Red Sox - Angels Preview

The Red Sox and Angels open their A.L.D.S. on Wednesday night. The Angels will enter the series as the favorite, based on their 100-win regular season and their 8-1 regular season record against the Red Sox. The Angels will also benefit from the injuries to Red Sox stars Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell, and J.D. Drew. To see who has the real advantage, here is a breakdown, by position, of both teams. CATCHER Jason Varitek and Kevin Cash v. Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli Varitek and Cash are almost automatic outs when their turn to bat comes around but the value of 'Tek (and to a lesser extent, Cash) is in what they provide behind the plate. Varitek is one of the best defensive catchers and game callers in baseball and Cash does a good job handling Tim Wakefield's knuckleball. Mathis and Napoli do a very good job handling the Angels pitching staff and Napoli produces at the plate as well (.273 BA, 20 HR). Advantage: Angels FIRST BASE Sean Casey v. Mark Teixeira This should be a showdown between Kevin Youkilis and Teixeira but with Mike Lowell most likely out of this series (and maybe the entire playoffs) with his hip injury, Youk will be moved to third base. Casey is a very good defensive first baseman and is a solid hitter but he does not replace Lowell's offense. Advantage: Angels SECOND BASE Dustin Pedroia v. Howie Kendrick With the health of Howie Kendrick a question, the Angels might have looked into playing Sean Rodriguez. Even with a healthy Kendrick, Pedroia gives the Red Sox the advantage. Advantage: Red Sox THIRD BASE Kevin Youkilis v. Chone Figgins Figgins is a perfect fit for the type of baseball Mike Scioscia likes to play. He gets on base (.367 OBP), runs the bases (34 SB), and plays good defense. However, Youkilis is an MVP candidate. Advantage: Red Sox SHORT STOP Jed Lowrie v. Erick Aybar Aybar, like his double play partner Kendrick, has battled injuries but he should be ready for the A.L.D.S. If not, Brandon Wood will take his spot. Lowrie has been a pleasant surprise for the Red Sox, in the field and at the plate (despite his late season swoon). Advantage: Even LEFT FIELD Jason Bay v. Garrett Anderson There was a time when I believed Anderson would be a perennial MVP contender. Injuries have robbed Anderson of his possible dominance but he still remains a threat (15 HR, 84 RBI). Bay has been a great addition to the Red Sox. He is no Manny Ramirez at the plate but he excels at all aspects of the game. Advantage: Red Sox CENTER FIELD Jacoby Ellsbury v. Torii Hunter Ellsbury has been very good at the plate in September (.340 BA) and is a future Gold Glove winner. Hunter is a Gold Glove winner in center and has been a great addition to the Angels lineup (21 HR). Advantage: Angels RIGHT FIELD J.D. Drew v. Gary Matthews The health of Drew's back is a major concern. If he is not healthy, Ellsbury will move to right field with Coco Crisp playing center or Mark Kotsay will play right field. The Red Sox need Drew to be healthy, especially with the expected loss of Lowell. Matthews is a solid player with a good bat but he is no Vlad Guerrero, who will probably DH in this series. Advantage: Red Sox DH David Ortiz v. Vlad Guerrero Big Papi's stats were down in 2008 due to injury but he flashed a lot of power in September and we know that he thrives in October. Guerrero is no longer an MVP candidate and his free swinging ways are often taken advantage of by good pitching in the playoffs. Advantage: Red Sox STARTING PITCHING Jon Lester/Daisuke Matsuzaka/Josh Beckett v. Jon Lackey/Ervin Santana/Joe Saunders With the news of Beckett's oblique strain, many are writing off the Red Sox. He should be ready to go in Game 3 in Boston but by then, the Red Sox could be down 0-2. Lester and Matsuzaka have been great this year but going against the Angels on the road will test their mettle. Lackey, Santana, and Saunders are all very good choices but I wonder why Scioscia chose the series format that allows a team to go with only three starters. The depth of the Angels rotation is better than that of the Red Sox and if I were an Angel fan, I would rather have Jon Garland or Jered Weaver face Tim Wakefield in a potential Game 4 in Boston than a Lester/Lackey rematch. Advantage: Red Sox (if Beckett starts Game 3) BULLPEN Jonathan Papelbon/Hidecki Okajima/Justin Masterson/Manny Delcarmen/Javier Lopez v. Francisco Rodriguez/Scott Shields/Kevin Jepsen/Darren Oliver/Jose Arredondo This will be an interesting matchup. K-Rod set the all-time saves record this season but Papelbon is no slouch himself. The Red Sox setup crew has been much improved since the club inserted Masterson into the bullpen. The Angels have decided to go with the rookie Jepsen over veteran Justin Speier, which could make or break the season. Advantage: Even BENCH Coco Crisp/Mark Kotsay/Kevin Cash/Alex Cora/Jeff Bailey v. Jeff Mathis, Kendry Morales, Brandon Wood, Robb Quinlan, Gary Matthews Jr. and Reggie Willits The Red Sox have an experienced, deep bench that gives Francona many options. Ditto for the Angels. Advantage: Even MANAGER Scioscia is considered the best manager in the game by many. Francona has won two World Series in the last four years and has yet to lose to Scioscia in the postseason. Advantage: Even The breakdown is a fairly even 6 - 3 - 4. The Red Sox are a little banged up but have the experience of winning the World Series in 2004 and 2007. The Angels are a very talented team but have not gotten over the hump since taking the Series in 2002. I'll go with my heart over my head. Red Sox in 4.

