Reminder for Saturday

Make sure to tune in ESPN Radio 890 AM tomorrow afternoon at 2 pm for "Rounding Third" from the Baseball Tavern with hosts Mark Linehan and Bernie Corbett.

I am scheduled to call in live from Baltimore around 3 pm but make sure to catch the entire show. Expected guests include the best NBA writer in the business, Ian Thomsen of Sports Illustrated.

I am hoping to meet with a friend who travels with the Red Sox before I call in, looking to get the reaction from the team after today's trades and yesterday's news that David Ortiz is on the 2003 steroid list. Hopefully, there will be some breaking news to pass along.

V-Mart Fallout

With Victor Martinez coming to Boston, the Red Sox will have to move recently acquired Adam LaRoche. Also, because the Sox were able to retain Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden in the Martinez deal, they still have the chips to make a late play on Roy Halladay.

Red Sox To Acquire Martinez

Numerous reports are stating that the Red Sox will acquire Indians catcher/firstbaeman/DH Victor Martinez. The price is expected to include top pitching prospect Clay Buchholz. The 30-year-old Martinez is hitting .284 with 15 homeruns and 67 RBI for Cleveland. He adds much needed life to Boston's offense and because he can catch, gives manager Terry Francona the ability to rest Jason Varitek more often. Hopefully I will see him in the lineup in Baltimore tomorrow. Check my Twitter account for updates.

Now What?

Barry Bonds ... Roger Clemens ... Sammy Sosa ... Mark McGwire ... Jose Canseco ... Manny Ramirez ... Alex Rodriguez ... David Ortiz?

Big Papi has some serious explaining to do. His name is now linked with those who have used illegal substances to help advance their baseball careers. A list of players who failed what was supposed to be a confidential test back in 2003 has sprung more leaks than Titanic and in the process, has sunk the reputations of some of baseball's biggest stars.

A report in yesterday's New York Times, Ortiz is on the list of players who failed the test in '03. Back then, Ortiz was just beginning his stretch of dominance that made him the most feared left-handed hitter in baseball not named Bonds and launched the Red Sox to World Series titles in 2004 and 2007.

During this year's spring training - in the wake of Alex Rodriguez being on the '03 list - Ortiz made strong comments about steroid users. Ortiz stated that all known users of performance-enhancing drugs (PED) should face a one-year ban from the game.

Now that his name has surfaced, Ortiz looks foolish and hypocritical. For his part, Ortiz has not shied away from the controversy. In a statement he released after yesterday's 8-5 win over the A's - in which he crushed a three-run homer to give the Sox the lead in the seventh inning - Ortiz said he would like to know what drug caused him to fail the test and that he will be honest with the public when he gets his answer.

Even if Ortiz is found to have failed over a minor miscommunication - like taking a medicine to recover from an illness, for example - the '04 and '07 Red Sox will forever be tainted. Ramirez was also on the '03 list and coupled with his failed test and 50-game suspension this year, no one knows just how long he was taking PEDs. Who knows how many other members of those glorious Sox teams was on the juice?

Just because those championship teams are tainted does not mean that we as fans can not still celebrate them. Those were real moments and the memories of Ortiz' greatness are only diminished, not completely erased. It's not like Ortiz and Ramirez were the only players who illegally sought out an edge. It was a widespread problem that effects more teams and players than we are aware of at this point.

Now, if Ortiz failed because he was directly taking steroids, I hope he follows his own advice and takes off a year from baseball. Owning up to his mistakes is the one way he can still be a role model for the thousands of children who proudly wear his No. 34 on their back and the only way he can begin to scrub away the bad feelings this incident has caused.

Road Trip Rules

This weekend will be my inaugural trip to Baltimore to see the Red Sox and Orioles at Camden Yards. I will be traveling with five other friends. Through a combination of social paranoia, general disgust with other people, and a sense of boredom in the days leading up to our trip, we have been sending out rules for the trip via the ancient method of communication known as text messaging. Here is a (large) sample of what one can not do during the forty-eight hours we spend in Maryland: No talking about how nice Camden Yards is... No toilet paper... No iPods or reading on the plane... No cheering for the Red Sox... No Sweet Caroline... No friendly conversations with strangers... No talking with people from Boston/Red Sox fans... No talking about "kids I know from Southie or Dorchester"... No tucked in shirts... No Gatorade, bottled water, or Advil... No wake up calls... No telling the truth to people we don't know... No sideways hats... No jello shots... No taking pictures... No combs or hairgel... No buying merchandise from bars... No saying "excuse me" to anyone... No fights... No washing of hands after using the bathroom... No visors... No clothing that would announce we are from Boston or like the Red Sox... No gum or breath mints... No starting conversations with the phrase "my buddy"... No showers longer than two minutes... No ecstasy or coke... No talk about the Bruins... No hanging out with acquaintances we run into unless four of the other five members of the group vote in favor... No suitcases, plastic bags only...

Random Thoughts (July 26, 2009)

I know it's unusual to get a Random Thoughts on a Sunday night but I'm not in a great mood* so I thought I would share my irrelevant take on life with you in spite of the Lord's request that I take the day off. (* I'm stealing from the great Joe Posnanski once again but you need - no, you deserve - to know what could ruin the mood of the eternally optimistic TheBostonInsider. I had one or ten too many at the Red Sox game last night, my softball game this morning almost led me to commit a crime of passion, and I have a paper for my graduate class due in a few hours that I just don't feel like writing. Enjoy!) And, we're off... Let me start with a new beginning. After avoiding joining Twitter out of nothing more than ignorance, TheBostonInsider is the newest member of the insanely popular social network. I decided to join so I could follow the quick-hit thoughts of the best sports writers - like Sports Illustrated's baseball scribe Jon Heyman - but I will also post some of the things that drip out of my head that can't be wiped away with a napkin. Don't be afraid to stop by every once in a while... For the second straight week, TheBostonInsider joined Mark Linehan and Bernie Corbett for some great sports talk on "Rounding Third" from the Baseball Tavern. Linehan and Corbett had another great lineup of guests. Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe chimed in from Cooperstown and Red Sox historian (and Jim Rice's most important cheerleader) Dick Bresciani also called in from upstate New York. Joining Mark and Bernie at the Tavern - home to Boston's best clamroll - was baseball analyst Buck Martinez and the author of the Fat White Guy blog, Rob Lunn. Martinez, who managed the United States in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, had a great idea for the future of the controversial WBC. He believes that every four years, the WBC should be played in place of the MLB All-Star Game. Martinez would like to see a series of exhibition games played in the MLB cities that have multiple stadiums - New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Make sure to tune in this Saturday on ESPN 890 AM at 2pm. TheBostonInsider is scheduled to call in from Baltimore, where he expects to drop a small stimulus package on the bars of the Inner Harbor... Due to a shoulder injury that makes it impossible to make a pain-free overhanded throw - as well as a Pedro-like ability to command the mound - I am the default pitcher for my slow pitch softball team. It is a job that is usually a lot of fun. Today was the exception. I thought I was going up against Mass Mayhem but instead I found myself pitching against the Billy Beane All-Stars. Instead of getting up to the plate and taking their hacks, Mass Mayhem decided to run up my pitch count and draw walks. Slow pitch softball pitching is no exact science (especially when one has to vomit into the Charles River between innings) but the basic idea is to swing the bat if the pitch is around the plate. The losers of Mass Mayhem just sat there with bats on shoulder. They did earn five walks in the game but I also recorded an unofficial world record with three strike outs by the way of an umpire's decision. My physical state of being, combined with my mounting frustration, almost led me to take action with my bat. I was thinking of going Izzy Alcantara on Mass Mayhem but then I remembered that it's Sunday morning slow pitch softball and going to jail for murdering an opponent would not have been a good way to spend my time. I am already regretting the decision... Buster Olney of ESPN reported that the Red Sox have interest in trading for Padres firstbaseman Adrian Gonzalez. Gonzalez would cost the Sox a bunch in terms of prospects but he is under contract through 2010 ($4.75 million) with a team option for $5.5 million in 2011. With the Red Sox struggling to score, Gonzalez is a very attractive option. His numbers compare very favorably with those of Yankee firstbaseman Mark Teixeira, who the Sox tried to sign this past winter. Theo Epstein would most likely have to be willing to part ways with his top two pitching prospects, Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden, just to start the negotiations but Gonzalez' combination of production, youth, and affordability makes him worth trading away some of the brightest chips in the organization... Enjoy APA format...

Where Was Vick?

Michael Vick has some serious explaining to do. One day after Vick was released from federal custody after serving 23 months for funding an illegal dogfighting ring, Gidget - the dog made famous in Taco Bell's commercials - passed away at age 15. The official cause of death has been listed as a stroke but I smell foul play. Vick obviously has a taste for blood and could not control his urges once he was made free. So, Michael, where were you on Tuesday?

