Bruschi Retires

Tedy Bruschi retired from the Patriots today, ending a remarkable 13-year career.

Bruschi was drafted by the Patriots in 1996 out of the University of Arizona. He transformed himself from a pash rushing defensive lineman in college to a versatile linebacker in the NFL.

He was the rare football player to play his entire career with one team. Bruschi played for Bill Parcells ('96), Pete Carroll ('97-'99), and Bill Belichick ('00-'08). He was a member of five Super Bowl teams and played a key role on the championship teams of 2001, 2003, and 2004.

Bruschi represented what it means to be a "Patriot" under the watch of Belichick. Belichick called him the "perfect player" at today's press conference.

He played hard, he played hurt, he played to win. A popular sign at Gillette Stadium hung by Bruschi fans read "Full Tilt/Full Time." It was the perfect slogan to describe the style of Bruschi.

After winning Super Bowl XXXIX, Bruschi was named to his first Pro Bowl. On his way home from Hawaii, Bruschi suffered a stroke. Many believed it was the end of his career but Bruschi was back on the field in 2005. He continued to play at a high level and helped lead the Patriots to the AFC Championship Game in 2006 and an undefeated regular season and Super Bowl appearance in 2007.

Guys like Tedy Bruschi can never be replaced. He will never be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame but like his former teammate Troy Brown, Bruschi's game was always about more than statistics. He was a true winner. The joy he brought to football fans in New England can not be quantified.

Random Thoughts (August 29, 2009)

Once considered the strength of the team, starting pitching once again looks to be a sore spot for the Red Sox. Josh Beckett suffered his third consecutive poor start last night. Beckett was the favorite to capture the A.L. Cy Young before this recent slump but now the Sox would settle for seven quality innings from their ace in his next start at Tampa. Tim Wakefield, who pitched brilliantly in his return from the disabled list on Wednesday, will miss his scheduled start against the Rays in Tampa on Tuesday because of stiffness in his back. Problems with his back were the reason the 43-year-old went on the DL back in July. The Red Sox also sent rookie pitcher Junichi Tazawa to the club's Rookie-Level Gulf Coast affiliate. Tazawa lacked consistency with Boston as a starter so maybe they are hoping he help them down the stretch out of the bullpen. If that isn't the case, it seems wierd they would demote him all the way to the Rookie-Level team. With Wakefield hurt and Tazawa back in the minors, the Sox will probably turn to recently signed veteran Paul Byrd, who was with Boston at the end of the 2008 season. As the Rangers and Rays chase the Red Sox for the Wild Card, they will need better pitching. A struggling Beckett and a loss of Wakefield for an extended period would be a major blow to the team's postseason hopes. Daisuke Matsuzaka, who was out of shape and ineffective during the spring (1-5, 8.23 ERA), could end up playing an important role for the team. If Beckett can straighten himself out and Matsuzaka returns to his 2008 form (18-3, 2.90), the Sox will be in great shape. If not, Boston will be watching from the golf course in October for the first time since 2006... Apparently there is no reason to worry about Tom Brady's right (throwing) shoulder after absorbing a solid hit from Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth during last night's 27-24 preseason win in Washington, D.C. Brady looked to be in 2007 form in the first half, completing 12-of-19 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Brady looked very comfortable in the pocket and both touchdowns landed safely in the hands of his top target, Randy Moss. The biggest issue for the Patriots was their defense. Redskins quarterbacks Jason Campbell and Colt Brennan combined for 290 yards and one touchdown. The Washington ground game also produced 116 yards on 31 carries. Another problem area for Team Belichick is the backup quarterback. Kevin O'Connell was abysmal, going 3-of-10 for 18 yards with two interceptions. The Pats final preseason game is this Thursday at Gillette Stadium against the Giants. Even if he is at 100% health, don't expect to see Brady play as the team figures out if any of the current backup quarterbacks can get the job done... There are still roster moves to be made but I am once again looking forward to rooting for Gary Guyton. The second-year linebacker will be a difference maker in 2009... Enjoy Clay Buchholz tonight...

