Random Thoughts (December 30, 2009)

LaMarr Woodley is trying out Reverse Psychology 101 in an attempt to get some help from the Patriots and Bengals so that his Steelers can sneak into the playoffs. To make it into the playoffs, the Steelers need the Patriots to defeat the Texans and the Bengals to score a win over the Jets. Both the Texans and Jets are in contention for playoff berths as well. It is Woodley's contention that the Patriots and Bengals are afraid of the defending Super Bowl champions and will "lay down" this week to keep them out of the postseason. While Woodley's heart is in the right place, I doubt that the Pats or Bengals (who beat Pittsburgh twice this season) are worrying too much about the Steelers. It's the Colts and Chargers who are striking fear in the hearts of the AFC these days... Jason Bay decided that the possibility of an extra year and a few more millions mean more than the chance to compete for a World Series. The free agent left fielder signed a four-year deal with the Mets for a reported $66-million that contains an option for a fifth year. The Red Sox had reportedly offered Bay a four-year deal for $60-million. Bay has a swing made for Fenway Park and will probably see his power numbers decline playing in the spacious Citi Field. David Wright hit 27, 26, 30, and 33 homeruns in his first four full seasons with the Mets but hit only 10 a year ago, the debut season of Citi Field. The Red Sox do have a big hole in their lineup. Acquiring Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez looks to be the best way to fill that void... Texas Tech's firing of Mike Leach over his treatment of an injured player has raised many eyebrows across the country, including mine. Leach has made Tech a consistent winner in his decade in Lubbock but the administration was obviously not as happy with the coach as the fan base. After last year's 11-2 season that saw the Red Raiders climb as high as #2 in the nation, Texas Tech leaders got into a public dispute over Leach's contract. This current controversy seems like a convenient way for Tech to dismiss Leach during the rare time when he was vulnerable. Texas Tech will never find the same consistent level of success that they have under Leach. On the other hand, Leach should find work quickly, maybe as a coordinator in the NFL... Happy is an understatement to describe whatever NBA team wins the Draft Lottery. John Wall is that good... College football usually dominates the television during this time of year but the college hoops marathon on ESPN2 features some excellent matchups, including Oklahoma and Gonzaga... Enjoy 2010...