MLB Regular Season Awards

The 2008 MLB regular season is almost over. The White Sox will face the Tigers in a makeup game today and if Chicago wins, they will face the Twins tomorrow to determine the A.L. Central champion. The 2008 season was a great year for baseball. Coming off the the steriod scandals of Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens (who, to be fair, were not the only players on the juice), baseball needed scandal-free season. Other than the debate over instant replay, baseball was rewarded with a fantastic season. Now that the playoffs are just two days away, TheBostonInsider is ready to hand out some hardware in recognition of the great individual performances of 2008. A.L. MVP Kevin Youkilis, 1B, Boston Red Sox The A.L. MVP is the hardest award to hand out. Youkilis and teammate Dustin Pedroia and Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer of the Twins are all great candidates. They produce at the plate, play good defense and are on winning teams. The reason Youk gets the nod is for his versatility at the plate and in the field. Before Manny Ramirez was traded, the Red Sox offense was based around David Ortiz and Ramirez slugging the Sox to victories. In that offense, Youkilis was all over the order, protecting Ramirez one day, hitting in front of Ortiz the next. After Ramirez was sent to the Dodgers, Youkilis slid into the cleanup spot behind Ortiz and kept the Boston offense rolling. In the field, Youkilis is a Gold Glove first baseman who slid over to third base without a hitch after Mike Lowell went down with injury. Apologies to: Dustin Pedroia, Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, Francisco Rodriguez, Carlos Quentin Preseason Choice: Manny Ramirez Midseason Choice: Josh Hamilton N.L. MVP CC Sabathia, SP, Milwaukee Brewers Even after taking into account that Sabathia was only with the Brewers for just over three months, the big lefty is my choice for N.L. MVP. However, if I were to have written this post yesterday, Ryan Howard of the Phillies would have captured the MVP. It was that type of Sunday for Sabathia, the 2007 A.L. Cy Young winner. After reading Buster Olney's blog yesterday, I was amazed to find out that Brewers general manager Doug Melvin approached Sabathia and told his rented ace that he would not allow the impending free agent to pitch on just three days rest for the third consecutive start if Sabathia could not look him in the eye and convince him that it was truly his wish to take the ball with the franchise's first playoff appearance since 1982 on the line. Melvin knows that Sabathia is likely on the way out of Milwaukee and did not want to earn his organization the reputation of burning out pitchers heading into an offseason when he will be facing the task of replacing Sabathia and Ben Sheets. Sabathia looked into his GM's eyes and said he wanted the ball. He then went out and tossed a four-hit complete game victory over the Cubs. Coupled with the Mets loss to the Marlins, the Brewers are back in the playoffs. To me, that is the true definition of valuable. Apologies to: Howard, Albert Pujols, Carlos Delgado, Manny Ramirez Preseason Choice: Prince Fielder Midseason Choice: Chase Utley A.L. Cy Young Cliff Lee, Cleveland Indians Coming off a poor 2007 (5-8, 6.29 ERA), no one would have proclaimed Lee as a Cy Young candidate. Well, after posting a 22-3 season and a 2.54 ERA, Lee is the runaway winner. Lee's Cy Young makes the 2002 trade of Bartolo Colon to the Montreal Expos for Lee, Grady Sizemore, and Brandon Philips even more lopsided. Sizemore is a potential MVP and Philips has blossomed into a star with the Reds. I guess that is why the Expos are no longer in Montreal. Apologies to: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester, Jon Lackey, Francisco Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera Preseason Choice: Roy Halladay Midseason Choice: Francisco Rodriguez N.L. Cy Young Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants The N.L. Cy Young was another very close race. Lincecum (18-5, 2.62 ERA, 265 K's) narrowly edges out Brandon Webb (22-7) and Johan Santana (16-7). Although the Giants were out of the playoff race early, Lincecum posted a phenomenal year. Despite his small physical stature and funky delivery, Lincecum established himself as one of baseball's best young stars. Now, if the Mets had an actual major league bullpen, Santana would probably grab the trophy and be in the playoffs. Then again, if I had $1,000,000 I would be a millionaire. Apologies to: Webb, Santana, Brad Lidge, CC Sabathia Preseason Choice: Johan Santana Midseason Choice: Ben Sheets A.L. Rookie of the Year Evan Longoria, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays Longoria is the clear choice for A.L. ROY. He not only accumulated All-Star stats (.272 BA, 27 HR, 85 RBI in 122 games) but he also was one of the key players in the Rays climb from worst to first in the A.L. East. With Longoria on the hot corner, the Rays should remain a contender for years to come. Apologies to: Jacoby Ellsbury, Denard Span, Alexi Ramirez Preseason Choice: Jacoby Ellsbury Midseason Choice: Evan Longoria N.L. Rookie of the Year Geovany Soto, C, Chicago Cubs Because the Cubs are my favorite N.L. team, I watch as many games as possible. One of the true surprises in '08 was the stellar defensive and offensive play of Soto. He is one of the main reasons the Cubs won their second consecutive N.L. Central championship and why they are considered the favorites to represent the N.L. in the World Series. Apologies to: Jay Bruce, Jair Jurrjens, Joey Votto Preseason Choice: Kosuke Fukodome Midseason Choice: Geovany Soto A.L. Manager of the Year Joe Maddon, Tampa Bay Rays The work done by Mike Scioscia and Terry Francona is not going overlooked but anyone with a vote who does not cast it in the direction of Maddon should be checked for a brain injury. Apologies to: Mike Scioscia, Terry Francona, Ozzie Guillen, Ron Gardenhire Preseason Choice: None (picked Ozzie Guillen to be fired) Midseason Choice: Joe Maddon N.L. Manager of the Year Lou Piniella, Chicago Cubs The Cubs may have the most talent in the N.L. but they also have the darkest history and Piniella pushed all the right buttons to keep his club focused and win the second straight division title. If he can get the Cubs a World Series championship, every bar in Chicago, from Streeter's to Murphy's Bleachers, will be happy to buy Sweet Lou a drink. Apologies to: Tony La Russa, Charlie Manuel, Dale Sveum (just kidding) Preseason Choice: None (picked Tony La Russa to be fired) Midseason Choice: Tony La Russa A.L. Homerun Champion: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers (Preseason Choice: Manny Ramirez) N.L. Homerun Champion: Ryan Howard, Phillies (Preseason Choice: Matt Holliday) A.L. East Champion: Tampa Bay Rays (Preseason Choice: Red Sox) A.L. Central Champion: Chicago White Sox or Minnesota Twins (Preseason Choice: Tigers) A.L. West Champion: L.A. Angels of Anaheim (Preseason Choice: Mariners) A.L. Wild Card: Boston Red Sox (Preseason Choice: Blue Jays) N.L. East Champion: Philadelphia Phillies (Preseason Choice: Mets) N.L. Central Champion: Chicago Cubs (Preseason Choice: Cubs) N.L. West Champion: L.A. Dodgers (Preseason Choice: Diamondbacks) N.L. Wild Card: Milwaukee Brewers (Preseason Choice: Brewers) Enjoy the playoffs...

