Random Thoughts (February 27, 2009)

If you are too ignorant to believe the struggling American economy will not effect the future of the major professional sports in this country, read Bill Simmons' column on the hardships the NBA is going through right now... The Stephon Marbury experiment is slated to begin tonight when the Celtics host the Pacers. I'm crossing my fingers this will work because if Marbury accepts a secondary role to Rajon Rondo and plays nice in the lockeroom, this move could push the C's past the Cavaliers and Lakers... Another stroke of luck for Tom Brady... It looks like the Patriots are close to signing free agent running back Fred Taylor. Taylor, who has rushed for 11,271 yards in his eleven seasons with the Jaguars, is getting close to the end of his career but he should be a valuable addition to the Pats backfield in a reserve role... The Pats are also in talks with free agent tight end Chris Baker and free agent cornerback Leigh Bodden. Baker would add depth to a position that has been hurt by injuries the last few seasons. Bodden would add needed depth to the secondary. He struggled with Detroit last year but in 2007 with the Browns (playing a similar defense to the one used by the Patriots) he snagged 6 interceptions. Bodden would also add some size (6-1) to the diminutive Pats secondary... Michael Ryder's return from injury has sparked the Bruins offense. In the two games Ryder has played since coming back from facial surgery, he scored three goals and assisted on two others as the Bruins have posted six goals each game... Enjoy Marcus McDermott tonight...