Random Thoughts (June 30, 2009)

I feel bad for all of you who missed the great eats at the Phantom Gourmet's "Barbeque Beach Party" over the weekend. There is nothing like stuffing your face with first-class ribs, beef, and pork. I think even Ghandi would have given in to the temptation... I can't believe there is only a month to go until the Patriots open up training camp. With Tom Brady coming back to lead a potentially historic offense and a defense led by Richard Seymour and Jerod Mayo, the Pats will be seeking their fourth Super Bowl of the decade... When David Ortiz started to hit again in June, it looked like Theo Epstein could stop searching for a hitter on the trade market. Now that Mike Lowell is suffering from a set-back in his recovery from offseason hip surgery, Epstein might want to get back on the phones. If Lowell is only going to be out for a short time, then the Sox can get by with playing Kevin Youkilis at third base and Mark Kotsay at first base. However, if Lowell is going to be out for an extended time period (which won't be known until later today) then Epstein needs to make a move. The names that surfaced when the Sox looked like they might need to replace Big Papi need to be reexamined. That includes Washington first baseman Nick Johnson, Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins, or Texas third baseman Michael Young. Hopefully, Lowell will be healthy for the long-term and the Sox can avoid having to make a move to replace his production at the plate and in the field. With the versatility of Youkilis to be able to play Gold Glove-caliber defense at either first or third, the Sox can survive without Lowell for a few weeks. If he is going to be out for an extended time, the Sox will have to make a move... I have never claimed to be an expert on hockey but I find it interesting that the Bruins would be so quick to try and trade the 21-year-old forward who banged home 36 goals for Boston last season. Kessel is a free agent and the B's are up against the salary cap so trying to get something in return for him before he hits the open market does make sense. The Bruins were very close to moving Kessel to the Maple Leafs in return for defenseman Tomas Kaberle but the deal fell apart when Toronto refused to add in the seventh pick in the draft. Still, I wonder if it makes more sense to try and move an older player -- like Marc Savard -- instead of giving up on Kessel so soon... Enjoy Rich Hill tonight...