Rickey Being Rickey

Red Sox fans will finally be able to celebrate the induction of Jim Rice into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday. For one of the last great sluggers who played before the steroid era, it will be a memorable afternoon. While Rice is the story locally, the brightest star being inducted at Cooperstown this weekend is the one and only Rickey Henderson. Henderson, who played for 25 seasons with nine different teams (go ahead, name them off the top of your head), was truly one of the greatest players to ever step on the field. The stats tell us a lot about Henderson but they fail to explain the entire story. Sure, he is the all-time leader in stolen bases (1406) but that number doesn't illustrate how badly Henderson rattled opposing pitchers. I wonder what the batting average or on-base percentage was of the hitters who were at-bat when Henderson swiped a bag? The 1990 American League MVP trophy is a testament to his dominance that season but it does not do justice to the wonders Henderson did for the A's offense. They were in the top five of the AL in nine major statistical categories, including runs (third), homeruns (third -keep your steroid jokes at home this weekend), stolen bases (second - Rickey led the league with 65), and on-base percentage (third). Henderson is also second all-time in walks (2190) behind Barry Bonds. Pitchers who were afraid of igniting a first inning A's rally by walking him would often try and sneak a fastball past Rickey. A record 81 times he crushed a lead-off homerun due to that line of thinking. As a young fan in the late '80s and early '90s, Henderson's Oakland teams ruined my dreams of a Red Sox World Series. That didn't stop me from getting to Fenway Park for batting practice when the A's were in town so I could watch Rickey take BP, run his sprints, and shag fly balls. He was a joy to watch. When he played for the Red Sox for 72 games in 2002 (at age 43), Henderson was still a thrill to watch. Enjoy his induction speech, enjoy the highlight tapes and rest assured, we will never be lucky enough to see another Rickey Henderson. P.S. This is for those of you who didn't cheat and couldn't come up with Rickey's nine teams.

Random Thoughts (July 24, 2009)

Adam LaRoche is set to make his Boston debut tonight when the Slumping Sox return to Fenway Park for the first time since the All-Star break. A dismal 1-5 trip through Toronto and Texas has turned a three-game lead over the Yankees at the break into a 2.5-game deficit. The offense has been the culprit in this mini-slide, scoring just 13 runs in the six games. Adding life to the lineup is why Theo Epstein traded for LaRoche. However, to make room for him on the active roster, Epstein will have to create an opening. There are two options to make room for LaRoche. Either the Sox disable or designate Mark Kotsay for assignment or they can cut their pitching staff from 12 to 11. Kotsay being moved to the disabled list makes the most sense. He is currently fighting a calf injury that could use some rest. He also had back surgery this past offseason. A few weeks away from the field would make Kotsay refreshed and completely healthy just in time for the playoffs. Designating him for assignment or an outright release is a path that I do not think Epstein will follow. Kotsay has too much value as a lefthanded-hitter off the bench who can play firstbase and all three outfield positions. The other direction for the Red Sox in this situation is to trim their pitching staff by one arm. The problem with this is that there are not too many possibilities. Unless Brad Penny (still a possibility) or Clay Buchholz (highly unlikely) are traded, the starting rotation will remain intact. We know that Jonathan Papelbon, Hideki Okajima, Ramon Ramirez, and Manny Delcarmen are probably going nowhere. Daniel Bard and Justin Masterson have options remaining but they are too highly valued to be shipped to Pawtucket for five weeks until rosters expand on September 1. The only option on the pitching staff is Takashi Saito. Saito has not made himself indispensable (3.41 ERA, 1.39 WHIP in 31.2 innings) and with many teams begging for bullpen help, Epstein could land a decent prospect or two if he decides to make a trade. If the Red Sox decide to cut their pitching staff, they could survive a month with six relievers until the rosters expand. In the playoffs, when only three or four starters are needed, they could move Tim Wakefield, John Smoltz, Penny, or Buchholz into the bullpen. Expect a decision on either Kotsay or Saito to be announced early this afternoon... Chris Sweet, the boy's lacrosse coach at Duxbury High School, has been the most successful coach in Massachusetts over the past decade. His teams have won seven Division 1 state championships, including the last six consecutively, and at one point sported a 99-game winning streak against fellow Massachusetts teams. He has won over 200 games at the helm in Duxbury. Sweet's unmatched success seemingly matters little to the decision makers in Duxbury. He was recently informed his contract for 2009-2010 will not be renewed. Apparently, Sweet ruffled some feathers amongst the parents when he cut some upperclassmen from the team this past spring in favor of more talented younger players. This case is an example of how parents continue to ruin athletics by wielding too much power when it comes to roster decisions and coaches' futures. You would think that Sweet would be trusted to make simple roster decisions after the great record he has built up in his eleven-seasons with the Dragons. Sadly, he was not. I'm sure he will land on his feet at a school that will welcome him with open arms... Mark Buerhle's perfect game yesterday against the Rays pushes him towards the direction of the Hall of Fame. If you think I'm crazy, let's look at some relevant statistics for the 30-year-old lefty:

• Buehrle already has 133 career wins. If he maintains his health and continues to average the 15 wins per season he did from 2001-2008 (he already has 11 in 2009), then he will be closing in on 300 career wins by the age of 40. In this era of starters going six-innings before turning things over to the bullpen, anyone who even threatens to win 300 games will find his way into Cooperstown.
• Buehrle was the best pitcher for the White Sox when they won the World Series in 2005. Pitching your team to a championship helps make a case for enshrinement.
• Buehrle is already a four-time All-Star (2002, 2005, 2006, 2009). A few more appearances will only bolster his resume for the Hall.
• In addition to yesterday's perfect game, which was just the 18th since 1900, Buehrle tossed a no-hitter in 2007 against the Rangers.

Buehrle does have a long way to go before he can write his acceptance speech. Winning a Cy Young or two would make a huge difference in his favor. Also, the assumption of staying healthy into one's 40s is risky at best.

Hall of Fame or not, Buehrle has already had a very successful career that has gone under the radar for the most part...

I would be committing a crime if I failed to mention the outstanding catch made by ChiSox centerfielder Dewayne Wise for the first out in the ninth inning of Buehrle's masterpiece.

Wise, inserted as a defensive replacement in the ninth, stole a homerun away from Gabe Kapler with a leaping catch against the left-center wall.

I think Buehrle will follow the advice of No. 44 and treat Wise to a steak...

It looks like NFL commissioner Roger Goodell failed to follow the advice of TheBostonInsider.

Reports are circulating that Goodell will grant Michael Vick a conditional reinstatement to the NFL, allowing Vick to sign a contract and attend training camp. The official announcement, expected next week, could include a four-game suspension for Vick to start the 2009 season.

Vick's reinstatement raises the question of where he will play in 2009. With training camp less than a week away, the quarterback situation for most teams have been settled.

The Vikings, who are waiting to hear if the "retired" Brett Favre will play for them in 2009 could be an interesting option for Vick...

Make sure to listen to the Mark Linehan-Bernie Corbett show on ESPN 890 AM tomorrow from 2 - 3:30.

One of their guests will be former UConn football player Rob Lunn, who is the author of the wildly popular "Thoughts From a Fat White Guy" blog...

Enjoy the Red Sox offense tonight...

Red Sox Still In Halladay Race?

If rumors are to be believed, the Red Sox still loom as a dark horse to complete a trade for Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay. Numerous reports state that the Red Sox could add Halladay in a blockbuster move that would also land them shortstop Marco Scutaro. The Red Sox would have to pay a hefty price for a Halladay/Scutaro package but it would be enough to make them the prohibitive favorite to win the 2009 World Series. Theo Epstein would have to start the discussions with top pitching prospect Clay Buchholz and then add shortstop Jed Lowrie, outfielder Josh Reddick, and firstbaseman Lars Anderson. An additional pitching prospect such as Michael Bowden or Justin Masterson - or both - could also be a part of the deal. It is a move that I would make with no hesitation. Yes, Buchholz and the other trading chips are highly valuable prospects who give the Red Sox a combination of promising talent and small financial investment. On the other side, none of them are guaranteed to have the type of big league results as Halladay, a future Hall of Famer, and Scutaro, who is solid in the field and at the plate. For those worried that Halladay would be a threat to leave Boston as a free agent after 2010, that is a risk worth taking. Two runs at October glory would be well worth it if Halladay were to leave, a scenario I don't believe would become an issue. The Red Sox are set up to contend for a long time - even if they give up top prospects like Buchholz and Anderson - and they also have the money to keep Halladay happy. After failing to sign Mark Teixeira this past winter, Boston has plenty to sign Halladay and Josh Beckett, who will also be a free agent after 2010. After losing for so many years in Toronto, Boston provides Halladay with the perfect combination of potential championships and millions of dollars. Scutaro, who will be a free agent after this season, would give the Red Sox a better option at shortstop than either Lowrie or Nick Green. His high on-base percentage (.384) would make him an ideal candidate to leadoff (Sox leadoff hitters have a dismal .300 OBP this year) and has made just three errors in the field. If the Sox make this trade (Buchholz, Lowrie, Masterson, Anderson, and Reddick) I don't see how this roster would not win the World Series: 1. Marco Scutaro - SS, RH 2. Dustin Pedroia - 2B, RH 3. Kevin Youkilis - 3B, RH 4. David Ortiz - DH, LH 5. Jason Bay - LF, RH 6. Adam LaRoche - 1B, LH 7. J.D. Drew - RF, LH 8. Jason Varitek - C, S 9. Jacoby Ellsbury - CF, LH Bench: Mike Lowell (3B/DH, RH), Rocco Baldelli (OF, RH), Nick Green (SS/2B, RH), George Kotteras (C, LH), Mark Kotsay (OF/1B, LH) Starting Rotation: Roy Halladay, Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, John Smoltz, Tim Wakefield Bullpen: Jonathan Papelbon, Hideki Okajima, Daniel Bard, Ramon Ramirez, Manny Delcarmen, Takashi Saito

