Random Thoughts (December 17, 2008)

Congratulations to Wes Welker and Stephen Gostkowski for being selected to the Pro Bowl. Just because the Pro Bowl is the most meaningless game in any sport doesn't diminish the honor of Welker and Gostkowski being recognized for their outstanding 2008 seasons... I agree with the selections of Peyton Manning and Jay Cutler to the Pro Bowl but how does Brett Favre (3052 yards, 21 TD, 17 INT, 86.5 QB rating) make it over Philip Rivers (3515/28/11/101.4), Chad Pennington (3218/14/6/95.1), or Matt Cassel (3270/18/11/87.1)? I guess his reputation -- mainly forged in the 1990s -- preceeded him... One last Pro Bowl note. Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli have faced criticism for the personnel and draft moves since the teams last Super Bowl championship in 2004. When they allowed Adam Vinatieri to leave as a free agent, Pats fans cried out that there was no way in hell that the legendary right foot of #4 could be replaced by a rookie. Three years later, Gostkowski is in the Pro Bowl. The 2007 Pats draft class -- which so far has only produced Brandon Meriweather as a player -- has also been attacked. However, the next time you want to blame Belichick and Pioli for not getting more out of that draft, remember they moved their fourth round pick to Oakland for Randy Moss and their second and seventh round picks to Miami for Welker. I think the Pats front office knows what they're doing... Predictions: Teixeira to Boston for 7-years/$178-million. Mike Lowell, Kyle Weiland, and cash to the Texas Rangers for Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Jason Varitek re-signs for 2-years/15-million... I always thought (feared) that Rajon Rondo would be like B.J. Armstrong, a small guard who thrived playing along with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen but couldn't stand out as an individual. Rondo is much more than a sidekick to Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. He is establishing himself as one of the NBA's top young point guards, on a level right below Chris Paul. An emerging All-Star, Rondo is a major reason for the C's 23-2 start... Enjoy Paul Pierce tonight...