Football Picks

As defined by Webster's, mediocre is an adjective meaning to be ordinary or average. Looking at my football picks from the last three weeks, TheBostonInsider should have his picture next to mediocre in the dictionary. That picture could actually be in the dictionary, however I am so cheap that I only purchase the pocket version. Keep an eye out for me. All picks are against the spread and home team is in capitals. NCAA WAKE FOREST (-16) over Navy North Carolina (+7.5) over MIAMI NEBRASKA (-7) over Virginia Tech AUBURN (-6.5) over Tennessee Alabama (+6.5) over GEORGIA Last Week: 1 - 4 Season: 4 - 10 - 1 NFL Denver (-9) over KANSAS CITY Cleveland (+3.5) over CINCINNATI JACKSONVILLE (-7) over Houston Arizona (+1.5) over NY JETS San Francisco (+5) over NEW ORLEANS Atlanta (+7) over CAROLINA TENNESSEE (-3) over Minnesota Green Bay (+1) over TAMPA BAY ST. LOUIS (+8) over Buffalo San Diego (-7.5) over OAKLAND DALLAS (-11) over Washington CHICAGO (+3) over Philadelphia PITTSBURGH (-5.5) over Baltimore Last Week: 7 - 9 Season: 22 - 23 - 1

College Football Thoughts

The 2008 college football season is off and running. Georgia, Florida, LSU, and Alabama have shown the country that the SEC is King. The Big 12, featuring Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, and Texas Tech, isn't far behind. BYU is looking like the 2008 version of Boise State. Despite their loss last night to Oregon State, I am sure USC will make some serious noise between now and January. This is information that you know. My thoughts today focus on some long time college football powers that have had some shaky performances over the past few years and how I think they can fix things to rise back to power. I am a staunch believer that all sports are better when traditional powers are competitive. Baseball is better when the Yankees are strong. The NBA is better when the Lakers and Celtics are on top. The NFL benefits from strong Cowboys, Packers, and Steelers teams. College football is no different. As USC has risen to dominance in the 21st Century, the sport has grown to new heights. And it would be even better if the following teams found their former glory. Let's start with Florida State. The Seminoles dominated the '90s but have had a hard time adjusting to the 21st Century since capturing the 1999 National Championship. Bobby Bowden has seemingly aged a thousand years since the '99 championship season and has watched his program fall into mediocrity. F.S.U. hired Jimbo Fisher to run the offense and is Bowden's heir to the Seminole Kingdom but I think when Bowden does finally call it quits that the people calling the shots in Tallahassee should send Fisher packing and hire Texas Tech coach Mike Leach. Leach has made Tech a legitimate contender with his explosive spread offense. With the resources available to him at Florida State, Leach would win a national championship. Next up is Penn State. Yes, Joe Paterno's troops are 4-0 and making noise in the Big 10 but Paterno is 83-years-old and doesn't have too many great seasons in his future. The Nittany Lions need to find a young leader who leads in the manner of Paterno but who also will lead Penn State's transition into the 21st Century style of football (which is currently beginning as Paterno's offense becomes more spread/passing oriented than smashmouth). The man to do this is none other than Oregon offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Kelly turned New Hampshire into a FCS powerhouse before moving to Eugene last season. Kelly is an east coast traditionalist with west coast offenisve ideas, a perfect fit in Happy Valley. Finally, I turn my powers towards Notre Dame. I love Charlie Weis as much as the next Patriots fan but he just can't get the Irish over the top. ND needs to find a coach who can recruit players who can play and get their school work completed. That is no easy task (as Weis and his predecessor Ty Willingham will tell you) but the man for the job is available if the powers in South Bend decide to become national championship contenders once again. The man I am talking about is Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin is young, he can coach an offense, he knows how to win on the college level (he coached under Carroll at USC) and will be looking for work because he refuses to bow down to Al Davis. Kiffin is the man to revive the holy ghosts in South Bend and he might even be able to convince his father, Monte, to coach his defense. A Kiffin-Kiffin team would have ND back in the BCS Championship picture in no time.

Random Thoughts (September 26, 2008)

With the Dodgers clinching the N.L. West yesterday, there are only three playoff spots still up for grabs. In the A.L., the Twins and White Sox are battling it out for the Central Division. The Twins finished up a three game sweep of the ChiSox yesterday with a dramatic 9th inning, walk-off victory. The Twins, who now hold a .5 game lead, host the Royals this weekend while the White Sox host the Indians. In the N.L., both the Eastern division and Wild Card are still up for grabs. In the East, the Phillies hold a 1 game lead over the Mets. The Phillies host the Nationals and the Mets host the Marlins. As for the Wild Card, the Brewers and Mets are tied. The Brewers host the Cubs, the N.L. Central champions and a team looking forward to next week's N.L.D.S. In the A.L. Central, one has to like the Twins, a team that has a lot of momentum right now. In the N.L., the picture is a little more cloudy. The Phillies control their own destiny and need to take 2-of-3 from the lowly Nationals to clinch a playoff spot. The Mets, who will be playing through torrential rainstorms in the Big Apple all weekend, could end up facing a situation where they are forced to squeeze in three games in a two day period, which would be hell on their weak bullpen. The Brewers could be in a position to steal the Wild Card. As of Friday morning, I will put my money on the Twins, Phillies, and Brewers... While writing about Troy Brown yesterday I forgot to mention the one play that truly symbolizes what type of player Brown was. In the 2006 AFC Divisional Playoff game in San Diego, the Pats were driving late in the game, trailing the Chargers by a field goal. When Charger defensive back Marlon McCree intercepted a Tom Brady pass on fourth down, it looked like the Patriots season was finished. Instead of hanging his head and accepting defeat, Brown lunged at McCree and in the middle of his tackle, reached in and stripped the football. The Patriots recovered the fumble and went on to win the game. Brown, speaking last night on the Felger & Tanguay show on Comcast SportsNet, said the play would have meant more to him if the Patriots had gone on to win the Super Bowl. Just another example of Brown being a brilliant football player and a true champion... Johnny Pesky, weather permitting, will have his #6 retired at Fenway Park tonight before the Red Sox host the Yankees. Pesky is one of the all-time great Red Sox, a loveable old-timer who serves as a link to the days of Ted Williams and Bobby Doerr, two of his best friends. To get a better idea of Pesky's career and life, take the time to read David Halberstam's book, The Teammates. Tonight will be a great tribute to Pesky... For all the talk of USC's dominance, both the Trojans and the Pac-10 took a major hit last night with Oregon State's 27-21 victory over Pete Carroll's team. The SEC, home to Top 10 teams Georgia, Florida, LSU, and Alabama, is the favorite to have a member of its' conference in the BCS Championship Game in January. Any of these four teams could be in line to face a Big 12 power like Oklahoma, Missouri or Texas. However it plays out, USC is out of the national championship picture for now and it also will keep Ohio State, a 35-3 loser to USC two weeks ago and the loser of the last two BCS Championship games, out of the national championship picture no matter what they do in the Big 10 this fall... What a great start last night to both My Name is Earl and The Office. Earl is quickly becoming one of my favorite shows -- Randy and his talking hand puppet almost forced me to change my sheets -- and The Office was full of both laugh out loud moments and their usual inside jokes -- the Andy/Angela/Dwight love triangle is amazing -- that had me enjoying the hour-long premiere... Enjoy #6 tonight...