Random Thoughts (July 23, 2009)

Playing 3,000 miles away from Fenway has not kept Manny Ramirez out of the news. Ramirez has had quite the year. He tested positive for a banned substance, served a fifty-game suspension, and he passed Mickey Mantle on the all-time homerun list. So, Red Sox fans, do you think you could have put up with Ramirez' occassional infant behavior if it meant our offense wouldn't be as weak as an airplane cocktail? Last night, Ramirez hit his 21st career grand slam in a pinch-hit role. It puts him just two grand slams behind the all-time leader, Lou Gehrig. For all of his many faults, Ramirez is a Hall of Fame hitter and if he were entrenched in the heart of the Red Sox lineup, I seriously doubt the Boston offense would be struggling to hit the likes of Dustin Nippert. The Dodgers are the best team in the National League and are a legitimate World Series contender for the first time since Orel Hershiser and Kirk Gibson wore Dodger Blue. As much as I love Jason Bay, he is not Manny Ramirez. Not many hitters in the history of baseball can match Manny's astronomical production. It does not take a tremendous leap of faith to say that if Manny was still a member of the Red Sox, the team would have advanced past the Rays in the 2008 ALCS and possibly won a third World Series in Ramirez' tenure and that they would not be struggling so much to score runs as they are right now... One debate taking place in the sports world right now is that Ramirez does not deserve to rank higher than Mantle because of his positive test for a banned performance-enhancing drug. Please let me play devil's advocate for a moment. Although Ramirez did break the rules of baseball, doesn't his willingness to take that drug show how much he cares about being a great baseball player. In contrast, Mantle's well known problems with alcohol curtailed some of his success and, along with injury problems, led to the premature end of his career. If Mantle has cared as much as Ramirez about maintaining his body, he might have become the greatest baseball player ever... In addition to trading two low-level prospects to Pittsburgh for firstbaseman Adam LaRoche, Theo Epstein also traded Julio Lugo to the Cardinals for outfielder Chris Duncan. Lugo, who had been designated for assignment last Friday, was the biggest free agent bust of the Epstein era (see below). I have to give credit to Epstein for getting anything in return for Lugo, let alone an outfielder with the potential to hit for power. Duncan is a former first round pick of the Cardinals (1999) who never found his stroke in St. Louis. The change of scenery - and maybe getting away from his father, Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan - might help Duncan succeed. He has been assigned to Triple-A Pawtucket. A quick glance at his Baseball-Reference page shows that Duncan has produced at the major league level, hitting 22 homeruns in 2006 and 21 in 2007. Duncan's similarity score says he is closest to White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin, a 2008 All-Star. Whether or not Duncan ever makes a difference in Boston, I was surprised Epstein could even get a warm body, let alone someone who at least statistically compares with Quentin. I wouldn't have even given up Carlos Quintana... When it comes to building a first-class farm system and a world champion organization, Theo Epstein ranks as the best general manager in baseball. Under his direction since 2003, the Red Sox have won two World Series, advanced to the ALCS four times, and only missed the postseason once. He has also overseen a buildup in the franchise's minor league talent levels that is already paying off at the major league level. Epstein draft picks Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jed Lowrie, Daniel Bard, Justin Masterson, and Clay Buchholz are already producing for Boston while a host of others are developing in Pawtucket, Portland, Greenville, Salem, and Lowell. However, there is one are in which Epstein has consistently failed: signing free agents. Epstein has acted as a sort of Old Testament Santa Claus, handing out huge contracts that have often failed. Other than signing closer Keith Foulke after the 2003 season, none of his big-ticket signings have made a significant impact for the Red Sox. After the 2004 World Series, Epstein allowed pitchers Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe to leave as free agents (he made the right call on Pedro but he never should have let Lowe walk) and replaced them by signing Matt Clement and David Wells. Neither won a playoff game. Wells was traded to San Diego in 2006 and Clement was released after the 2007 season. Another major Epstein free agent blunder took place after 2004. He allowed Orlando Cabrera - one of the catalysts on the Red Sox journey to the World Series - to leave as a free agent and signed Edgar Renteria. Steve McNair had more success in dating than Renteria had in Boston and he was traded after just one miserable season in Boston. The 2006 offseason was another disaster for Epstein. He sank over $100-million in Japanese import Daisuke Matsuzaka, $70-million in outfielder J.D. Drew, and $36-million in shortstop Julio Lugo. All three contributed to the 2007 World Series team but all have major warts. Matsuzaka has been wildly inconsistent and is currently on the disabled list with shoulder fatigue. His insistance on pitching for Japan in the World Baseball Classic was obviously more important than earning the $12-million he is being paid this season by the Red Sox. Drew has been a decent player for the Red Sox and has come through in a few clutch moments but in no way has he lived up to his contract. For $14-million a season, a team should be getting MVP-quality performance from a corner outfielder. Drew has not lived up to those expectations. Lugo has been the worst signing of the Epstein era. He was terrible at the plate and terrible at the field. His departure is a text book example of addition by subtraction. Stephen Hawking would have been a better investment as a shortstop than Lugo. All things considered, Theo Epstein has done a great job running the Red Sox. His teams are consistently the best in baseball. However, if I were Sox owner John Henry, I would keep a close eye on my bank card when Theo decides it is time to go shopping this winter... Steve Buckley will have to continue his vigil for Tony Conigliaro to have No. 25 hung below the Budweiser Roof Deck in Fenway's right field but Jim Rice fans can finally live in peace. Rice, who will be inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame on Sunday, will have his No. 14 retired by the Red Sox before Tuesday's game against the A's. He will join Bobby Doerr (1), Joe Cronin (4), Johnny Pesky (6), Carl Yastrzemski (8), Ted Williams (9), Carlton Fisk (27), and Jackie Robinson (42) on the right field facade. Congratulations Jim... Enjoy the Cape Cod League All-Star Game...

BREAKING NEWS: Red Sox Bats Still Missing

Dallas, Texas - The Boston Red Sox have filed a criminal complaint with local authorities after their bats have been missing for almost a week. There is some confusion as to whether the bats were stolen in Toronto, Canada, where the Sox played over this past weekend, or here in Texas. A spokesman with the Dallas Police Department, Sgt. Wayne Tolleson, said a full investigation is under way. "Having played a 'lil rawhide meself, I have to think these boys are jus' strugglang but the Dahlas Police Depahrtmunt will invessigate this case to the fullest," said Sgt. Tolleson. Red Sox manager Terry Francona officially filed the complaint after watching his team lose to the Rangers by a 3-1 score. In the loss, Francona's team only managed six hits. Last night's loss was the team's fifth consecutive defeat, going back to the weekend in Toronto. They Red Sox have only managed to score 2, 1, 3, 2, and 1 runs in the losses. "I'd love to chalk this up to a slump ... a good old fashioned scuffle ... but this is something worse. My boys just are better than this." Francona stammered, "This has to be a criminal act. There is no way that Pedey, Youk, Papi, Back Bay, 'Tek, or any other of these guys would struggle for this long a time period. This is a criminal act." Knowing the investigation is under way, Francona also stated that the Red Sox would drop all charges if the bats were returned to the team before they begin a weekend three-game series with the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park tomorrow.

Red Sox Add LaRoche

The Red Sox have traded for Pittsburgh's Adam LaRoche in an effort to pump some life into their slumping offense. LaRoche, a lefthanded-hitting firstbaseman, was acquired in exchange for Double-A shortstop Argenis Diaz and Single-A pitcher Hunter Strickland. LaRoche should be a great fit for the Sox. His numbers (.247 BA, 12 HR, 40 RBI, .770 OPS) don't jump off the screen and amaze anyone but keep in mind he has played for the offensively inept Pirates all season. Over his six-year career, LaRoche has posted solid numbers (averages of .269, 20.5 HR, 71 RBI, .824). He should succeed hitting in Boston's lineup and he should also help improve the Boston offense. By getting out of Pittsburgh, expect to see LaRoche blossom, similar to what Jason Bay has done in his year in Boston. Playing in a playoff atmosphere and hitting in a better lineup should only work in his favor. He fits into Boston's offenisve strategy - he sees on average just over four pitches per at-bat - and with a good inside-out swing, should benefit greatly from the Green Monster during home games. With Mike Lowell still looking like they injected cement into his hip before the All-Star break, LaRoche affords Terry Francona the luxury of moving Kevin Youkilis to third base, playing LaRoche at first, and sitting Lowell. Lowell could DH once or twice a week, giving David Ortiz the occassional day off. LaRoche also allows Youkilis to rest once a week, if needed. If LaRoche can play tonight, this is the lineup I would expect to see from Francona: 1. Ellsbury - CF 2. Pedroia - 2B 3. Youkilis - 3B 4. Ortiz - DH 5. Bay - LF 6. LaRoche - 1B 7. Varitek - C 8. Drew - RF 9. Lowrie - SS This is the third time since 2003 that the Red Sox have made a trade with the Pirates. In 2003 the Sox shipped Freddy Sanchez to Pittsburgh for pitchers Jeff Suppan and Scott Sauerbeck. Last year the Sox and Dodgers sent multiple prospects - including Craig Hansen from Boston and LaRoche's brother Andy from Los Angeles - in the deal that brought Bay to Boston and sent Manny Ramirez to L.A. Hopefully LaRoche will help the Red Sox advance past the ALCS, where the newly acquired Pirates in '03 and '08 ended their seasons.

