Random Thoughts (August 27, 2008)

A preview of the Patriots, the AFC East and the entire NFL will be out by this time next week... Nice move by the Red Sox today to acquire switch-hitting outfielder Mark Kotsay from the Braves. Kotsay is a good hitter who plays all three outfield positions. With J.D. Drew on the disabled list with back problems, Kotsay provides valuable insurance... We lived through 7 1/2 seasons, a batting title, four playoff appearances, three trips to the A.L.C.S. and two World Series championships with Manny Being Manny. There was more good than bad. After seeing him ground into a weak double play to squash a bases loaded opportunity in the bottom of the seventh last night, I'm not sure that after two MVP's, four playoff appearances, and one A.L.C.S. over the past 4 1/2 years that Yankee fans can be too happy with A-Rod Being A-Rod... I'm not saying that the Celtics can not repeat as NBA champions in 2008-09 but their roster today is worse, on paper, than the squad that trampled the Lakers back in June... Enjoy Paul Byrd tonight...