Random Thoughts (September 25, 2008)

If the reports are true, Troy Brown will hold a press conference in Foxboro today to formally announce his retirement from the NFL. Troy Brown will be missed. He is one of the all-time great athletes to call Boston his home. Brown was a member of five AFC Championship squads (1997, 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2008) and three Super Bowl championship teams (XXXVI, XXXVIII, and XXXIX). He made countless big plays (the punt return for a TD against Pittsburgh in the 2002 AFC Championship Game) and was one of the most unselfish athletes (remember his transition to defensive back the last few years?) to ever play professional sports. When Bill Parcells conducted his first draft with the Patriots in 1993, we were all hoping to land a savior for the franchise. With the first overal pick, the club selected Drew Bledsoe, who was a great player for the team from '93 until 2002. However, the player from that draft that had the bigger long term impact was Brown (an eighth round pick from Marshall, 198 overall). Brown was strictly a special teams standout early in his career before becoming a Pro-Bowl receiver (he is the Pats' all-time leader in receptions with 557 catches and is second in receiving yards with 6,366 and held the single season record for catches with 101 grabs in 2001 until it was broken by Wes Welker a year ago). But Troy Brown was more about wins than statistics. As the Parcells years turned into the Pete Carroll years and the Carroll years turned into the Bill Belichick era, Brown was a constant. He came to symbolize what the Belichick Patriots are all about, team accomplishment coming before personal glory. I, for one, hope Brown finds a home with the Patriots coaching staff. Who better to teach receivers and returners how to succeed at their position? Good luck #80... If I were Terry Francona (and rest assured Red Sox Nation, I am not), and I was facing the Angels in the A.L.D.S., I might run out Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka in Games 1 and 2 in California and then return to Fenway Park with Jon Lester pitching Game 3. That would put the staff ace, Beckett, in Game 1 with Matsuzaka, who is better away from Fenway (9-0, 2.37 ERA on the road; 9-2, 3.18 at home) in Game 2. Then the Sox can return to Fenway with Lester, who is dramatically better at Fenway (10-1, 2.54 at home, 5-5, 4.09 on the road). Francona has the luxury of having three very good starting pitchers and I will trust him however he chooses to place them in the playoff rotation but to me, it makes a lot of sense to allow Matsuzaka and Lester the opportunity to pitch where they are more effective... What a great race for the N.L. Wild Card. With four games to play, the Brewers and Mets are both 87-71. The Mets seem to have the easier schedule. They host the Cubs today and then the Marlins travel to New York for the final regular season games in the deplorable Shea Stadium. The Brewers on the other hand host the Pirates today and the Cubs over the weekend. In this race, I am going with the Brew Crew. Yes, they host the N.L. Central champion Cubs but all Lou Piniella is going to do this weekend is set up his team for the N.L.D.S. The Brewers will ride the arms of Ben Sheets (Saturday's probable starter) and CC Sabathia (Sunday's starter) to the first playoff appearance since 1982. The Mets will fail to make the postseason for the second straight year. If Milwaukee does indeed take the Wild Card, they would face the Dodgers in the N.L.D.S. with the Phillies and Cubs squaring off. If the Mets make the postseason, they would get the Cubs and the Dodgers and Phillies would meet. In the A.L., it looks like the Red Sox will face the Angels and the Rays will get either the Twins or White Sox. October baseball is finally here... Enjoy The Office tonight...

Sox Back In Playoffs

Ever since the fortunes of the Boston Red Sox began to take a turn for the better starting in 1998 (Pedro), I have been overwhelmed by all of the winning. The winners of the A.L. Wild Card in '98, '99, '03, '04, '05, and (probably) '08. A.L. East champions in 2007. The A.L.C.S. teams of 1999 and 2003. The two World Series crowns in 2004 and 2007. The constant 90-win seasons for the better part of the last 10 years. Things have been great. There are some little things that bother me about the Sox. NESN's promotion of inane programming like "Sox Appeal" and "Comedy All-Stars" that try to ride the momentum of the Red Sox success toward some extra ratings points. The rock-star status of Jerry Remy, a marginal second baseman and a slightly better color commentator is another nasty side-effect of the Red Sox on-field dominance. The overall Hollywood atmosphere that the front office tries to create (hey, was that Rene Russo tossing out the ceremonial first pitch?) is disgusting. However, these are the little things that one must put up with to witness greatness on the diamond. I was talking to a friend of mine at the Baseball Tavern on Sunday and we both agreed that the Sox, once they formally clinched a playoff spot, should temper their celebration. Our point was that the Red Sox have been winners for a decade now and that the champagne soaked shennanigans on the Fenway Park green should be saved for A.L.C.S. and World Series championships. I felt that way up until Jonathan Papelbon recorded his most dominant save in weeks late last night against the Cleveland Indians. When the final out was recorded, I was so happy to see the players, coaches, security personnel, and, most importantly, the fans explode into cheers and Bud Lights. I would have been disappointed with a half-assed celebration. I was thoroughly impressed with what I saw. The reason for the change of heart? Winning cannot be taken for granted. This is a franchise that always found a way to lose. Now that they are expected to win, we must enjoy every second of it. When the Celtics won their sixteenth championship in 1986, every fan of the Green believed seventeen was coming up soon. Well, it took until 2008 to grab seventeen. I don't want the Red Sox faithful to turn into greedy pigs who expect nothing less than a World Series and can't enjoy playoff clinching victories. You know who we will become when that days happens? Yankee fans. We do not want to be Yankee fans. Enjoy the celebration. Hang around the park. Head over to the Baseball Tavern on Boylston Street to have a few more. And get ready to repeat the process after the A.L.D.S., after the A.L.C.S., and after the World Series.