Random Thoughts (July 22, 2009)

There are too many times when athletes are in the news for all of the wrong reasons. The Pro Bowl quarterback funding an illegal dogfighting ring. The future Hall of Fame left fielder taking female hormones to improve his performance. The wide receiver who had one too many cocktails who got behind the wheel of his car and killed an innocent pedestrian. It is a list that just continues to get longer with each passing day. There are enough horror stories of athletes acting as if the law does not apply to them to make even the biggest sports fan reconsider the amount of time, effort, and money it takes to follow their favorite teams and athletes. Of course, whenever it looks like it is time to hit the brakes on investing oneself in sports, a story like this is written and it makes you realize that most athletes get how much good they can do and how great of a positive impact they can have on the lives of their biggest supporters - the children. Ciron Black and his LSU Tigers will be the team I am pulling for in 2009 and you should too. Black is the type of athlete that ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and everyone else needs to promote. He gets it. Good luck Mikey... Although there are still several teams interested in the services of restricted free agent Glen "Big Baby" Davis, it looks like the Celtics will match any offer that is made to him, keeping the forward in Boston. If the Celtics do keep Davis, it would give them a very good bench. Rasheed Wallace and Davis give coach Doc Rivers two fantastic options at forward, Marquis Daniels (who is probably going to cost Boston both Brian Scalabrine and Tony Allen in a sign-and-trade with Indiana) provides depth on the wing, and Eddie House is a dead-eye shooter who provides instant offense. The C's also have youngsters Gabe Pruitt, Bill Walker, J.R. Giddens, and Lester Hudson who will compete to fill out the end of the bench. Free agent center Robert Swift - a long time favorite of GM Danny Ainge and a member of the Celtics summer league team - is expected to join the team as a reserve center. Finding a backup to Rajon Rondo at point guard is still an issue although one rumor finding its way around the internet last night hinted at Stephon Marbury's willingness to return to Boston. Earlier in the offseason Marbury said he would not come back to the Celtics. Garnett's good friend Tyronn Lue is another option to backup Rondo this winter. If Ainge does keep Big Baby and signs Marbury, the Celtics will have the most talented and deepest team in the NBA: 5: Kendrick Perkins, Rasheed Wallace, Robert Swift 4: Kevin Garnett, Wallace, Glen Davis 3: Paul Pierce, Marquis Daniels, Bill Walker 2: Ray Allen, Eddie House, J.R. Giddens 1: Rajon Rondo, Stephon Marbury, Gabe Pruitt In a summer that has seen the best teams get even stronger, the Celtics have positioned themselves to win a second championship in three years... I will never profess to be a hockey genius but the talk about trading Phil Kessel strikes a nerve with me. Kessel is a soon to be 22-year-old who is coming off a breakout 2008-2009 season in which he posted 36-goals and 24-assists. I understand the Bruins have other holes to fill (cue Michael Felger: "They need a puck carrying defenseman.") but I would hate to see the B's give up a potential 50-goal scorer to add a middle of the pack defenseman. Well, if Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli is to be believed, I won't have to worry about Kessel leaving Boston anytime soon. It looks like a contract will be agreed upon, keeping Kessel in the Black and Gold this winter... There is no reason to panic - YET! - but the Red Sox hitters are looking an awful lot like the college All-Stars who travel to Cape Cod each summer and can't find a way to adjust to life without metal bats. Religious differences aside, it's time for Theo Epstein to play Santa and give Red Sox Nation a bat to ignite the slumping lineup... Enjoy Clay Buchholz tonight...

Wake To DL, Buchholz Up For Good?

The Red Sox have placed All-Star Tim Wakefield on the disabled list with a lower back strain. Top prospect Clay Buchholz has been recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket and will get the start tomorrow night in Texas against the Rangers. Buchholz made his 2009 debut on Friday against the Blue Jays in the Red Sox first game after the All-Star break. He pitched a strong 5.1-innings and got the win, the only one so far for the Sox in the second half. To me, this looks like a brief vacation for the 42-year-old Wakefield, who has not pitched since July 8. The extra rest is insurance against a late season breakdown for Wakefield, who is 11-3 in 2009. The timing of this break could hint at a possible trade of Brad Penny before the non-waiver trade deadline, which is now just ten days away. Penny is an attractive option for many smaller market teams, like the Brewers, who are in need of pitching. Because he can become a free agent after the season, Penny would not cost a team too high of a price in a trade. By bringing up Buchholz now, the Red Sox can evaluate his readiness to help the Sox win in '09. If they believe he is ready, Penny becomes expendable. If for some reason Wakefield was to be injured again or if Buchholz were to falter, Theo Epstein and the Sox would have insurance in the form of Daisuke Matsuzaka and Michael Bowden. The shuffling of pitchers still does not solve the Red Sox need for a hitter. It does not matter how strong the pitching has been, no team can win without scoring runs. If the Red Sox expect to win the 2009 World Series, they desperately need a run-producing bat for the heart of their lineup. If Epstein does move Penny, he could possibly fold in whatever prospect he gets back in a deal for a hitter such as Cleveland's Victor Martinez, Colorado's Garrett Atkins, or Washington's Nick Johnson. To land Martinez, Epstein will also have to be willing to part with a top pitching prospect, such as Bowden.

Vick Doesn't Deserve Second Chance in NFL

The big news in sports yesterday was the release of Michael Vick after serving 23-months for running an illegal dogfighting ring in Virginia. The former Pro Bowl quarterback with the Falcons now wants a reinstatement meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. In preparation for a possible return to the NFL this fall, Vick has hired Tom Shaw as his personal trainer. Shaw has worked with several NFL stars, including Tom Brady. Vick and his supporters believe that he has served his sentence and that the NFL should welcome him back with open arms. I hope that Goodell and the league make it harder than that for Vick to get under center on Sundays. Michael Vick does not have the right to play in the NFL and any assertions by him or his supporters that he does is proof that this tragedy has not taught Vick the lesson that star athletes and millionaires can do anything they want and expect to get what they want. Vick knowingly broke the law for five years by financially backing and personally attending the dogfighting on his property in Virginia. This was not a case in which Vick made a mistake in the heat of the moment, he knew he was involved in illegal actions but continued doing so anyways. While he was awaiting sentencing, Vick failed a drug test. This is another example of Vick showing contempt for the law. By smoking marijuana when he knew he would face a drug test, Vick was showing that as a star, he feels like he does not have to follow the same laws of "regular" people. Let's say for a minute that Michael Vick was not a professional football player worth millions of dollars. For fun, imagine he was a high school teacher who coached the football team. If Coach Vick, United States History teacher at Warwick High School (his alma mater), was found to be funding and promoting an illegal dogfighting ring and then tested positive for marijuana while awaiting sentencing, he would NOT be returning to Warwick High School this fall to teach and coach. However, because he is a star athlete used to getting his way, Vick expects to be allowed back in the NFL like nothing has happened. He believes the millions of dollars he was used to making before he broke the law is something that is owed to him. By demanding to be allowed back in the NFL, Vick is showing that he still believes that the law does not apply to him like it does to everyone else. If Vick is serious about playing in the NFL again, he should continue working as a children's health and fitness programs at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula while doing volunteer work at an animal shelter. He could play in the new United Football League while working out in a hope to return to the NFL in 2010. If I was Roger Goodell, this would be the only way that I would even begin to think about allowing Vick back into the NFL. He needs to earn the opportunity to play in the NFL, it should not be a privledge extended to him simply because he is a great athlete. Vick needs to be taught that he needs to prove he can behave, work a regular job, and show some actual remorse for his crime. Until he does that, there should be no place for him in the NFL.