Top 10 Boston Sports Memories of the Decade

This list has been a work in progress for the past few weeks. What can I say? It was a great decade to be a Boston sports fan. Drumroll, please. DaDaDaDaDaDaDaDaDaDaDaDaDaDaDaDaDaDaDaDa 10. BC and BU win NCAA Hockey titles I'm not the greatest hockey fan but when the two of the best programs in the nation reside just a few miles away from each other and are fierce rivals, it is big news when they take national championships. BC took home championships in 2001 and 2008 while BU won the 2009 title. BC also lost in the championship game in 2000, 2006, and 2007. The rivalry will be played out in grand fashion next week when the two powerhouses meet at Fenway Park. 9. The Celtics beat the Lakers in Game 4 of the 2008 Finals On their way to the 2008 championship, the Celtics suffered some major struggles away from the Garden. Down as much as 20 points in the second half in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the Celtics scored 47 of the last 68 points in the game to pull of a 97-91 victory and extend their series lead to 3-1. 8. Derek Lowe's strikeout of Terrence Long to win the 2003 ALDS Down 2-0 to the A's, the Red Sox started their tradition of remarkable playoff comebacks by taking Game's 3 and 4 in Boston. In Game 5 in Oakland, Pedro Martinez pitched seven gutsy innings before giving the game over to the bullpen. The A's got a run in the eighth to cut the Red Sox lead to 4-3. Lowe came on in relief of Scott Williamson in the ninth and got Long to strike out looking with the bases loaded to help the Sox advance to the ALCS. This game also featured a mammoth homerun by Manny Ramirez off of Barry Zito, one of the most dramatic blasts hit by Ramirez in his time in Boston. 7. Rodney Harrison's interception of Donovan McNabb in Super Bowl XXXIX In clinching the Patriots third Super Bowl in four years, Harrison jumped in front of a McNabb pass to seal an exciting 24-21 victory. Tom Brady and Deion Branch torched the Eagles defense all night long but it wasn't until Harrison's interception that all doubt was removed that the Lombardi Trophy would stay in Foxboro. 6. Adam Vinatieri's field goals closes Foxboro Stadium in style in "Snow Bowl" Vinatieri nailed a 45-yarder with :27 seconds to go in regulation to tie the score at 13 and dropped the winner through the uprights from 23-yards in overtime in a blizzard to move the Patriots to the AFC Championship Game in Pittsburgh. Oh yeah, there was also the little replay decision by Walt Coleman to overturn a Tom Brady fumble to give the Pats the ball back on their final drive, allowing Vinatieri the chance to make history in the final game ever at Foxboro Stadium. 5. David Ortiz sinks the Yankees in Game's 4 and 5 of the 2004 ALCS Down 3-0 to the Yankees in the ALCS, the (Dan Shaughnessy created) "Curse of the Bambino" looked like it would be around for at least another year but Big Papi thought it was time to erase the past. His 12th inning homerun won Game 4 and a single in the 14th inning won Game 5. Curt Schilling then stood tall on his surgically sutured ankle to win Game 6 and Derek Lowe tossed six innings on two days rest to make history. 4. Adam Vinatieri wins Super Bowl XXXVIII Vinatieri, who is the star of this list, drilled a 41-yard field goal to give the Patriots a 32-29 win and their second world championship. It still amazes me that Vinatieri never won a Super Bowl MVP trophy, although the 354-yards and three touchdowns by Tom Brady made him a deserving winner. 3. The Celtics crush the Lakers to win the 2008 NBA Championship After 22 years of heartbreak and losing, the Celtics won their 17th championship by blowing out their historic rivals from Los Angeles. The Lakers almost tied the series in Game 4 (see above) but let it slip away. The Lakers did take Game 5 in L.A. before the series moved back to Boston. In Game 6, the Celtics made a joke out of Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant, winning 131-92 behind 26 points from Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, 21 points from Rajon Rondo, and 10 assists from Finals MVP Paul Pierce. 2. Keith Foulke closes the door on the Cardinals to win the 2004 World Series After 86 years of self pity and disappointment, the Red Sox finally won the World Series. After knocking off the Yankees in historic style (see above) in the ALCS, the Cardinals laid down for the Red Sox, who won in a four game sweep. The Cardinals might not have made the series interesting but Boston fans could have cared less, having finally won a championship. It may have been the most important moment for Red Sox fans, but the most important moment in Boston sports this decade, the one that made all Boston fans realize our teams could win the "Big One" was... 1. Adam Vinatieri wins Super Bowl XXXVI The 14-point underdog Patriots had already surprised America by beating the Raiders (see above) and Steelers to win the AFC title. But in facing the Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, and the "Greatest Show on Turf" St. Louis Rams was going to be an impossible game for the Pats to win. Setting the stage for a decade in which he evolved into one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Tom Brady controlled the ball, Bill Belichick lived up to his reputation as the best defensive mind in the NFL, and Vinatieri drilled a 48-yard field goal with no time left on the clock to give the Patriots a 20-17 victory and their first world championship. Just for fun, here are the best five sporting events that I attended over the past decade: 5. 2007 AFC Championship Game The Patriots move to 18-0. Oh, what could have been. 4. Game 2, 2008 NBA Finals The Celtics held off a furious comeback by the Lakers to take a 2-0 series lead. 3. 2003 AFC Championship Game Peyton Manning throws four interceptions and the Pats advance to Super Bowl XXXVIII. 2. Game 7, 2004 ALCS Taking over Yankee Stadium and erasing 86 years of heartbreak. 1. 2009 Massachusetts Division II Boy's Basketball State Championship Game Best seat I have ever had for a game, no questions asked.