Random Thoughts (September 23, 2008)

Welcome to the speed round of Random Thoughts today... I thought for sure the Red Sox would clinch a playoff spot last night. When Lowrie came up with men on second and third with two out in the ninth, I really believed it was time to look for A.L.D.S. tickets... I was disappointed in the Patriots on Sunday but there is no way that after all the success that team has enjoyed (and allowed me to enjoy) this decade that I would have torn into the team like many of the "faithful" did on Sunday... As a football fan, you have to love that the Dolphins ran the Single-Wing offense on Sunday. Ronnie Brown is now the new Fantasy Football God, although the idiot in my league who has Brown sat him on the bench on Sunday... There is a hint of excitement surrounding the Bruins. I hope they live up to the hype... Enjoy the champagne tonight...

Football Picks

I promised a comeback after my dismal Week 1 performance and I came through on that promise. I promise nothing for Week 3. All picks are against the spread and home team is in capitals. NCAA Rutgers (-6) over NAVY Louisiana State (-2.5) over AUBURN MISSOURI (-34) over Buffalo East Carolina (-7) over N.C. STATE TEXAS A&M (+3) over Miami, Fl Last Week: 2 - 2 - 1 Season: 3 - 6 - 1 NFL ATLANTA (-5.5) over Kansas City BUFFALO (-9.5) over Oakland TENNESSEE (-5) over Houston NY GIANTS (-13.5) over Cincinnati Arizona (+3) over WASHINGTON PATS (-12.5) over Miami Tampa Bay (+3) over CHICAGO Carolina (+3.5) over MINNESOTA St. Louis (+9.5) over SEATTLE Detroit (+4) over SAN FRANCISCO New Orleans (+5.5) over DENVER Pittsburgh (+3.5) over PHILADELPHIA Jacksonville (+5) over INDIANAPOLIS Cleveland (+2.5) over BALTIMORE Dallas (-3) over GREEN BAY SAN DIEGO (-9) over NY Jets Last Week: 10 - 4 - 1 (no HOUSTON/Baltimore game) Season: 15 - 14 - 1

Random Thoughts (September 17, 2008)

It is a shame that Josh Beckett's gem (8 IP, 1 ER, 7 K, 95 pitches) was wasted last night but as all of us who have been paying extra close attention since 2004 know, entering the playoffs as the Wild Card entry is not the worst thing in the world. The biggest difference between winning the A.L. East or taking the Wild Card is the style of the shirts that suckers will buy up in droves and who the Red Sox face in the first round of the A.L. playoffs. If they cannot topple Tampa Bay, the Sox are off to California to face the Angels. If they take the division, it is probably Chicago, the White Sox and late night Weiner's Circle for the Boys from Boston. There is a crowd that wants the Red Sox to avoid the Angels at all costs in the first round. Do not count me in that group. I want the Angels early, before they are fired up. The Angels have not played a game with meaning in over a month and with their recent playoff failures against the Red Sox, I want the pressure on them in early October. With a 1-2-3 of Beckett, Jon Lester, and Daisuke Matsuzaka, I'll take the Red Sox in any short series. They will most likely have to face the Angels anyways on the path to the World Series so I'd rather see the Red Sox get them before the lineup of Vlad Guerrero, Mark Teixeira and Torii Hunter get hot. Either way, I like the Red Sox chances this October... The news coming out of the Red Sox minority ownership offices on Morrissey Boulevard is very encouraging. Yes, that's right, Theo Epstein is ready to sign a new contract. Put away the gorilla suits and get the champagne on ice, the Red Sox will be winning championships for the rest of the decade (at least)... I wish I had the fortitude to stay awake for the thrilling Cowboys-Eagles game on Monday night. I crashed after a thrilling first half and missed the finish of an amazing football game. Hope you were tougher than I... If you aren't doing so already, please start reading Chad Finn's blog. You can thank me later... While I'm giving out reading tips, you should take the time to read Bruce Feldman's blog as well. College football fan or not, Feldman is a very good reporter/writer. His book on the recruiting process in college football, Meat Market, offers great insight into that mysterious practice... I don't care how bad the Dolphins looked in the first two games and I don't care who wears the headset on the sideline, anytime a Bill Parcells football team comes into town, be on alert... I renewed my BC season tickets in football this season strictly to see Notre Dame and Clemson invade Alumni Stadium. After watching all three teams so far, I have decided to take in this Saturday's home tilt with Central Florida in hope of getting my money's worth this year... Enjoy Tim Wakefield tonight...

Random Thoughts (September 15, 2008)

Let's start the week with some quick-hit thoughts from yesterday's 19-10 in New Jersey:

• Matt Cassel was (2001) Brady-esque in his first career NFL start. Cassel made some good decisions and played a good enough game for his team to win. Sure, he cost Moss a touchdown and held onto the ball a bit too long a few times, but the bottom line is that Cassel made more than enough plays to give the Pats the W.
• Adalius Thomas showed New England why Belichick and Pioli showed him the money yesterday. The fourth quarter sack/throw down of Brett Favre and Leon Washington will be used in the pass rushing highlight reel for years to come.
• It is a serious luxury to have a healthy Richard Seymour on the defensive line.
• The secondary looked much better this week. Ellis Hobbs and Deltha O'Neal played solid at corner and Brandon Meriweather looked like a playmaker. It goes to show that good things happen when the front seven pressures the quarterback.
• Jerod Mayo could walk away with the Defensive Rookie of the Year if that is how he plays on a weekly basis.
• I think the Dolphins should prepare themselves for a lot of LaMont Jordan this week.

Buffalo still scares me within the division but after a week that made even the most casual of Patriots fans nervous, a solid road win within the AFC East is just what we all needed...

Jon Lester is appraoching ace status, if he isn't there already. A 1-2-3 of Josh Beckett, Lester, and Daisuke Matsuzaka screams out "WORLD SERIES CHAMPS" if you listen close enough...

There are reports/rumors of the Red Sox interest in Rangers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The 23-year-old Saltalamacchia is a solid hitter who needs to improve his skills behind the dish but he would be a perfect compliment to (free agent to be) Jason Varitek for the next 2-3 years before the Captain retires. The kid can hit and he would have no better mentor for his catching skills than 'Tek. I'd hate to see the Red Sox give up on Clay Buchholz so early but for a player like Saltalamacchia, I'd take the risk...