Red Sox Should Sell Penny, Buy Buchholz

When working the bar about a month ago, Phillies scout Jim Fregosi, Jr. stopped in for a bite to eat after scouting Red Sox starting pitcher Brad Penny. Fregosi laughed as he talked about the vast depths of Boston's starting pitching. Coming from a scout of the defending World Series champions, his comments made me very happy to be a fan of the Sox. Boston's starting rotation consists of Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, John Smoltz, Tim Wakefield, and Penny. The Sox also have Daisuke Matsuzaka on the disabled list and top prospects Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden waiting in Triple-A. I believe it is time for Theo Epstein to trade Penny to a team in search of pitching help in order to make room in the majors for Buchholz. Penny has been a good fifth starter (6-4, 5.02 ERA) but there is no way that I want to see him on the mound in October. He is just too inconsistent. However, there are a number of teams - the Phillies, Brewers, and Rangers come to mind - that could use Penny in their rotation. In return for Penny, who will be eligible for free agency in November, the Red Sox could add a decent prospect. It will be better than getting nothing for him this winter. Epstein could then use that prospect to make a trade to add a much needed bat to the lineup. A trade of Penny would also make room in the Sox rotation for the talented Buchholz. Buchholz was a disaster in Boston a year ago (2-9, 6.75) but the soon to be 25-year-old has been outstanding in Pawtucket this season and based on his solid outing Friday night in Toronto, he looks like he is ready to help the Red Sox right now. For those of you worried about dealing away the pitching depth that has made the Red Sox a first place team, they would still have Matsuzaka and Bowden waiting in the wings should Buchholz falter or a current member of the staff struggle or face an injury. On the positive side, Buchholz could potentially be an option in the playoffs for the Red Sox. Right now they are counting on Smoltz and Wakefield come October but both of them are on the wrong side of 40 and injuries are a strong possibility to become an issue. Buchholz could go from Pawtucket ace to playoff hero in the same season if needed.

Random Thoughts (July 20, 2009)

If you were smart enough to tune in to 890 ESPN radio at 2pm on Saturday for the Mark Linehan-Bernie Corbett show "Rounding Third" from the Baseball Tavern, you heard the radio debut of TheBostonInsider on the airwaves. The experience was a thrill for me, someone who has listened to sports talk radio almost exclusively since I was just a kid. Mark and Bernie carried me through the entire show and I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity and the assistance. The show's guests included Sports Illustrated's Ian Thomsen, Kevin Paul DuPont of the Boston Globe, and Larry Tye, author of the new Satchel Paige biography. Remember to tune in every Saturday at 2pm to hear Mark and Bernie... During the memorable 2004 Red Sox run to the World Series, the most overlooked subplot of the season was the potential that four of the teams biggest stars - Pedro Martinez, Nomar Garciaparra, Jason Varitek, and Derek Lowe - would leave Boston as free agents. There was a legitimate fear amongst fans who had waited a lifetime for a World Series championship that if the Sox didn't win in 2004, it could be a long time before they were in contention. Pedro, the best pitcher of his generation, was almost a lock to leave the Red Sox following the 2004 season, with or without the World Series. Red Sox management did not believe in giving out big-money salaries as a thank you for past success and at age 32 with a shoulder just begging for major surgery, Pedro did not project to have a great close to his Hall of Fame career. With the understanding that Pedro's time in a Red Sox uniform was coming to a close, I was lucky enough to get tickets behind the Sox dugout for a Thursday afternoon game against the Devil Rays. Pedro was absolutely brilliant. After his Cooperstown-bound right shoulder began to give out at the turn of the 21st Century, the dominating Pedro outings that were once routine had become something to celebrate. On this beautiful day at Fenway, Pedro tossed a complete game, six-hit shutout. He struck out 10 Tampa hitters and for one afternoon, looked like the three-time Cy Young winner that had made Fenway the place to be in the late 1990s. It was the last time I saw him be that dominant while holding a ticket. It is one of my most memorable days spent at Fenway. Watching Roy Halladay shut down the Red Sox yesterday brought back that memory for me. Halladay has been the best Blue Jay since their back-to-back World Series winners in 1992 and 1993. He has made a team with no chance to make the playoffs relevant. He has one Cy Young from 2003 (Pedro finished third) and is a six-time All-Star. Sadly for Toronto fans, their general manager J.P. Ricciardi has finally come to the conclusion that he needs to completely rebuild his franchise because playing along with the Red Sox, Yankees, and Rays in the powerful A.L. East gives the Blue Jays no chance to win in the immediate future. As a part of that plan to rebuild, Halladay is now on the trading block. His time in Canada is on the verge of expiring and the long suffering Blue Jays fans are now destined to watching their best player help another team and another city's fans in the fight to win a World Series. Pitching for possibly the last time in a Blue Jays uniform, Halladay shut down the first place Red Sox yesterday in Toronto, giving his fans a proper good-bye. Halladay went the distance, striking out seven while allowing just six hits and one run. If that was his last appearance as a Blue Jay, the fans in Toronto will have one last great memory of their ace pitching at the top of his game. They won't get to watch him celebrate a World Series in Toronto like Red Sox fans were lucky enough to do with Pedro in 2004 but it will still be a great memory... Tom Watson's historic run at the British Open ended in gut-wrenching fashion when the 59-year-old fell short on an eight-foot put on the 18th hole that would have given him his sixth Claret Jug. Watson went on to lose to Stewart Cink in a four-hole playoff, costing him the chance to become the oldest winner of a major tournament and also win his ninth major in the process. Watson's great weekend is the reason why so many people love the game of golf. Even at his advancing age, Watson was able to compete at the highest level of his game. There is no other sport in which an athlete who is closing in on social security can come so close to winning a championship. Even in his loss, Watson was able to make Turnberry, Scotland the heart of the sporting world for four days, in spite of Tiger Woods' failure to make the cut and Phil Mickelson's absence. Cink, who won his first major, is the real loser because the biggest win of his career will always be overshadowed by Watson's great effort... Enjoy John Smoltz tonight...

Random Thoughts (July 16, 2009)

At age 37 and quite a few papayas over his listed weight of 170-pounds, Pedro Martinez is no longer the ace he was ten years ago. With that said, Pedro (he has earned first name status) should be able to help the Phillies win the NL East and defend their World Series championship. Having Pedro back in baseball is a great thing. Even as his pitching ability declined over the last five years, he is still one of the game's great personalities. If a Red Sox-Dodgers matchup does not return Manny Ramirez to Fenway Park this October, I will be just fine seeing Pedro and the Phillies... In my mention of my dream lineup for the new "Sports Hub" station in Boston - which will go on the air at 98.5 on the FM dial starting August 13 - I forgot to add Chad Finn, author of the "Touching All The Bases" blog and a reporter for the Globe. Finn is a must read and would bring a lot of listeners to the new station... There are a lot of arguments that Michael Vick is being unfairly punished by the NFL and that his ban from the league after serving his 23-month sentence for animal abuse charges related to the dog-fighting on his property is unjust on the part of commissioner Roger Goodell. The argument is based on the fact that Leonard Little killed a woman in a drunk driving accident in 1998, was imprisoned for just 60-days and was only suspended by then commissioner Paul Tagliabue for eight games. I stand firmly with Goodell on this issue. Just because the legal system and the NFL did not punish Little enough for his crime is not an excuse to pardon Vick for his crimes. Playing in the NFL is not a right, it is a priviledge. Vick, through his own actions, has put himself in a position where that priviledge is not extended to him at this time. It is a wise move by Goodell to enforce rules and standards for his league. In an industry powered by ticket sales and corporate sponsorships, the players need to behave and not act like lawless thugs. Vick will eventually be allowed to play in the NFL again but Goodell is doing the right thing by making him wait... The next "Walker Wiggle" performed by Employee #8 might be on a Sin City stripper pole so he can pay off almost $1-million in gambling debts owed to three Las Vegas casinos... The NHL's "Winter Classic" will be played at Fenway Park on New Year's Day between the Bruins and the Flyers. This will be a great event for Boston and its great hockey fans. The only problem is that it should be a yearly event. Every NHL team should play a game outdoors on New Year's Day. Imagine the Rangers and Islanders squaring off at Yankee Stadium (Citi Field management just cringed) or the Maple Leafs and Canadiens at SkyDome (err, Rogers Centre) or the Kings and Ducks at Dodger Stadium (okay, weather might stop that one). In their ongoing struggle against the NBA to win fans, the NHL needs to exploit any opportunity to steal attention away from their competition... Enjoy Tom Watson today...

Rolen On Red Sox' Radar?

In a post to Twitter, Toronto Globe and Mail writer Jeff Blair states that the Red Sox have interest in Blue Jays third baseman Scott Rolen. The Red Sox already have Mike Lowell at third but there is some doubt if Lowell will be healthy enough to finish the season. Lowell is currently on the disabled list with pain in the hip he had surgery on this winter. Rolen is having a good year at the plate (.320/6/35/.846) and is a seven-time Gold Glove winner. Sox manager is well versed in what Rolen brings to the table from his years managing him with the Phillies in the late '90s. If Lowell's hip will keep him from playing through late October - like it did last year - then it would be a wise move on Theo Epstein's part to go after a proven veteran like Rolen. Rolen would probably only cost the Sox one or two good prospects. Michael Bowden would be a candidate to go to Toronto in a straight up deal for Rolen. Rolen could possibly come to Boston as part of a mega-trade with Roy Halladay, the Blue Jays ace who has been put on the market by Toronto general manager J.P Ricciardi. That deal would most likely include Clay Buchholz (starting for the Sox on Friday in Toronto, hmmmm), Bowden, Lars Anderson and one or two lower level prospects. Imagine a Red Sox team with a rotation of Halladay, Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Brad Penny, and Tim Wakefield and a lineup that looks like this: 1. J.D. Drew - RF 2. Dustin Pedroia - 2B 3. Kevin Youkilis - 1B 4. David Ortiz - DH 5. Jason Bay - LF 6. Scott Rolen - 3B 7. Jacoby Ellsbury - CF 8. Jason Varitek - C 9. Nick Green/Jed Lowrie - SS The Sox would also have the best bullpen (Jonathan Papelbon, Hideki Okajima, Daniel Bard, Takashi Saito, Ramon Ramirez, Justin Masterson, and Manny Delcarmen) and bench (Mark Kotsay, Rocco Baldelli, George Kottaras, and Green/Lowrie) in all of baseball. The Halladay/Rolen deal is nice to fantasize over but a move strictly for Rolen - if Lowell's hip isn't healthy - does make a lot of sense for Boston.

