Random Thoughts (January 18, 2010)

I am not a fan of the New York Jets and I never will be but that does not keep me from giving Rex Ryan all the credit in the world for getting "Gang Green" into the AFC Championship Game in his first year as head coach. Patriots fans can openly detest Ryan's brash ways and bravado but it has taken the Jets to the brink of the Super Bowl. He has talked the talk and is very close to walking the walk. His confidence has been infectuous and he has his entire lockerroom believing that they can win the AFC and go on to win the Super Bowl. Like him or not, the guy can coach. I will be very discreetly supporting him on Sunday. It helps that the Jets are playing the Colts because if it were any other team, I would be openly rooting against them... The rumors of a Chris Bosh-Andrew Bynum trade are exciting but as a Celtics fan, they also terrify me. The trade makes sense for both teams. Adding Bosh would give the Lakers a powerful trio of Kobe Bryant, Bosh, and Pau Gasol, making them a favorite to repeat as champions. Trading Bosh for Bynum would give the Raptors a young center who is signed to a long-term contract, something they will not have once Bosh enters free agency this summer. I will be courtside at the Celtics-Lakers game in two weeks. As a basketball fan, I would love to see Bosh playing alongside Kobe and Gasol. As a Celtics fan, I will fondly remember the 2008 championship season as the Lakers set themselves up for another title run... Would anyone be surprised if the Red Sox acquired Adrian Gonzalez by trading Kevin Youkilis to the Padres? Youkilis is a fantastic player who is signed to a relatively cheap ($10-million annually) contract. He can hit for average and power and has a Gold Glove on his resume. As good as Youkilis is, Gonzalez is better. He hits for more power, produces more runs, and strikes more fear into pitchers than Youkilis. If the Red Sox offense needs a boost in July - and it will - don't be shocked if Theo Epstein ships Youkilis to San Diego for Gonzalez... Enjoy Paul Pierce tonight...