After watching the Colts, Steelers, Jaguars, and Chargers for two weeks, there is no AFC team that really scares me. Buffalo is very good but they are similar to the Pats (young, untested QB, weapons at WR and RB, potentially dominant D) and I would take the experience in the New England lockerroom and Belichick over the untested Bills and Swampscott's Dick Jauron any day.

Still, I have to remind myself, they only have played two games...

Enjoy Daisuke tonight...

Football Picks

It was not a great first week for TheBostonInsider but I fully expect to bounce back in Week 2. Remember that all picks are against the spread and the home team is in capitals. NCAA DUKE (-1.5) over Navy Auburn (-10) over MISSISSIPPI STATE TEXAS TECH (-36.5) over Southern Methodist Georgia (-7) over SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTHERN CAL (-11) over Ohio State Last Week: 1-4 Season: 1-4 NFL KANSAS CITY (-3.5) over Oakland Tennessee (+1) over CINCINNATI MINNESOTA (+2) over Indianapolis New Orleans (Pick) over WASHINGTON Green Bay (-3) over DETROIT Chicago (+3) over CAROLINA NY Giants (-8.5) over St. LOUIS Buffalo (+5.5) over JACKSONVILLE TAMPA BAY (-7) over Atlanta SEATTLE (-7) over San Francisco ARIZONA (-6.5) over Miami Patriots (+1.5) over NY JETS DENVER (+1.5) over San Diego CLEVELAND (+6) over Pittsburgh Philadelphia (+7) over DALLAS HOUSTON (-4.5) over Baltimore Last Week: 5-10 (did not pick NYG/WASH game) Season: 5-10

Random Thoughts (September 11, 2008)

Seven years have passed since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. In those seven years, the memory of the fallen from the fateful day has not passed, even as our nation is involved in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and as our economy suffers. The United States is going through a time that is challenging most of its' citizens. Money is tight, tensions are high. But do not forget that this is still the greatest country in the entire world, a place where hundreds of millions of people around the globe whould choose to live. As terrible as an event that 9/11 was, we must never forget that in some places in this world, people live in daily fear of such a tragedy... The Red Sox gave away two important games to the first place Rays the last two nights, two wins that would have vaulted the Sox past the Rays in the A.L. East. Still, I do not worry about the Red Sox making the playoffs. With 17 games remaining on their schedule, the Red Sox trail Tampa by just 2.5 games and lead the Twins by 5 games in the A.L. Wildcard hunt. There will be October baseball in Boston... The oddsmakers in Las Vegas must be searching for suckers. It is the only way to justify them making the Jets a 1.5 point favorite over the Patriots this weekend... You know the Tom Brady injury made Dan Shaughnessy feel a warmth he hasn't felt since Grady Little left Pedro in the game back in 2003... Is the National League so weak that C.C. Sabathia is the leading Cy Young candidate after just over two months with Milwaukee and Manny Ramirez will receive strong MVP consideration after just over a month with the Dodgers? I guess so... Enjoy Butch Davis and the Tarheels tonight...

Brady Finished, Patriots Are Not

Tom Brady will have season ending knee surgery. I kind of knew that yesterday when Dan Dierdorf was screaming about Brady going down as Randy Moss was fumbling No. 12's last pass of 2008. I have wrote this twice already but I'll do it a third time for good measure. THE 2008 PATRIOTS ARE FAR FROM OUT OF THE SUPER BOWL RACE!!! Sure, things are a lot harder without the best quarterback of his generation and one of the four or five best to ever suit up in the NFL. But even with Matt Cassel or Chris Simms or Tim Rattay or Vinny Testaverde or Daunte Culpepper behind center, this team is too talented to fall completely out of contention. To stay in the discussion to reach Tampa Bay in February, the team needs solid play and no turnovers from the quarterback, focus and leadership from Randy Moss and Wes Welker, a dominant running attack, and a big step up in play in the defensive secondary. I am actually more worried about the secondary hurting this team right now than I am of Matt Cassel sinking the ship. Stay positive Patriot Nation. The Man is gone for 2008 but there is enough talent and determination in that lockerroom and enough brains on the coaching staff to make the Pats a sleeping giant in the AFC.

Random Thoughts (September 8, 2008)

Tom Brady will have an MRI on his injured left knee today. All preliminary reports (more like rumors) have said Brady has, at least, a serious ACL injury and that Matt Cassel is the quarterback of the team for the time being. This is horrible news for the Patriots but it is not necessarily the end to their season. Yes, Brady is the MVP and his loss does knock them out of the discussion for possible Super Bowl contenders as of this morning but, on paper, this is still a playoff team that could still contend for the Lombardi Trophy come January. For now, Cassel has to step up and run the offense. He does not need to be Brady. More importantly, he must not try to be Brady. Cassel just needs to minimize mistakes, avoid turnovers, and get the ball into the hands of Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Ben Watson to keep opposing defenses honest while the rushing game takes control. This will not be Brady stepping in for Drew Bledsoe in 2001. But there is a strong history in the NFL of a young backup quarterback who has spent more than one year as an understudy in the same offense stepping in and playing good football. David Garrard is doing it right now in Jacksonville, a preseason Super Bowl contender. Sure, Garrard (and more importantly to New England, Cassel) is not threatening the record books but he is a capable quarterback who holds onto the ball, giving his team the chance to win. That is what the Patriots need right now. There are reports that veteran free agents Chris Simms and Tim Rattay are coming in to workout. This is a solid move by Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli. Kind of like Theo Epstein going out and bringing in Paul Byrd (see below) to shore up the Red Sox starting rotation. It will keep the offense at ease if they have a veteran on the bench ready to step in for Cassel should he seriously falter. My prediction of a 13-3 season, complete with a win in Super Bowl XLIII? Gone, for now. I expect a season along the lines of 10-6 or 11-5. There is still a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, enough to compete for a playoff spot -- and, perhaps, more -- with Brady sidelined... Theo Epstein is the best general manager in baseball. The architect of the 2004 and 2007 World Series champions, Epstein has made the 2008 Red Sox a leading contender to end October with a parade through Boston on the Duck Boats. When Epstein decided that Manny Ramirez caused more harm than harmony, he sent the mercurial slugger to Los Angeles and brought in unheralded Jason Bay to replace him. Bay's numbers (.305 BA, 5 HR, 30 RBI, .880 OPS) might not match those of Ramirez' Dodgers stats (.410/11/34/1.261) but they are still solid. On top of the statistics, Bay plays great defense in left field, runs the bases better than Ramirez, and, most importantly, is not a giant distraction. Epstein has made some other moves to keep the Red Sox rolling. He added starting pitcher Paul Byrd (4-1, 3.82 ERA with Boston) and outfielder Mark Kotsay (.265, 9 RBI, excellent defense) to make the team one of the deepest in the sport. The Red Sox are leading the A.L. Wild Card hunt by 6.5 games over Minnesota with 20 games on the schedule. They trail Tampa Bay by just 1.5 games in the A.L. East. This team is rolling towards the postseason. Thanks, in part, to the talented and deep roster assembled by Epstein... With the Rays coming in for a three game series beginning tonight, I feel good that the Red Sox will be starting Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and Josh Beckett. I doubt Rays manager Joe Maddon or the Tampa Bay lineup shares my sentiments... Yes, Brett Favre looked pretty good yesterday but he was much more gunslinger than game manager, which has been his downfall the last few years. When he was playing his best football last year, in leading the Packers to the NFC Championship Game and earned himself second place in the NFL MVP voting, Favre was a game manager. In losing to the Giants in that NFC Championship Game played in the friendly confines of Lambeau Field, Favre was a gunslinger. The team that really scares me in the (probably) post-Brady AFC East are the Buffalo Bills... Boston College is going to struggle. The offense just isn't good enough. If the offense could just manage 17 points per game and not turn the ball over, I would feel pretty good because the defense is very talented. But Chris Crane is a below average quarterback and true freshman Josh Haden looks to be just a little bit too young to carry the entire offense on his shoulders at running back... Enjoy Lester tonight...