Random Thoughts (July 15, 2009)

The big story in Boston sports today is that CBS Radio will close down the legendary rock station 104.1 WBCN and create a sports talk station at 98.5 called the Sports Hub. The music station WBMX (Mix) will move from 98.5 to 104.1 on the FM dial. WBCN will still be available online. The Sports Hub will be in direct competition with Boston sports talk giant WEEI. This will be the third station this decade to compete with 'EEI, following the Sporting News backed 1510 The Zone and ESPN 890. Both are still on the air but neither could put a dent into WEEI's ratings. Michael Felger will leave WEEI and join the Sports Hub. Felger hosted the 3-6 afternoon drive show on ESPN 890 but could not defeat Glenn Ordway's "Big Show." Felger returned to WEEI as a radio personality and football writer. Felger's partner on Comcast's "New England Sports Tonight" television show, Gary Tanguay, will also be on the new station. The Sports Hub will also be the home on the radio for both the Patriots and Bruins. Following the lead of Bruce Allen at Boston Sports Media Watch, this is the lineup of radio personalities that I want to hear on the new station: 6am - 10am: Bill Simmons (bring him back to Boston and replace Shank at the Globe in the same move) with Ryan Russilo 10am - 2pm: Gary Tanguay and Bob Lobel 2pm - 6pm: Michael Felger, Kevin Winter, Joe Haggerty, and Sean McDonough 6pm - 12am: Barstool Sports bloggers with Mark Linehan I have been listening to sports radio since I was a kid (how many other people my age spent their Saturday mornings listening to Steve Buckley's "Quality Hang?") and it's time that a station steps up and knocks off WEEI. 'EEI has become the WWF of Boston sports radio. They got rid of their competition (WCW/1510 The Zone & 890 ESPN) and have become stale without a true rival to push them. Boston deserves a quality, local sports talk station to either bring out the best in WEEI or crush them... If this rumor becomes a fact, I would be on the first plane to Spain to play with Ricky Rubio and DKV Joventut if I were Blake Griffin... Theo Epstein: "Jason, we are going to give you a 5-year/$70-million contract. We love you. You play hard all the time. You hit for power. You play a very good left field. You run the bases. You never draw any negative attention to yourself. We love you." Jason Bay: "I accept. I love the Red Sox. I love Fenway Park. I love Boston. Where do I sign?" It should be that simple... Enjoy a boring SportsCenter tonight...

Celtics Trade Idea

In signing free agent Rasheed Wallace, the Celtics have had a very good offseason. Wallace gives the Celtics a 6-11 forward/center who can shoot, rebound, and defend for their bench. The offseason could become great if they find a quality backup at small forward for Paul Pierce. Grant Hill was courted but he turned down a chance at a championship in Boston for some extra dollars in Phoenix. There are some veterans available who could come to Boston for short money - Matt Barnes, Jerry Stackhouse, and Marquis Daniels have been mentioned - but the best option might be a trade. The name on the trade market that makes the most sense for the Celtics is Sacramento's Andres Nocioni. Nocioni would give the Celtics a solid defender and scorer at small forward for their bench. His presence would keep Doc Rivers from having to force second-year players Bill Walker and J.R. Giddens into a role they may not be ready for on a championship contender and it would also allow Rivers to give Pierce more rest in the regular season. Nocioni is a luxury item for the lowly Kings and the Celtics could send almost $6-million in expiring contracts to Sacramento in the form of Brian Scalabrine and Tony Allen. That trade would give the Celtics the deepest roster in the NBA. 5: Kendrick Perkins, Rasheed Wallace 4: Kevin Garnett, Wallace 3: Paul Pierce, Andres Nocioni, Bill Walker 2: Ray Allen, Eddie House, J.R. Giddens 1: Rajon Rondo, Gabe Pruitt Under this scenario, the Celtics would still need some depth for their front court and a better option at backup point guard but it still would make them the prohibitive favorite to win the 2010 NBA championship.

MLB First Half Review

Baseball is on its summer break so it is time for TheBostonInsider's annual look back at the first half and for some fearless predictions for the rest of the season. In case you missed it, here are my predictions from April. First Half Review AL MVP: Joe Mauer, Twins NL MVP: Albert Pujols, Cardinals AL Cy Young: Zack Greinke, Royals NL Cy Young: Tim Lincecum, Giants AL Rookie: Ricky Romero, Blue Jays NL Rookie: Colby Rasmus, Cardinals AL Manager: Mike Scioscia, Angels NL Manager: Joe Torre, Dodgers Five Fearless Predictions Prediction #1: The Phillies will be the one team willing to give up its best prospects in exchange for Roy Halladay, making them the team to beat in the National League. By adding Halladay to a rotation that already features young ace Cole Hamels - and will also include future Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez - the Phillies would have the best pitching staff and the best lineup in the Senior Circuit. A Phillies-Dodgers rematch in the NLCS would be inevitable. Prediction #2: The Giants will give up some of their young pitching to acquire Victor Martinez of the Indians, giving them just enough offense to steal the NL Wild Card. The Giants have great pitching but their offense leaves a lot to be desired. Martinez would give them an impact bat in the middle of their order and he could push them to the Wild Card in the weak National League. Prediction #3: Albert Pujols will become the first Triple Crown winner since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967 and will win his third NL MVP award in the process. With all of the steroid scandals that have haunted baseball over the past decade, Pujols is the clean hero that the sport needs. His production is amazing - if he were to be injured today and never play another game, he would be a Hall of Famer - and he is not surrounded by a phenomenal lineup. He currently leads the NL in homeruns and RBI and is third in average so the Triple Crown is well within his reach. Prediction #4: The Yankees and Rays will battle the Red Sox into September for the AL East title but in the end, the Sox will take the division and the Yankees will join them in the playoffs as the Wild Card winner. The AL East is the best division in baseball but only two teams will advance to the playoffs. Boston's combination of pitching, hitting, and defense will win them the division title. The Yankees powerful lineup and solid starting pitching will give them the edge for the Wild Card over the defending American League champs. Prediction #5: On the 20th anniversary of his lifetime suspension, Pete Rose will be allowed to be considered for the Hall of Fame by commissioner Bud Selig. Rose should never be allowed to work in the game again as a result of his gambling on games while he was manager of the Reds but his production on the field - all-time hits leader (4256), 1973 NL MVP, seventeen-time All-Star (at five positions), three-time World Series champion (1975, 1976, 1980) - should put him in Cooperstown. Selig will announce his decision on before the playoffs begin, forcing the media and fans to concentrate on baseball at a time when the NFL season will be heating up. Rose's induction next summer will be the most anticipated Hall of Fame ceremony since the building opened in 1936. Division Winners/Playoff Predictions AL East: Boston Red Sox AL Central: Detroit Tigers AL West: Los Angeles Angels AL Wild Card: New York Yankees NL East: Philadelphia Phillies NL Central: St. Louis Cardinals NL West: Los Angeles Dodgers NL Wild Card: Chicago Cubs ALDS: Red Sox over Angels, Yankees over Tigers NLDS: Dodgers over Cubs, Phillies over Cardinals ALCS: Red Sox over Yankees NLCS: Dodgers over Phillies World Series: Red Sox over Dodgers Award Winners AL MVP: Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox NL MVP: Albert Pujols, Cardinals AL Cy Young: Josh Beckett, Red Sox NL Cy Young: Tim Lincecum, Giants AL Rookie: Elvis Andrus, Rangers NL Rookie: Colby Rasmus, Cardinals AL Manager: Terry Francona, Red Sox NL Manager: Charlie Manuel, Phillies

You've Seen It A Million Times Already But...

Top Ten Things Running Through Obama's Head...

10. If North Korea thinks I'm going to allow them to test nuclear weapons, they better provide some better ass than that.