New Year's Day Football Picks

Picks for the Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, and BCS National Championship Game will be up the day of the game but here are my picks for the five bowl games on New Year's Day. Picks are against the spread (BoDog)... OUTBACK BOWL Auburn (-8) over Northwestern GATOR BOWL Florida State (+3) over West Virginia CAPITAL ONE BOWL Penn State (-3) over LSU ROSE BOWL Oregon (-4.5) over Ohio State SUGAR BOWL Florida (-13) over Cincinnati Season: 39 - 25 - 3

NFL Random Thoughts

Just a few weeks ago, things were not looking good for the Patriots. They had lost three games in four weeks, including the infamous "4th & 2" game in Indianapolis. Now they are AFC East champions and loom as a dark horse candidate to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. What has changed? The defense is starting to finally pressure opposing quarterbacks and make impact plays, such as Brandon Meriweather's interception against the Jaguars on Sunday. The running game is also becoming a more important part of the offense, making Tom Brady and the passing attack even more potent. Brady is in 2007 form, comfortable and steady in the pocket and finding Randy Moss and Wes Welker despite the opponents best attempts at stopping them. Indianapolis and San Diego are the favorites but the Patriots are lingering in the shadows, threatening to win their fifth conference championship of the decade... The NFC playoff picture is wide open. The Saints and Vikings are starting to struggle, creating an opening for the Eagles, Cardinals, Packers, and Cowboys to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl... It pains me to say this, but the MVP discussion begins and ends with Peyton Manning... I hope Urban Meyer emerges healthy enough to coach football again. My initial reaction to his resignation/leave of absence was that he had found a job elsewhere and then reconsidered. Considering his close relationship with Bill Belichick, my wish was that he was coming to the Patriots as offensive coordinator with a promise to take the reigns from Belichick in 2012 or 2013... This week's "Super Seven" poll looks like this: 1. San Diego Chargers (12-3) 2. Indianapolis Colts (14-1) 3. New Orleans Saints (13-2) 4. New England Patriots (10-5) 5. Philadelphia Eagles (11-4) 6. Minnesota Vikings (11-4) 7. Dallas Cowboys (10-5) Enjoy Oregon on Friday...

Football Picks

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a safe, happy holiday. All picks against the spread (BoDog) and home team in capitals... GREEN BAY (-14) over Seattle Oakland (+3) over CLEVELAND Kansas City (+14) over CINCINNATI ATLANTA (-9) over Buffalo Houston (+2) over MIAMI NY GIANTS (-8) over Carolina NEW ORLEANS (-14) over Tampa Bay Jacksonville (+10) over PATRIOTS Baltimore (+3) over PITTSBURGH ARIZONA (-15) over St. Louis SAN FRANCISCO (-14) over Detroit PHILADELPHIA (-7) over Denver INDIANAPOLIS (-4.5) over NY Jets Dallas (-7) over WASHINGTON Minnesota (-7) over CHICAGO Last Week: 1 - 1 Previous Week: 11 - 5 Season: 108 - 96 - 1

NFL Random Thoughts

No picks for the Sunday games? Let me explain. I put off making the picks until this morning but the snowstorm that dumped a foot off powder on the Greater Boston area put me in the driveway with a beat up shovel and work to be done. It's not like I was shying away from the picks, I was coming off a week in which I went 11-5... Despite a banged up quarterback and a defense that lacks the ability to make big plays when they are needed the most, the Patriots are on the verge of locking up a seventh AFC East title this decade. Even if this team fails to win the Super Bowl, you have to give Bill Belichick credit for molding this unit into a playoff team. After a 5-11 season in his debut year of 2000, Belichick has produced a winning record every season and seven trips to the postseason. Belichick has some major holes to fill on defense but if he is successful in his offseason dealings and in the draft, the Patriots should be in serious contention for the Super Bowl a year from now... It's funny how the times have changed. The Patriots were villians as they marched towards a perfect season in 2007 (thanks to "Spygate") and the nation celebrated when the Giants pulled off the upset in Super Bowl XLII. Now, as the Colts try and replicate the '07 Pats undefeated regular season and try and finish the year with the Lomardi Trophy in hand, they are the heroes... Rest in Peace, Chris Henry... Rex Ryan and the Jets look a lot different now in losing to the struggling Falcons at home than they did in beating the Patriots in the second game of the season. The Jets will be watching from home during the playoffs... Here is this week's "Super Seven" poll: 1. Minnesota Vikings (11-2) 2. San Diego Chargers (11-3) 3. Indianapolis Colts (14-0) 4. New Orleans Saints (13-1) 5. Philadelphia Eagles (10-4) 6. Arizona Cardinals (9-5) 7. New England Patriots (9-5) Remember, this poll reflects my thoughts on who I believe can win the Super Bowl...

