned their large contracts. On Thursday night, either Tim Wakefield (4-7, 3.93) or Jon Lester (0-0, 6.23) will go up against the struggling Carlos Silva (2-8, 7.73). Wake has been experiencing soreness in his back and is uncertain if he can make the start. Hopefully he can -- Wake is 6-2 with a 4.37 ERA in nine games at the Metrodome. If Lester makes the start he will be lucky to face a Twins lineup that rivals some Little League teams in the production department; the Twinkies sport a team batting average of .270 -- which would be much lower if not for Joe Mauer and his .386 average -- and have only managed 52 homeruns. The finale is an 8:10 game on NESN and WEEI.

Sox-Yanks Notes; Red Sox-Rangers (June 9, 10, & 11)

Usually when the Red Sox drop 2-of-3 in the Bronx, my mood is more sour than Shaq's free throw shooting. However, the what transpired in Yankee Stadium this past week has me excited for the summer. First, Josh Beckett's terrible performance on Monday could be the start of something special for the righty. This should be the wakeup call for the talented hurler; now it has to be clear to him that pitching in the American League is an every pitch job and he has to be ready every time he rears back to throw. Young Beckett has too much pride to get whacked around after two embarassing starts -- I wouldn't want to be in the Rangers lineup Saturday night. Another thing that has me excited for the Sox is the state of the Yankees. Yes, the Bombers are an impressive team with the likes of Jeter, A-Rod, Damon, Rivera, Giambi, Mussina, and Johnson but how long can this team survive the absence of Hidecki Matsui, Gary Sheffield and a quality bullpen? Andy Phillips and Melky Cabrera are playing over their heads right now and when they come back down to reality, the Sox will be there to ride on past the Yankees. You want another positive? How about rookie David Pauley allowing on 2-runs in 6-2/3 innings on Tuesday. Pauley isn't exactly thr second coming of Roger Clemens but he could provide a boost to the sagging bullpen. And finally, there is Curt Schilling's performance last night. Cy Schilling (9-2, 3.81) went 8 innings and allowed 3-runs on just 4-hits (all were scored on solo homeruns). Schill stepped up when it was needed -- a true ace -- and led the Sox to victory. However, as happy as I am, the Sox aren't exactly the favorites to win the World Series. They need David Ortiz (.260 BA) to start hitting like an MVP. They need Jason Varitek (.247) to start hitting like the Captain. They need to develop a stronger path in the bullpen on the way to Papelbon (could he be Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and MVP?). And they need at least two more reliable starters to complement Schilling and Beckett. Until then, the AL East is a race to the finish between Boston, New York, and Toronto. One more thing before I get to the pitching matchups for the Rangers series. How is Jack Welch -- CEO of General Electric -- the "voice of Red Sox fans?" He may be the voice of millionaire Sox fans but he doesn't speak for me. In that same light, Ben Affleck isn't the face of Red Sox Nation. I love what the Henry/Werner/Lucchino ownership has done but the Hollywood-ification of the Red Sox is sickening. Now, for the Rangers. Is that rain in the forecast? Weather permitting, Tim Wakefield (4-7, 4.05) will face Vicente Padilla (5-4, 5.29) in the opener of this four game weekend series at 7:05 on NESN and WEEI. The AL West leading Rangers can smash the ball so Wake's knuckler needs to be floating tonight. At 1:05 on Saturday, Red Sox pitching prospect Jon Lester (0-0, ---) makes his eagerly anticipated MLB debut. The highly touted hurler is considered to be the left handed mirror of Papelbon. He will be opposed by John Rheinecker (2-0, 1.77). Rheinecker is another young lefty who has had success because he is around the plate (he's walked just one batter in 20-1/3 innings). This is a FOX national broadcast and will also be on WEEI radio. The second half of Saturday's doubleheader is an 8:05 start on NESN and WEEI. Josh Beckett (7-3, 5.27) tries to get back on track against Way Back himself, John Wasdin (0-0, 0.00). This could be a multiple homerun game for Manny Ramirez. In Sunday's finale, Matt Clement (5-4, 6.68) will try to build on a solid outing last week in Detroit as he faces Kevin Millwood (7-3, 4.65). Sunday's game starts at 2:05 and is on NESN and WEEI.

One Year Anniversary

Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of TheBostonInsider Daily Blog. Birthday checks welcome!

Red Sox-Tigers (June 2, 3, & 4)

After barely holding on last night in Toronto -- now do you see why Theo doesn't care that Alex Gonzalez is hitting .220 -- the Red Sox travel to Detroit Rock City to play the Tigers. The 35-18 Tigers. The first place Tigers. The best record in baseball Tigers. Forget for a second that the Yankees just swept Detroit. What is going down in MoTown is nothing short of awesome. Give Jim Leyland and his club a whole lot of credit. In the series opener tomorrow night, Curt Schilling (8-2, 3.93) goes against the favorite of photographers everywhere, Kenny Rogers (7-3, 3.76). Schill must go deep into this game to save the bullpen a few extra miles; in Toronto the 'pen logged 12 2/3-innings while the starters only went 12 1/3. This is a 7:05 game on NESN and WEEI. On Saturday a 7:05, Tim Wakefield (4-6, 4.07) goes up against Jeremy Bonderman (5-4, 4.61) on NESN and WEEI. In the series finale, Struggling Matt Clement ( 4-4, 6.91) -- wait, Struggling isn't his real first name? -- will be opposed by Roman Colon (0-0, 6.57) at 1:05 on NESN and WEEI. Let's all hope the Sox can take a series on the road against a good opponent. Especially considering they will start next week in the Bronx. TheBostonInsider is off to St. Louis for the weekend for the Cardinals-Cubs series, departing Providence in a few hours. Have a nice weekend.