9. Dude, she definitely farted.

8. Why is the guy next to me staring at me instead of this woman's ass? He must be from Massachusetts.

7. I wonder if Clinton hit that?

6. And to think, the Muslims want to cover that shit up. Fucking idiots.

5. I could eat lunch off of that.

4. I really hope the paparazzi didn't catch .... oh shit!

3. Do you think Michelle will believe it when I tell her they caught me mid-sneeze?

2. Definitely a thong.

1. Clinton wishes he could have gotten this caliber of women!

Random Thoughts (July 8, 2009)

Two columns in this morning's Boston newspapers - one you will enjoy and one you probably won't - tell a good story about Dustin Pedroia's absence from Monday's game to be with his pregnant wife Kelli, who went into premature labor. Dustin was back in the lineup last night with the blessing of his wife. What really struck me in reading both columns was how much Terry Francona supported Pedroia's decision to be with his wife on Monday. Even with the Red Sox struggling lately and with the Yankees gaining fast in the division, Francona knew what was really important and made the right decision. His interest in his players goes beyond what happens on the field and it is why he is the best manager in the game... Blue Jays general manager J.P Ricciardi announced that he will be willing to listen to offers for Roy Halladay, the 2003 Cy Young winner. Anytime a player of Halladay's caliber is made available, the Red Sox (as well as the Yankees) have to be discussed as a possible landing point. The question is, should the Sox invest three or four of their top prospects to land a 32-year-old pitcher? A potential deal for Halladay is not going to come cheap. Ricciardi would have to start any talks with Theo Epstein by asking for top pitching prospects Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden, who are both pitching extremly well at Triple-A Pawtucket. From there, Ricciardi might want Double-A Portland first baseman Lars Anderson. He might also demand one or two lower level prospects as well to help rebuild Toronto into a contender for the first time since the early 1990s. If the Red Sox do get involved into negotiations for Halladay they will have to decide between trying to win in the short term versus the long term. As great as Halladay is, he will probably be retired by the time Buchholz, Bowden, and Anderson - the three top prospects in the Sox organization - reach their primes. A Red Sox starting rotation of Halladay, Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Tim Wakefield, and John Smoltz/Daisuke Matsuzaka (for the sake of the argument, I would think the Sox would move Brad Penny if they were to acquire Halladay) would be the best in the entire game. Without Halladay, the Sox have the best pitching in baseball. With him, they would have the most dominant 1-2-3 punch, something that would make their rivals - you hear me New York? - cringe in fear. Other than being the prohibitive favorite to win the 2009 World Series, acquiring Halladay would also keep him out of the Bronx. As great as the Boston staff would look with Halladay, a rotation of Halladay, CC Sabathia, and A.J. Burnett would be equally great. In talking about any major deal, both sides of the case must be argued. If the Sox were to trade Buchholz, Bowden, and Anderson within the division, they will have to make peace with having three-to-five years of a Cy Young-caliber pitching from Halladay in exchange for the strong possibility that the players they send to Canada could beat them for well over a decade. Right now this is strictly hypothetical but all things considered, making a move for Roy Halladay would be awfully hard to turn down if I were in Epstein's position... If the rumors are to be believed, free agent forward Grant Hill looks like he will choose a bigger bi-weekly paycheck over the chance to compete for the first championship in his fifteen year career. Hill looks to be heading to New York to play for the rebuilding Knicks. The Celtics - the team considered to be one of a small handful of favorites to win the 2010 championship - are also very interested in acquiring the services of the 36-year-old Hill. I really believed that Hill would choose Boston so he could seriously compete for a championship. Hill's career, that looked to be Hall of Fame worthy, was derailed by injuries. The seven-time All-Star and 1995 Rookie of the Year has also made well over $120-million in the NBA. At this point, a championship ring should be the only concern. If Hill does choose dollars over winning, it will further prove my point that the education at Duke is wildly overrated... Speaking of Duke, Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski has reportedly agreed to coach the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The 2012 Games could be the curtain call for Coach K. He has already won three NCAA championships (1991, 1992, 2001), appeared in the Final Four ten times, and has won the ACC regular season title eleven times while winning the ACC tournament title ten times. He also coached the 2008 Olympic team - the "Redeem Team" - to a gold medal in Sydney. By 2012, Krzyzewski will also be approaching his 1000th career victory. After finishing the 2008-09 season with a 30-7 record, Coach K has a career record of 833 - 274 (760 - 215 at Duke). The 2001 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee will also be 65-years-old after the London Olympics. At that point, will he still have the drive to continue coaching? I say he retires... With the Red Sox needing a bat off their bench, coupled with the wave of good feelings at Fenway Park on Monday night, is it possible that Nomar Garciaparra could return to Boston as a 3B/1B/DH? That is one sequel I would love to see... Enjoy Happy 28th Birthday...

Random Thoughts (July 7, 2009)

Celtics fans received a bit of bad news yesterday. Marc Spears, the C's beat writer at the Globe, is jumping ship to Yahoo! Sports. I can't blame Spears for moving on to a bigger and better opportunity - especially at a time when the future of the Globe is still uncertain - but his hoops knowledge and writing ability will be missed... It looks like free agent swingman Grant Hill will decide between becoming a Celtic or a Knick. Hey Grant, if you are serious about winning a championship, there is nothing to think about. You should be willing to pay your way to Boston... The tragic death of Steve McNair over the weekend is just another reason why sports stars should be supported for what they do on the field only. McNair, who was married and had four sons, was fatally shot while in the apartment of his girlfriend, 20-year-old Sahel Kazemi. The 2003 NFL co-MVP was a great football player but it's sad that problems in his personal life caused his untimely death... For argument sake, how long will the Red Sox wait for John Smoltz to find himself before calling up Clay Buchholz? I'm not ready to give up on Smoltz - patience is required for a pitcher who had been out since tearing his labrum over a year ago - but with the Yankees and Rays gaining ground fast in the AL East, I wonder how much patience the Red Sox can afford to have... Enjoy Josh Beckett tonight...

Nomar's Return Recalls Bitter Exit

Nomar Garciaparra, who at one time was Boston's version of Joe DiMaggio, played in Fenway Park last night for the first time since he was traded on July 31, 2004. His first at-bat was cause for a long and emotional standing ovation. Garciaparra was moved to the brink of tears as he acknowledged the cheers of fans who still remember all of the great things he did in a Boston uniform. In the A's 6-0 win over the Red Sox, Nomar went 2-for-4 and had an RBI. Watching him hit brought back fond memories of a time when his swing was married to the dimensions of Fenway. Lost in the nostalgia was a belief that Nomar's exit might have been avoided all together. When Nomar was traded to the Cubs in a four-team/multi-player deal that landed Orlando Cabrera and Doug Mientkiewicz for the Red Sox, it was time for him to leave. There was an intense bitterness between him and Red Sox management and it was effecting his play. However, if the Red Sox management had dealt with Nomar on better terms in the days leading up to the 2004 season, there would have been little reason to move him. Nomar's contract was due to expire after the 2004 season. Negotiations opened up over the winter and there was an expectation that the then 30-year-old shortstop would continue his career in a Red Sox uniform. Unfortunately, the negotiations did not work out for Nomar. The Red Sox began and ended their offers with a 4-year/$60-million deal. Justly comparing himself to fellow shortstops Alex Rodriguez (who was playing under a 10-year/$250-million deal) and Derek Jeter (10-year/$119-million), Nomar believed he was worth more money. The Red Sox disagreed. Negotiations ended. The next move by Red Sox management was to try and pry Rodriguez and his $25-million annual salary away from the Texas Rangers. The Sox offered Manny Ramirez - to make the money work for both sides - as well as promising left-handed pitching prospect Jon Lester. The Red Sox also planned to trade Garciaparra to the White Sox in exchange for Magglio Ordonez. Neither deal ever took place because the MLB Players Union would not allow Rodriguez to renegotiate his deal to make it more financially sound for the Red Sox. That left Nomar, who already felt wronged by a contract offer he felt was too low for his talent, in a position to play for a team that had very publicly tried to trade him. To make matters worse, Nomar was hurt to start the 2004 season. He did not return until late May and even then, he was not the Nomar of old. He still could hit - he could always hit - but the injury to his achilles tendon made him a liability in the field. With the Sox struggling to keep up with the Yankees - who did successfully trade for Rodriguez on Valentine's Day as a replacement at third base for Aaron Boone - they came to the decision that to be a World Series team, they had to replace Nomar. On July 1, 2004, Nomar refused to enter an extra innings game in Yankee Stadium that the Sox eventually lost. One month later, he was sent to the Chicago Cubs. In the aftermath of the Nomar trade the Red Sox have gone on to win the World Series in 2004 and 2007. Nomar has gone on to play for the Cubs, Dodgers, and A's and has continued to fight injuries that have derailed what at one time was a surefire Hall of Fame career. The combination of Boston's success and Nomar's struggles have made him almost an afterthought to the members of Red Sox Nation who at one time were faithful members of the "No-mah" fan club. In spite of what has taken place since July 31, 2004, never forget that Nomar was the 1997 A.L. Rookie of the Year or that he won consecutive batting titles in 1999 (.357) and 2000 (.372) or that he represented the Sox at the All-Star Game six times or that he led the team to the playoffs in 1998, 1999, and 2003.