Pats Hold Off Chiefs, 17-10

Hopefully, we are talking a sprained ligament. Hopefully, Brady will avoid surgery. Hopefully, Daunte Culpepper will not be taking a phone call from Scott Pioli this week.

Some other quick-hit thoughts from this game:

• Matt Cassel (13-for-18, 152 yards, 1 TD) did a solid job coming off the bench. The Chiefs defense is not very good but after the debacle of a preseason suffered by Cassel, leading the offense to 17 points and a victory is good stuff.
• If Brady is going to miss even a week, the offensive line has to step up and open bigger holes for Laurence Maroney (10 carries for 51 yards), Sammy Morris (10 for 53, 1 TD), LaMont Jordan (2 for 6) and Kevin Faulk. Along with the rushing game being forced into the spotlight, Randy Moss will have to stay focused even with a subpar passer in the pocket.
• A decent job done by the defense but the secondary will have to play better. Tony Gonzalez is a Hall of Fame tight end but the Chiefs quarterbacks (Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard) and other receivers are nothing special. Compared to the Pats Week 2 opponent -- Brett Favre throwing to Jericho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles -- this was a cake walk that didn't look as easy as it should have.

2008 Patriots

Here is the third part of my half-assed NFL preview. FIVE THINGS THAT WORRY ME ABOUT THE PATS 1. The defensive secondary. Even with Dom Capers on board to coach the defensive backs, there seems to be a major lack of talent to stop even the blandest of passing games. Of course, the last time I thought that was the 2004 season when Asante Samuel and Randall Gay were the primary cornerbacks and the team went 14-2 and won Super Bowl XXXIX. 2. The health of Tom Brady. I am firmly in the camp that Brady will be just fine and his not playing a single snap in the preseason scrimmages was merely a precautionary move on the part of Bill Belichick and his staff. Still, when the best player in the NFL is banged up, one tends to worry. 3. The offensive line. The last time we saw them, the Giants front seven tossed them around on their way to making Brady's life miserable. With Stephen Neal still banged up and the right tackle spot still uncertain, this position looks shaky. 4. The Super Bowl hangover. I doubt that a team led by Belichick that is loaded with veterans such as Brady, Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison and Matt Light will struggle to bounce back from the loss to the Giants but it is worth mentioning that six of the last seven Super Bowl losers failed to even make the playoffs the following year. Keep an eye on this. 5. The AFC East. Many people think the Pats have six easy wins lined up against the Jets, Bills, and Dolphins but all three teams are improved. I'm not sure that they are improved enough to knock the Patriots out of the top of the division but I doubt they will offer up any easy games. FIVE THINGS THAT EXCITE ME ABOUT THE PATS 1. Richard Seymour. Big Sey is healthy, something he has not been at this point in quite a while. Look for a big year out of the eighth year defensive lineman. 2. The rookie linebackers. Under Belichick, his linebackers have been veterans who have to be smart enough to know the multiple variations of the Patriots scheme and be tough enough to make plays all over the field. This year's veteran corps -- Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, and Adalius Thomas (with Junior Seau a phone call away) -- will get help from rookies Jerod Mayo, Shawn Crable and Gary Guyton. The three rookies provide youth and depth that the Pats need desperately at linebacker. 3. Brady-to-Moss (and Welker), Year Two. Brady might have missed all of the preseason but his work with Moss and Welker survived Moss missing all of the 2007 preseason on the way to a record breaking year. Year Two with this trio may not reach the '07 levels statistically but it will have defensive coaches shitting their pants all season. 4. The running backs. Laurence Maroney showed the NFL that he is a star in the making last year and with some unbelieveable depth behind him in the backfield (Sammy Morris, LaMont Jordan, Kevin Faulk, Heath Evans), the Pats running game will be a force in 2008. 5. Belichick. There is no better coach in the NFL. San Diego and Dallas may have a slight edge in the talent department but with Norv Turner calling the shots for the Chargers and Wade Philipps at the helm in Big D, I like the Patriots chances. SEASON PREDICTION (13-3, AFC EAST CHAMPIONS) Week 1: Chiefs - W Week 2: at Jets - W Week 3: Dolphins - W Week 4: BYE Week 5: at 49ers - W Week 6: at Chargers - L Week 7: Broncos - W Week 8: Rams - W Week 9: at Colts - W Week 10: Bills - W Week 11: Jets - L Week 12: at Dolphins - W Week 13: Steelers - W Week 14: at Seahawks - L Week 15: at Raiders - W Week 16: Cardinals - W Week 17: at Bills - W Divisional Playoff Game - W AFC Championship Game - W Super Bowl XLIII - W