Saturday Football Pick

NEW ORLEANS (-8) over Dallas

Thursday Football Pick

Indianapolis (-3) over JACKSONVILLE

Red Sox Making Moves

In addition to signing John Lackey, the Red Sox also appear on the verge of adding free agent outfielder Mike Cameron. The 36-year-old Cameron is known more for his glove (three-time Gold Glove winner) than his bat but he is coming off a solid 2009 when he hit .250 with an OPS of .795, 24 HR and 70 RBI in 149 games for the Brewers. As of now it looks like the Sox will play Jacoby Ellsbury in center with J.D. Drew in right and Cameron in left. However, I think Theo Epstein has another move up his sleeve. Cameron could well be the next leftfielder for the Red Sox but he could also be a possibility in center ... if the team trades Ellsbury. Trading Ellsbury sounds crazy but if Epstein is serious about adding an impact bat such as Adrian Gonzalez, the young and talented Ellsbury would be a major chip. Maybe, just maybe, Epstein will be trading Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz, Manny Delcarmen, and Jed Lowrie for Gonzalez. Or maybe Elsbury is staying put in center, and Cameron is the leftfielder but the Sox will send Jeremy Hermida and Ryan Westmoreland to San Diego along with Buchholz, Delcarmen, and Lowrie for Gonzalez. However this plays out, expect Epstein to make another big move.

MLB Hot Stove Thoughts

The Red Sox have reportedly signed free agent starting pitcher John Lackey to a contract. The deal for the ex-Angels hurler - who defeated the Red Sox in Game 1 of the ALDS this October - is supposedly worth $82.5-million over five years. Acquiring Lackey comes on the heels of free agent Jason Bay's announcement he will actively seek opportunities outside of Boston. Theo Epstein and the Red Sox brain trust must be thinking that they will have to win with pitching. Lackey joins a staff that already featured Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, and Daisuke Matsuzaka. His presence also gives Epstein the flexibility to move top prospect Clay Buchholz if the right deal - hello, Adrian Gonzalez - presents itself... With Lackey, the Red Sox boast a starting rotation of Beckettm, Lester, Lackey, Matsuzaka, and Tim Wakefield. With Buchholz suddenly expendable, Epstein could offer him along with Ryan Westmoreland, Manny Delcarmen, and Jed Lowrie to San Diego for Adrian Gonzalez. Imagine a Red Sox team with that depth of starting pitching, a bullpen featuring Jonathan Papelbon, Daniel Bard, and Hideki Okajima, and this lineup (with Matt Holliday tossed in because I'm feeling good today): 1. Jacoby Ellsbury - CF 2. Dustin Pedroia - 2B 3. Victor Martinez - C 4. Kevin Youkilis - 3B 5. Adrian Gonzalez - 1B 6. Matt Holliday - LF 7. David Ortiz - DH 8. J.D. Drew - RF 9. Marco Scutaro - SS Even if the Sox only add Gonzalez or Holliday, their 2010 offense should be improved from a year ago... In other Red Sox news, the team has reportedly offered Cuban prospect Aroldis Chapman $15.5-million to join their organization. Chapman is a 21-year-old lefty who throws upwards of 100 mph. He is young and raw but without the pressure to be the number one pitcher in Boston, he could flourish. He is expected to hold an open tryout tomorrow in Houston... The Blue Jays are on the verge of trading Roy Halladay to Philadelphia in a three-team deal that would land Cliff Lee in Seattle with prospects going to Toronto. I am happy to see Halladay out of the A.L. East... The Dodgers are most likely cutting back on costs as their owners, the McCourt family, goes through a well publicized and messy divorce. Manny Ramirez and his $20-million is the biggest contract on the books in L.A. Any chance that the Red Sox - who need a big bat in the middle of their lineup - would take a second look at Ramirez? Probably not, but it would be great to have #24 back at Fenway this summer...