Random Thoughts (July 6, 2009)

Congratulations to Tim Wakefield, who was selected to his first All-Star Game. At 42, Wakefield is the oldest first-time All-Star since 46-year-old Satchel Paige made the team in 1952. Pitching in his 17th major league season, Wakefield has a 10-3 record for the first place Red Sox. Wakefield has had a great career with the Red Sox. He helped pitch the team to the AL East title in 1995 and has continued to help the Sox for well over a decade, playing a very important role in the team's great run of success from 2003 to the present. It is always nice when a player like Wakefield, who doesn't possess eye-popping statistics or a Hall of Fame resume, gets recognized with a berth on the All-Star team. Boston will be joined by true baseball fans everywhere in cheering for Wake... The Red Sox will also send Dustin Pedroia, Jason Bay, Kevin Youkilis, Josh Beckett, and Jonathan Papelbon to St. Louis for the All-Star Game... From the Karma Department: Beckett's only other All-Star Game appearance came in 2007. Let's hope '09 ends in the same fashion for Beckett... I wonder if Nomar Garciaparra will be in need of a tissue tonight when he makes his first trip to Fenway Park as a member of the visiting team. By the way, the Red Sox are still insearch of a long-term replacement at shortstop for #5... Tennis might not be your thing - it's definitely not mine - but it is note worthy that in winning his sixth Wimbledon title yesterday, Roger Federer became the all-time leader in Grand Slam championships with fifteen. Federer passed Pete Sampras, who was in attendance with his gorgeous wife Bridgette. As a diehard Adam Sandler fan - my confirmation name is Madison - I remember Mrs. Sampras as the Goddess of the Third Grade, Veronica Vaughn. Actually, mentioning Federer and tennis was just an excuse to write about Ms. Vaughn. Want to touch the heinie... Rest in peace, Steve McNair... Enjoy Nooooo-maaaaah tonight...

'Sheed Coming To Boston

In their long and glorious history, the Boston Celtics have usually found a way to add an important player in their efforts to build championship teams. Don Nelson, signed in 1966, helped the team win titles in '66, '68, '69, '74, and '76. Paul Silas was traded to the C's in 1972 and helped them win championships in '74 and '76. Bill Walton was brought to Boston in the summer of 1985 and was a critical member of the greatest basketball team of all-time* 1986 World Champions. (* With all due respect to Joe Posnanski, I'm stealing the asterisk. The '86 Celtics won 67 games and featured four Hall of Fame forwards - Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, and Walton - as well as three other players - Dennis Johnson, Danny Ainge, and Scott Wedman - who were All-Stars at one point in their careers. Bird and Walton both were MVP during their careers. I loved the '96 Bulls but the '86 Celtics are the greatest of all-time.) In the summer of 2007, the Celtics traded for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, leading to the '08 championship. Rasheed Wallace, who will sign with the Celtics this week, is hoping to join the previously mentioned players as a member of a Celtics championship team. Wallace gives the Celtics much needed size and skill off the bench. He can play either center or power forward and a front line of Garnett, Wallace, and Kendrick Perkins is among the best in the NBA. This is the signing the Celtics needed after watching the Cavaliers trade for Shaquille O'Neal, the Magic trade for Vince Carter, and the Lakers signing of Ron Artest. Wallace had also attracted the interest of Cleveland, Orlando, and San Antonio so the Celtics gain is also their rivals loss. There is also talk of veteran forward Grant Hill coming to Boston as a free agent.

Random Thoughts (July 2, 2009)

Just a few pointless rants while wondering why God has decided to flood Eastern Massachusetts... Less than 24 hours after the Orioles staged a historic comeback against the Red Sox, the Sox launched their own comeback to defeat the Orioles 6-5 in 11 innings yesterday. Trailing 5-1 entering the 9th, the Red Sox tied the game on a two-run single by Rocco Baldelli. Julio Lugo (more on him below) drove in Jacoby Ellsbury with the winning run. In closing out the O's in the 11th, Jonathan Papelbon recorded his 133rd career save, making him the all-time leader in franchise history. The Sox return to Fenway with a 2.5-game lead over the Yankees in the AL East (the Yanks host the Mariners tonight) to begin a ten-game homestand against Seattle, Oakland, and Kansas City before the All-Star break... In spite of his game-winning RBI yesterday, it is expected that the Red Sox will cut ties with Julio Lugo as soon as they are completely confident in Jed Lowrie's health. A combination of Lowrie and Nick Green leaves no room for Lugo in Boston. Instead of just eating the remaining money on his contract (roughly $15 or 16-million), I wonder if the injury-ravaged Mets would take on Lugo, even if they did nothing more than eat up some of his money. Any savings the Red Sox can get on Lugo is money they could spend on a possible fill-in for Mike Lowell if his hip doesn't allow him to play at full speed... Lost in the steroid scandals that have plagued baseball for the last ten years, Albert Pujols has emerged as the game's most dominant -- and CLEAN -- hitter. Through 79 games this season, Pujols is hitting .337 with 30 homeruns, 77 RBI, and a ridiculous 1.205 OPS. Pujols leads the National League in both homers and RBI's and is third in batting average behind Hanley Ramirez (.348) and David Wright (.340). He has a legitimate shot to become the first Triple Crown winner in baseball since Carl Yastrzemski did it for the Red Sox in 1967. It's sad we live in an age in which the media and fans care more about which star will fall because of performance-enhancing drugs instead of directing their full attention to a once-in-a-lifetime player like Pujols... Danny Ainge has been infatuated with center Robert Swift since the Bakersfield, CA product entered the NBA Draft straight from high school in 2004. Ainge eventually had to "settle" for Al Jefferson when the Sonics drafted Swift ahead of the Celtics. Jefferson clearly has become the better player and without him, it is highly doubtful that Ainge would have been able to pull off the Kevin Garnett trade two years ago. Swift, who was not re-signed by the team formerly known as the Sonics, has been added to the Celtics summer league roster. If he plays well -- or shows any signs of life -- expect to see him at the end of the Boston bench in 2009-2010... The Celtics are considered to be the leaders to acquire the services of Rasheed Wallace according to multiple sources and also have made inquiries about forward Antonio McDyess and swingman Anthony Parker. I don't think the C's can afford all three but if they could get both Wallace and McDyess, how many teams could compete with this squad (taking into account the re-signing of Stephon Marbury for the veteran minimum and the probable loss of Glen Davis to free agency): 5: Kendrick Perkins, Rasheed Wallace, Robert Swift 4: Kevin Garnett, Antonio McDyess, Brian Scalabrine 3: Paul Pierce, Bill Walker, Tony Allen 2: Ray Allen, Eddie House, J.R. Giddens 1: Rajon Rondo, Stephon Marbury, Gabe Pruitt/Lester Hudson A nine-man rotation of Perkins, Garnett, Pierce, Allen, Rondo, Wallace, McDyess, House, and Marbury is better than anything the rest of the league has to offer. The expiring contracts of Scalabrine and Allen also give Ainge the payroll flexibility to make a move during the season to add a rotation player (at point guard or swingman) if needed... If I were a fan of the Detroit Pistons, I would want Joe Dumars fired immediately. After the Pistons advanced to the 2003 Eastern Conference Finals, Dumars had a Hall of Fame coach in Larry Brown, a deep and versatile roster filled with team-first players, and the second pick in the '03 draft courtesy of the Memphis Grizzlies. With the chance to select Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, or Chris Bosh, Dumars instead took teenage Croatian center Darko Milicic. In spite of the wasted Milicic pick, the Pistons did win the 2004 championship. But instead of evolving into a dynasty -- which should have been Detroit's fortunes -- they never won another title. They lost to the Spurs in the '05 Finals and then proceeded to lose in the Conference Finals the next three years (Heat, Cavaliers, Celtics) before bottoming out and being swept in the first round this year by the Cavs. During that time after blowing the '03 draft and winning the '04 title, Brown left the Pistons, the roster was never improved enough to put the Pistons over the hump to win another championship, and Brown's capable replacement, Flip Saunders, was fired for not advancing past the Conference Finals in three attempts and replaced by Dell Curry, who had no previous head coaching experience. Dumars made his biggest mistake this season by trading his best overall player Chauncey Billups -- the perfect combination of passing, scoring, defense, and toughness -- to the Nuggets for the infinitely selfish Allen Iverson. After the failed season with AI, the Pistons fired Curry and allowed Iverson, Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess to enter free agency. It gave Dumars and the Pistons roughly $20-million in salary cap space to attract free agents. Of course, one must remember, it is Joe Dumars spending this money. The same guy who drafted Milicic. The same guy who traded Billups for Iverson. The same guy who dumped Saunders for Curry. Fittingly, Dumars spent his money on two good players who in no way make the Pistons contenders to win the championship in 2010. He gave guard Ben Gordon a 5-year/$55-million deal and then handed forward Charlie Villanueva a 5-year/$40-million deal. That gives the Pistons a roster that still has more questions than answers. They have no true point guard. They have three shooting guards -- Rip Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey, and Gordon -- who all need the ball in their hands to be successful. They have one good small forward in Tayshaun Prince. They have no threat in the post. Villanueva is more dangerous from the perimeter and neither Kwame Brown or Jason Maxiell make opposing defenses lose any sleep. Dumars also wasted his first round pick this year to select Gonzaga's Austin Daye, who is no more than a poor man's version of Prince. In the process, they skipped the chance to take a real point guard (Ty Lawson, Jeff Teague, Darren Collison, and Eric Maynor all went after Daye) or post player (Dumars passed on B.J. Mullens, DeJuan Blair, and Derrick Brown). Dumars did land Georgetown power forward DaJuan Summers in the second round but considering their lack of talent inside, using both of their top two picks on big men would have been a wiser choice. As a Celtics fan, I couldn't be any happier with Dumars inability to keep the Pistons a contender. However, all of you Pistons fans out there need to find a way to get Dumars out of power before things get any worse... Enjoy Wakefield v. "King Felix" tomorrow night...

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...