Football Picks

Picks are against the spread. Home team in capitals. Remember that I am a career loser while reading these picks. NCAA Northwestern (-6.5) over DUKE Texas Tech (-10) over NEVADA AUBURN (-17.5) over Southern Mississippi Navy (+7) over BALL STATE UConn (-7) over TEMPLE NFL BALTIMORE (+1.5) over Cincinnati MIAMI (+3) over NY Jets PATRIOTS (-15.5) over Kansas City Houston (-6.5) over PITTSBURGH Jacksonville (-3) over TENNESSEE Detroit (-3) over ATLANTA Seattle (+1) over BUFFALO NEW ORLEANS (-3) over Tampa Bay PHILADELPHIA (-7) over St. Louis CLEVELAND (+5.5) over Dallas Carolina (+9) over SAN DIEGO SAN FRANCISCO (+2.5) over Arizona Chicago (+9.5) over INDIANAPOLIS Minnesota (+2.5) over GREEN BAY OAKLAND (+3) over Denver

NFL Awards

Here is the second part of my half-assed NFL preview. MVP 1. Drew Brees, Saints 2. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers 3. Tom Brady, Patriots Offensive Player of the Year 1. Drew Brees, Saints 2. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers 3. Tom Brady, Patriots Defensive Player of the Year 1. Adalius Thomas, Patriots 2. Jared Allen, Vikings 3. DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys Coach of the Year 1. Bill Belichick, Patriots 2. Jack Del Rio, Jaguars 3. Mike Holmgren, Seahawks Offensive Rookie of the Year 1. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers 2. Darren McFadden, Raiders 3. Matt Ryan, Falcons Defensive Rookie of the Year 1. Jerod Mayo, Patriots 2. Sedrick Ellis, Saints 3. Leodis McKelvin, Bills Super Bowl XLIII MVP Tom Brady

NFL Division/Playoff Breakdowns

This is the first part of my half-assed NFL preview. AFC EAST 1. New England Patriots 2. New York Jets 3. Buffalo Bills 4. Miami Dolphins AFC NORTH 1. Pittsburgh Steelers 2. Cleveland Browns* 3. Cincinnati Bengals 4. Baltimore Ravens AFC SOUTH 1. Jacksonville Jaguars 2. Indianapolis Colts* 3. Houston Texans 4. Tennessee Titans AFC WEST 1. San Diego Chargers 2. Denver Broncos 3. Oakland Raiders 4. Kansas City Chiefs NFC EAST 1. Dallas Cowboys 2. Philadelphia Eagles* 3. Washington Redskins 4. New York Giants NFC NORTH 1. Minnesota Vikings 2. Detroit Lions* 3. Green Bay Packers 4. Chicago Bears NFC SOUTH 1. New Orleans Saints 2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3. Carolina Panthers 4. Atlanta Falcons NFC WEST 1. Seattle Seahawks 2. St. Louis Rams 3. San Francisco 49ers 4. Arizona Cardinals WILD CARD ROUND AFC: Jaguars defeat Browns; Colts defeat Steelers NFC: Eagles defeat Vikings; Seahawks defeat Lions DIVISIONAL ROUND AFC: Patriots defeat Colts; Jaguars defeat Chargers NFC: Cowboys defeat Eagles; Saints defeat Seahawks CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS AFC: Patriots defeat Jaguars NFC: Saints defeat Cowboys SUPER BOWL XLIII Patriots defeat Saints

Random Thoughts (September 1, 2008)

With 26 games remaining in the regular season, the Red Sox are in a very good position to make the playoffs as the A.L. Wild Card (which would be their sixth such avenue into the postseason since 1998). The Sox lead Minnesota by 2.5 games for the Wild Card. There are many reasons for the success of the Red Sox. They have very good starting pitching, a solid bullpen, a deep lineup and a fantastic manager/front office. They also have Dustin Pedroia, who should be the 2008 A.L. MVP. Pedroia is the sparkplug that does not allow this team to lose. David Ortiz misses over a month with a wrist injury and it is no big deal because the Sox have Pedroia. Manny could care less about winning in his last days in Boston but still, the Sox have Pedroia. Josh Beckett, J.D. Drew, and Mike Lowell have missed time and the team doesn't miss a beat because of Pedroia. The stats are impressive (.326 BA, 15 HR, 68 RBI, .861 OPS), he plays excellent defense at second base, and, above all else, Pedroia's commitment to winning is infectous. There isn't a game where Pedroia isn't covered in dirt and sweat. He plays all out on every play. White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, someone who has no time for phonies, said this of Pedroia this weekend as Pedroia was going 9-for-12 (including an 8-for-8 start to the series) and after the ChiSox intentionally walked Pedroia on Saturdy night: ‘‘I never thought I would walk a jockey. I must be the worst manager ever in the history of baseball right now, walking a guy that just came from being on top of Big Brown to beat the White Sox.’’ Pedroia is a winner who is leading a team that was banged up across the board all year into September with a shot at another playoff berth and possibly a second consecutive World Series. I know I pushed his teammate Kevin Youkilis for the same award in this space just a few weeks ago but as of today, Pedroia is the A.L. MVP... The Pats have made some interesting moves in the past 48 hours. They released cornerback Fernando Bryant, who started the entire preseason, safety John Lynch, and receiver Chad Jackson. Today they signed free agent cornerback Deltha O'Neal. O'Neal joins Ellis Hobbs, Lewis Sanders and rookies Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite at corner. The loss of Lynch, who Bill Belichick hinted could be brought back into the fold, leaves just Rodney Harrison, James Sanders and Brandon Meriweather at safety. Ty Law is still a free agent and could be signed by the Pats this week. I always love following the Patriots roster moves because Belichick and Scott Pioli never follow the path that is expected. For example, when they signed Bryant, he was expected to replace Asante Samuel. He started the entire preseason but when Belichick and Pioli decided they could do better, they cut ties. This is a formula that has brought the Patriots six division titles, five trips to the AFC Championship games, four trips to the Super Bowl and three Lombardi Trophies since 2001. It is the formula that should bring them another world championship this season... Boston College opened their 2008 football schedule with a 21-0 victory over Kent State on the road. BC, coming off a 2007 which saw them win 11 games, the ACC Atlantic Division, and the Champs Sports Bowl, will not be the long-shot national championship contender they were a year ago but they should contend for their eighth consecutive bowl victory (the longest current national streak). Chris Crane replaces Matt Ryan under center and the speedy Jeff Smith and Josh Haden are the new running back tandem. The defense, led by the returns of B.J. Raji and Brian Toal, should be one of the best units in the ACC. A 7-5 or 8-4 regular season will make for a good year over at the Heights... Happy Labor Day, enjoy Dustin Pedroia tonight...