Random Thoughts (December 13, 2009)

The talk about the crumbling of the Patriots is a bit premature. The Pats are probably not going to win a fourth Super Bowl title in this decade but with Tom Brady at quarterback and Bill Belichick calling the plays, the future of the team is still bright... It's hard to believe that Mark Ingram is the first Heisman trophy winner from Alabama, but it's true. The sophomore running back became the first Crimson Tide player to win the award for college football's top player. Ingram's Heisman will join a loaded trophy case in Tuscaloosa that includes 12 national championships and 22 SEC championships. Ingram is hoping to add a 13th national title to that same trophy case in a few weeks when his team takes on Texas and Heisman finalist Colt McCoy... Jason Bay has officially rejected the Red Sox 4-year/$60-million contract offer and has announced he is ready to move on to another team. The Mets and Mariners have reported interest in the free agent outfielder. Red Sox fans could be facing a long summer but I give credit to Theo Epstein. I do not want to see Epstein overspend in order to keep up with the Yankees for one year. Instead, I want the Red Sox to invest wisely and not sign a player who does not fit their long term plans... The Celtics won their 10th straight game last night and are now a league best 19-4. Kevin Garnett's knee is looking better every game and the team is building off of his momentum. The one issue for the C's right now is the wrist injury to key reserve Marquis Daniels, who will miss 6-8 weeks following surgery. Without Daniels, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen will be asked to play more minutes which could come back to haunt the team in the playoffs... Enjoy Tom Brady today...

Football Picks

All picks against the spread (the Sunday "Bible") and home team in capitals... NFL INDIANAPOLIS (-6.5) over Denver MINNESOTA (-6.5) over Cincinnati NY Jets (-3) over TAMPA BAY Buffalo (Pick) over KANSAS CITY Green Bay (-4) over CHICAGO New Orleans (-10) over ATLANTA Detroit (+13.5) over BALTIMORE Miami (+2.5) over JACKSONVILLE Carolina (+13) over PATRIOTS HOUSTON (-6.5) over Seattle TENNESSEE (-13) over St. Louis Washington (-1) over OAKLAND San Diego (+3.5) over DALLAS NY GIANTS (+1) over Philadelphia Arizona (-3.5) over SAN FRANCISCO Last Week: 8 - 8 This Week: 0 - 1 Season: 96 - 90 - 1

Random Thoughts (December 10, 2009)

