Random Thoughts (July 1, 2009)

It's is amazing how the 2004 and 2007 World Series championships continue to effect the mindset of the average Red Sox fan. Before the Sox defeated the Cardinals in 2004, most fans would be outraged with last night's historic loss to the Orioles. The Sox were leading the O's 10-1 but ended up losing 11-10. It was the second biggest lead given up in Red Sox history (they lost 13-11 to the Blue Jays on June 4, 1989 after holding an early 10-0 lead). It was also the biggest comeback in baseball history for a last place team against a first place team. The lasting beauty of those World Series wins is that most Sox fans can understand that one loss -- no matter how ugly and embarrassing -- still only counts as one loss. If the Sox take care of business this afternoon (Josh Beckett faces Brad Bergesen at 1:35), they will conclude a highly successful 6-3 road trip and will return to Fenway Park on Friday night in hold of first place in the AL East. The marathon that is the baseball season allows teams to suffer a miserable night along the way and still be a contender for the World Series. That is the situation the Red Sox are in this morning... The NBA's free agency period began at midnight and there is no big news to announce. Rumors are flying but no deals have been made as of yet. As for DannyAinge and the Celtics, the talk of Rasheed Wallace coming to town is picking up steam. Wallace is a close friend of Kevin Garnett and KG has reportedly been pressing him to come to Boston. Grant Hill's name has also been mentioned as a target of the C's. Building a bench is vital if the Celtics expect to be a serious contender next winter... There was a small note in today's Boston Herald reporting that veteran linebacker Willie McGinest is very serious about rejoining the Patriots for what would be his 15th -- and probably final -- NFL season. With Mike Vrabel now a member of the Chiefs, this is a move that makes sense for the Patriots. McGinest would provide a pass rushing threat from the edge and he would also serve as a mentor for young players such as Shawn Crable. Winning a fourth Super Bowl and ending your career with the team that drafted you waaaaaay back in 1994 (4th overall out of USC) would be a great way to go out for McGinest... Enjoy Josh Beckett today...