Random Thoughts

I will be very happy to have Jon Lester back in the Red Sox rotation but I won't forget the contributions of Julian Tavarez when Lester does return. Tavarez has been a solid replacement as the No. 5 starter and his return to the bullpen will improve the setup crew. Tavarez has faced many opposing No. 1 starters and that is the case again tonight, going up against Oakland's Dan Haren... Think the St. Louis Cardinals would give Oakland Mark Mulder back in return for Haren? The 26-year-old Haren is one of the best pitchers in baseball and is another example of the genius of Billy Beane who traded Mulder for the unproven righty before the 2005 season... Billy Donovan wants to go back to the University of Florida and according to ESPN.com, he may soon get his wish. The Orlando Magic may be a bit upset that Donovan has decided to return to the Gators but they should be happy that he is being honest instead of just taking their money. Donovan is better suited for Gainesville and the Magic will find a better fit in former Miami Heat coach Stan Van Gundy, supposedly their top choice now that Donovan is out... Hopefully more college basketball coaches will follow Donovan's lead and "stay in school" but it's only a matter of time before the next college hot shot coach takes a stab at NBA dollars... If you haven't seen this clip, you have to click on this link. Bobby Cox, the bar has been set awfully high in your own organization... My NBA Finals preview will be seen either Wednesday or Thursday... And I'm picking the Spurs... I love Alex Cora as a utility man and I'm willing to live with Doug Mirabelli for as long as Tim Wakefield is a Red Sox starter but the Sox must upgrade the rest of their bench. Wily Mo Pena just isn't a fourth outfielder and Eric Hinske has seen better days since winning the 2002 AL Rookie of the Year... Patriots mini camp opens tomorrow and runs through Thursday. I'm looking forward -- as is the rest of Patriot Nation -- to the New England debuts of Adalius Thomas, Randy Moss and all the other new members of the Pats. I'm especially interested in where first round pick Brandon Meriweather sees the majority of his reps. Meriweather was a safety at Miami but could see some time at cornerback as well... Speaking of the Pats and their cornerbacks, the Asante Samuel situation better not be a situation come July...