The Red Sox are on the verge of trading Mike Lowell to the Rangers for catcher Max Ramirez. The trade is contingent on Lowell passing a physical exam - no guarantee considering his injured hip - and the commissioner approving the Red Sox taking on a hefty portion of the $12-million owed to Lowell in 2010. This deal will allow the Red Sox to explore options for a new third baseman - prepare yourself for the Adrian Beltre era - or possibly a move for either Miguel Cabrera of Detroit or Adrian Gonzalez of San Diego, which would move Kevin Youkilis to first base. Acquiring Ramirez adds another option at catcher for the Red Sox. Known more for his bat than his glove, Ramirez has a good future in front of him. With Jason Varitek probably entering his last year and Victor Martinez looking to be more of a DH in the future, the Sox need to add catching depth... The Red Sox have acquired pitcher Boof Bonser from the Twins for a player to be named later. Bonser missed 2009 with a shoulder injury but has the potential to help the Red Sox as a starter or reliever... If you have not watched the Kentucky basketball team, make it a point to see them soon. The Wildcats are loaded and will figure prominently into the national championship picture under first-year coach John Calipari. John Wall, the next great point guard prospect, is the best freshman in the country and could factor into the National Player of the Year discussion before heading off to the NBA... If the Patriots turn around their season and become a factor in the Super Bowl race, yesterday will go down as the day they got on the right track. Bill Belichick sent home Randy Moss, Adalius Thomas, Derrick Burgess, and Gary Guyton for arriving late to a team meeting. How those four players could not get there on time is surprising considering that Tom Brady - who welcomed the birth of his second son on Tuesday night - was on time... The search for the next Notre Dame football coach in on, with Cincinnati's Brian Kelly and UConn's Randy Edsall reportedly at the top of the Irish wish list. The Pope could bring back Vince Lombardi to take the reigns in South Bend and it would not matter. College football has changed and the top players do not want to play in northern Indiana under the shadow of Touchdown Jesus like they used to in the past. If Notre Dame truly wishes to return to the top, they have to slightly relax their admissions standards to attract the best players. They need to bend just a little if they wish to compete with the Alabama's of the nation. If not, they might as well join the Ivy League... Pittsburgh (-10) over CLEVELAND... Enjoy Ray Allen tonight...

Speaking of the 2010 NBA All-Star Game...

Here is your starting point guard for the Eastern Conference. Typical Rondo tonight against the Bucks and their talented rookie point guard Brandon Jennings as he filled the stat sheet with 11 points, 13 assists, 9 rebounds, and 5 steals.

As for Jennings, Rondo made life miserable for the rookie. Jennings entered the night as the hottest rookie in the league but was held to 17 points on 7-of-19 shooting.

If the Eastern Conference wants to win the All-Star Game, there is no option other than Rondo.

NFL Random Thoughts

Their place in history as the first "Team of the Decade" in the 21st Century is secure but the dominant run by the Patriots this decade has come to an end. After yesterday's 22-21 loss to the Dolphins, the Pats have fallen to 7-5 and hold only a slim one-game lead over the Dolphins and Jets in the AFC East. Just a few weeks ago, the Pats entered the fourth quarter in Indianapolis up 17 points on the Colts, looking at coming home with a 7-2 record. Now they are a borderline playoff team and have no realistic shot to win the Super Bowl. It is a shame that a team featuring talent like Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Jerod Mayo, and Vince Wilfork could possibly fail to make the playoffs but that is reality right now... The Cardinals made a very loud statement yesterday that they will be a threat to challenge the Saints and Vikings in the NFC in January... San Diego continues to build momentum and with their recent history of success against the Colts - they have beaten them four of their last five meetings - don't be surprised if the Bolts are representing the AFC in the Super Bowl... Has Tony Romo ever won a big game... As bad as it is to be a Patriots fan at this moment, it could be worse. Imagine how the Steelers fans are feeling these days... Here is this week's "Supe Seven":

1. New Orleans Saints (12-0)
2. Indianapolis Colts (12-0)
3. Minnesota Vikings (10-2)
4. San Diego Chargers (9-3)
5. Arizona Cardinals (8-4)
6. Cincinnati Bengals (9-3)
7. New England Patriots (7-5)

Enjoy Ray Lewis tonight...