It's A Walkoff...

Red Sox Thoughts (August 24, 2009)

After getting pounded by the Yankees for eight runs in eight innings (including five homeruns) last night, Josh Beckett is officially in a mini-slump. Going back to his subpar start against the Blue Jays last Tuesday, Beckett has given up 15 runs on 18 hits over 13.1 innings. With the Rangers and Rays right behind the Red Sox in the AL Wild Card chase, this is obviously the worst possible time for Beckett to hit a bump in the road. If the Sox expect to make the playoffs and contend for the World Series, they need Beckett to be the Cy Young candidate he has been for the majority of the summer. His next start will be Friday, against the Blue Jays at Fenway Park... Tim Wakefield will return to the Red Sox starting rotation on Wednesday against the White Sox. Wake's return comes not a moment too soon. He will replace the struggling Brad Penny in the rotation. At this point, I would take a 43-year-old who can barely feel his legs over the ineffective Penny... It looks like the Red Sox will acquire hard-throwing Billy Wagner from the Mets, most likely for a low-level prospect. Wagner is coming off Tommy John surgery but the lefty did hit 96 mph in his first appearance on Thursday. He would give the Sox another lefty in the bullpen as well as an alternate closer if Jonathan Papelbon is unavailable. Papelbon is on record as not wanting the team to acquire Wagner because he doesn't want the bullpen roles to be changed but the Sox could use an arm like Wagner's as they try and hold off Texas and Tampa Bay for the Wild Card. As much as I love Papelbon, his job is to pitch. Let's hope Theo Epstein finds a way to add Wagner... After another three-game series between the Red Sox and Yankees lasted for 86-hours, this proposal makes a lot of sense... Enjoy Clay Buchholz tonight...

Random Thoughts (August 22, 2009)

I apologize for not giving an update but TheBostonInsider was once again lucky to be a guest with Mark Linehan and Bernie Corbett on "Rounding Third from the Baseball Tavern" on ESPN 890 AM. We were fortunate to have Adam Kilgore of the Boston Globe among our guests. Kilgore, for those of you who ignore the Globe (I don't blame you if you cite Shaughnessy as the reason), is a rising star in the baseball world. It will not be a surprise when ESPN steps up and adds Kilgore to their stable of baseball writers. The show is hoping to have on Oregon head football coach Chip Kelly next week... Less than 24-hours after the Yankees pounded the Red Sox, Boston responded today with an impressive 14-1 victory. Rookie hurler Junichi Tazawa tossed six scoreless innings and Kevin Youkilis led the offense with two homeruns and six RBI. Tomorrow night's series finale, to be aired on ESPN at 8 PM, will feature a Josh Beckett-CC Sabathia matchup... I'm not going to be shocked when Tedy Bruschi fails to make the Patriots 53-man roster... Enjoy Beckett tomorrow...

Remy Returns

After a 91-game layoff, longtime Red Sox announcer Jerry Remy will return to the broadcast booth tomorrow night when the Sox open three-game series against the Yankees. Remy has been missing in action after having lung cancer surgery and then suffering a bout of depression. While I am happy to see Remy healthy and physically able to return to work, I will miss listening to his main replacement in the NESN booth, Dennis Eckersley. Eck, who was one of 26 fill-ins alongside Don Orsillo, did a magnificent job in the booth. Listening to a Hall of Fame closer talk pitching every night was a true pleasure and his insight into what the pitchers were trying to accomplish was enlightening. Honestly, I would love to see a three-man broadcast team with Orsillo, Eckersley, and Remy. Remy brings great insight to what is going on in the field and teamed with Eck's knowledge of pitching, it would be a perfect fit. Another positive to a three-man booth would be that with Eck and Remy doing the majority of the talking, Orsillo's whiny voice would be heard a lot less.