Football Picks

This will be my last set of college football picks until the BCS bowl games. For the season I am a solid 37 - 22 - 3 so if you need some extra cash for the holidays, take my advice on this weekends games. All picks against the spread (the "Bible") and home team in capitals... NCAA Cincinnati (-2) over PITTSBURGH USC (-7) over Arizona Alabama (+5.5) over Florida (SEC Championship) Georgia Tech (-1) over Clemson (ACC Championship) Texas (-14.5) over Nebraska (Big 12 Championship) Last Week: 1 - 3 - 1 Season: 37 - 22 - 3 NFL Denver (-4.5) over KANSAS CITY PITTSBURGH (-14.5) over Oakland Houston (Pick) over JACKSONVILLE Tennessee (+6.5) over INDIANAPOLIS ATLANTA (+5.5) over Philadelphia Detroit (+13) over CINCINNATI WASHINGTON (+9.5) over New Orleans CAROLINA (-6) over Tampa Bay St. Louis (+9) over CHICAGO San Diego (-13.5) over CLEVELAND San Francisco (Pick) over SEATTLE ARIZONA (+3) over Minnesota Dallas (-2) over NY GIANTS Patriots (-4) over MIAMI GREEN BAY (-3) over Baltimore Last Week: 6 - 7 - 1 This Week: 1 - 0 Season: 89 - 81 - 1

Random Thoughts (December 4, 2009)

Congratulations to Chip Kelly and the Oregon Ducks for winning the Pac-10 championship and earning their first trip to the Rose Bowl since 1995 with their 37-33 victory over Oregon State in the annual "Civil War." Kelly's season has been well documented in the last few days. In his first season as Oregon's head coach, following two years as their offensive coordinator, the former New Hampshire OC suffered a nightmare in his debut at Boise State. Immediately after the Ducks lost to the Broncos, Oregon's star running back LeGarrette Blount knocked out a Boise State player and threatened to take on the entire crowd. The next day Kelly suspended his star player for the remainder of the season ... and also started moving his team towards the Pac-10 title. Blount's suspension - which was lifted after a long process in which he proved he was sincerely apologetic - created an opening for freshman LaMichael James. James literally took his opportunity and ran with it, he rushed for 1476 yards and 14 touchdowns. Oregon won the Pac-10 by knocking off USC, California, Arizona, and Oregon State in impressive fashion. The Wildcats and Beavers gave Oregon a run for their money the last two weeks but the mental toughness that was built by Kelly following the embarrassing start helped the Ducks find a way to win. Blount is the ultimate redemption story. Although Kelly reinstated him to the team three weeks ago, he did not see any action in the Arizona State or Arizona games. Last night, three months after he threw a punch that Kelly refused to allow to define Blount - or his program - he rushed for 51 yards and the game winning touchdown. Oregon now faces a matchup with Ohio State on New Year's Day in Pasadena. Many people around the country will choose the tradition of the Buckeyes but one better think twice about choosing against Oregon and Chip Kelly's Ducks... Stop me if you have heard this before. The Red Sox have agreed to a contract with free agent shortstop Marco Scutaro, pending the former Blue Jay passes a physical. Scutaro is the latest shortstop - following Orlando Cabrera, Edgar Renteria, Alex Gonzalez (twice), Julio Lugo, Alex Cora, Jed Lowrie, Nick Green - to man the position following the trade of Nomar Garciaparra on July 31, 2004. The Sox have won two titles since that move but have seen more turnaround and spent more millions at shortstop than Notre Dame has on head football coaches in the same time span. Scutaro is coming off a career year at age 34. In 144 games, he hit .282 with an OBP of .379. He also is a solid defensive shortstop. Scutaro is keeping the position warm for 19-year-old Jose Iglesias, the Cuban phenom who will probably start his professional career with Double-A Portland this summer. Theo Epstein still has to find a left fielder (Jason Bay/Matt Holliday) and come up with a solution for Mike Lowell to finalize his infield. Here is my latest projection of the 2010 Red Sox opening day lineup: 1. Jacoby Ellsbury - CF 2. Dustin Pedroia - 2B 3. Adrian Gonzalez - 1B 4. Kevin Youkilis - 3B 5. Victor Martinez - C 6. Matt Holliday - LF 7. David Ortiz - DH 8. J.D. Drew - RF 9. Marco Scutaro - SS Gonzalez and Holliday? With Scutaro at shortstop, Epstein can add in Lowrie to the deal for Gonzalez. Lowrie will not be a major piece but new Padres general manager Jed Hoyer knows him well from his time with the Red Sox and in starting the rebuilding process in San Diego, he will value the versatility (and low cost) of the former Pac-10 Player of the Year... Maybe I was a tad premature to write off Kevin Garnett. In his last five games - all Boston wins - KG has averaged 18.2 points and 6.6 rebounds. Those are not eye-popping stats but at age 33, Garnett is coming off of the first major injury of his career and with nearly 1100 career games on his resume so we can not expect him to post numbers like he did in his prime. For the year, KG is averaging 14.5 points and 7.3 rebounds for the 15-4 Celtics. Statistics do not tell the entire story - I would still like to see some more explosiveness from him when he jumps - but Garnett does not have the carry the entire burden because of the talent that surrounds him... The news that Fred Taylor is back practicing with the Patriots is great news for their Super Bowl hopes. Without Taylor in the backfield, the Patriots offensive attack has become too reliant on the pass because opponents know that in crunch time, the Pats have to pass. A healthy Taylor will provide needed balance for the Patriots in January... Hopefully we won't enjoy Kevin Durant too much tonight...

Random Thoughts (December 2, 2009)

The Patriots loss to the Colts was painful for two obvious reasons: giving up a fourth quarter lead and Bill Belichick's decision to run a play on 4th-and-2 from his own 28. That decision gave Peyton Manning a short field and less than two minutes later, the Colts scored the winning touchdown. After that loss, however, there was still optimism in New England. Sure, the Pats had blown a big game but many believed that if given a second chance, Tom Brady & Co. would trump the Colts. That optimism is a lot weaker this week following the beating the Pats suffered on Monday night in New Orleans. The manner in which Drew Brees and the Saints tore apart the Patriots defense in their 38-17 victory surely means that the 2009 season will not end with a Duck Boat parade down Boylston Street. Or does it? Yes, the Pats were humiliated but it was only one game. Let's look back at the Super Bowl winners of this decade and the big (10 points or more) losses they suffered on their way to the Lombardi Trophy:

• 2008 Steelers (lost 31-14 to the Titans in Week 16)
• 2007 Giants (lost 45-35 to the Cowboys in Week1, 35-13 to the Packers in Week 2, 41-17 to the Vikings in Week 12, 22-10 to the Redskins in Week 15)
• 2006 Colts (lost 44-17 to the Jaguars in Week 14)
• 2005 Steelers (lost 26-7 to the Colts in Week 12)
• 2004 Patriots (lost 34-20 the Steelers in Week 8)
• 2003 Patriots (lost 31-0 to the Bills in Week 1)
• 2002 Buccaneers (lost 20-10 to the Eagles in Week 7, 17-7 to the Steelers in Week 16)
• 2001 Patriots (lost 30-10 to the Dolphins in Week 4, 31-20 to the Broncos in Week 7)
• 2000 Ravens (lost 19-6 to the Dolphins in Week 3)

This list in no way makes a case that the Patriots will win the Super Bowl but it does show that every champion of the past decade has suffered at least one bad loss during the season...

Billy Wagner will sign a contract with the Braves, pending a physical exam.

Losing Wagner does hurt the Red Sox bullpen for 2010 but they will receive draft pick compensation from Atlanta. With the success rate of Theo Epstein at the top of the draft - Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Daniel Bard, and Clay Buchholz have all made impacts in Boston shortly after being drafted - losing Wagner may not be such a big loss...

No NFL Random Thoughts this week because I was working the bar and did not get to watch as much football as I had hoped. However, here is this week's edition of the "Super Seven"

1. Minnesota Vikings (10-1)
2. New Orleans Saints (11-0)
3. San Diego Chargers (8-3)
4. Indianapolis Colts (11-0)
5. New England Patriots (7-4)
6. Arizona Cardinals (7-4)
7. Cincinnati Bengals (8-3)

Tiger Woods' personal life is not our business but I find it to be irresponsible that he was allowed four days to get his story straight by police officials in Florida after his car accident on Friday...

Thursday football pick: Jets (-3) over Bills...

This story is not as shocking as it should be...

Enjoy Corey Lowe tonight...