He's ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just in time...

Random Thoughts (August 13, 2009)

I respect Joe Posnanski but his column about the worst contracts in baseball omitted one obvious name. J.D. Drew, who signed a 5-year/$70-million deal before the 2007 season has had some big moments for the Red Sox - his grand slam in the '07 ALCS and his monster month of June in '08 - but for $14-million per year, you want a lot more than a .252 avarage, 12 homeruns, 43 RBI, and an OPS of .817. Drew is a good player but he does not deserve that type of money. If I were Jason Bay, a free agent after this season, I would use the Drew contract as a beginning point in negotiations. Red Sox Nation better hope the Drew deal does not cost Boston the services of Bay... Tomorrow will be a big day for TheBostonInsider, as I get to sit in on a small coaching clinic held by high school coaching legend Bob Hurley. Hurley, the father of former Duke star Bobby Hurley and fellow coaching star Danny Hurley, is the longtime head coach at New Jersey powerhouse St. Anthony's. If you haven't read "The Miracle of St. Anthony," I recommend doing so as soon as possible. Hurley is a Hall of Fame caliber coach and will one day be inducted at Springfield... Clay Buchholz has two losses in his last two starts but he has proved he is finally ready to be a full time member of the Boston rotation. With all of the injuries to the Red Sox staff, he might earn a playoff start... Mike Lowell's hip problem qualifies him to enter in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Memorial 50-yard Dash but the guy can still swing the bat. Once Kevin Youkilis returns from his suspension - why hasn't anyone questioned Youk for going after Ricky Porcello while resisting Joba Chamberlain? - Terry Francona needs to use Lowell as the DH, put Youk at third, Casey Kotchman at first, with Victor Martinez behind the plate. When it's time to use Varitek at catcher, Martinez can play first. Sorry, Big Papi... I liked the Cristian Guzman rumors. The Red Sox need a shortstop upgrade over the likeable Nick Green and his skills at the plate (.319/5/40/.777) would help the sagging Sox offense... Raise your hand if you thought back in April that a three-game series in Texas would have this much meaning... Sorry for the recent lack of posts. I started graduate school this month and with football season and school on the horizon, I have been doing a lot of preparation this past week... Enjoy Lester tomorrow night...

"Can't Nobody Take My Pride ... Can't Nobody Hold Me Down"

It's only the first preseason game but let's not kid ourselves. Brady is back. The Patriots are better now than in 2007. The Lombardi Trophy is coming back to Foxboro. He is obviously showing of his left hand for the cameras, letting everyone know how many rings he will have by this time next year. Giselle better be putting out or she will be on the unemployment line come February when Brady returns to the top of the football world. Maybe Tebow will take her if he decides to finally cash in his lottery ticket. As the guys at The Stool love to say, "Cue the fucking duckboats."

Random Thoughts (August 8, 2009)

Watching Alex Rodriguez round first base (sporting a look on his face that I am positive was the same one he had the first time he saw Jeter in the shower), I had the sad realization that the 2009 Red Sox season may be on the verge of ending. It is so New York to give up hope after the home town team goes through a rough strecth. Even with the Rangers and Rays breathing down their necks, the Sox still hold the lead in the A.L. Wild Card race. With a 1-2 punch of Josh Beckett and Jon Lester, they still have (just) enough pitching to make the playoffs and contend for the World Series. Not all hope is gone. However, I still have that feeling like the 2009 Red Sox are destined to watch October from the golf course. That pitching depth they supposedly possessed - the depth that I thought would make this the greatest team since the '98 Yankees - is gone. Beckett and Lester face the same fate as Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe did in 2002, when they were co-aces on a team that couldn't muster up enough offense or pitching depth to reach October. The offense, even with the addition of Victor Martinez, still couldn't score in a whore house with a fist full of $50's. I am not one to believe there is a "must win" game in baseball, other than an elimination game in the playoffs. The 2004 Red Sox taught me that lesson. That stated, today's game is very important to the Sox. If they lose, they will fall 5.5-games behind New York in the A.L. East and fall into a tie in the Wild Card race with the Rangers. With the skittish Clay Buchholz on the bump against CC Sabathia, the Yanks have a big advantage. This is as close to a "must win" as there is and the Sox start the day with their backs against the wall. Red Sox Nation better hope they respond with a win... So, Big Papi has cleared the air. He says that he never took steroids and his failed drug test in 2003 was a result of him taking over-the-counter supplements. I believe Ortiz. His body never got drastically bigger and he looks the same today as he did six years ago. Baseball is a game and like in all games, people look for an advantage. It's no different than Barry Bonds' head growing eight sizes in ten years or Roger Clemens finding his fastball after four lost years with the Red Sox. Athletes always look for an edge. Hank Aaron loves to call out the players of the steroid age but his former teammate Tom House claims that Hammerin Hank took amphetamines and possibly more when he was a player. The problem is that we look at these players like they should be these moral giants when in reality, they are nothing more than entertainers. I would rather see Hank Aaron hitting his 714 homeruns than being a bit player. I loved watching Bonds and Clemens accomplish the great things that they did in their careers. Ortiz' bat powered the Red Sox to the World Series in 2004 and 2007. Do you think I care that he was taking a supplement to improve his ability to hit? Of course not! Sports and games are all about advantages. Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb probably never used performance-enhancing drugs but they also played in an age when only white players were allowed on the field. You can not say that wasn't a huge advantage. It's time for the media to let the subject drop and just enjoy the game... Junichi Tazawa gave up the walk-off homerun to Rodriguez last night but the kid has the look and talent to be a star. He might be the saving grace of the pitching staff the next few weeks... If the reports are true, it is a great thing that Glen Davis will be returning to the Celtics. With Davis coming back, Shelden Williams joining the C's, and the team also expected to finalize the acquisition of Marquis Daniels, the Celtics will have the deepest roster in the NBA. 5: Kendrick Perkins, Rasheed Wallace, Shelden Williams 4: Kevin Garnett, Glen Davis, Brian Scalabrine 3: Paul Pierce, Marquis Daniels, Bill Walker 2: Ray Allen, Eddie House, J.R. Giddens 1: Rajon Rondo, House, Daniels Backup point guard is still an issue but there is so much talent and depth, the Celtics will be the favorite to win the 2010 championship... Enjoy Buchholz today...

Baltimore Random Thoughts

Camden Yards is a beautiful place to watch a baseball game from but my money is still behind San Francisco's AT&T Park as the best of the new baseball palaces. Fenway and Wrigley (in that order) are still the best places to see a game... The award for best bar in the Camden Yards neighborhood goes to Slider's. Its located next to the more famous Pickle's Pub but I can't imagine having a better time than we did at Slider's. The good people behind the bar saved us countless trips to-and-from the bar and simply allowed us to buy our Bud Lights by the case. Nothing screams out "This bar is F------ amazing!!!" than a case of iced down beer on your table... I can not recommend any places to get breakfast in the city but the Bud Light drafts and wings at the Hooters located right on the Inner Harbor aren't a bad option at 11 am on a Sunday... Pilots think they are badasses. They are not. Ask me another time... The award for best bar in Baltimore goes to MaGerks. Best steak-and-cheese sub I've ever eaten and enough drinking-related horror to make Tucker Max cringe... Thanks to Mark and Bernie for not losing my connection... The Orioles are almost as bad as Delta Airlines but with Matt Weiters, Nick Markakis, and Adam Jones, they have the makings of something good. They will contend by 2011... My humerous and almost serious attempts to open a brothel in Bistro 300, the hotel bar at the Hyatt, were not well received... Boog Powell's barbeque stand was decent but it is way overrated... Enjoy heartburn...