Random Thoughts (June 4, 2010)

Okay, so maybe the Celtics will not win the Finals in the 5 games that I predicted but I am not going to panic after the Lakers impressive Game 1 victory. I still know that the Celtics are the tougher team and that will make the difference in this series... Over the last fifteen years or so, I have been extremly lucky to attend many baseball games at Fenway Park and see some of the best players who have ever put on the uniform. I have seen the MVP's, Cy Young winners, and the future residents of Cooperstown. Of all the great players who I watched on Yawkey Way, the best of the best was Ken Griffey Jr. Junior was the entire package. His sweet left handed swing produced 630 home runs, his speed carried him around the bases and let him cover ground in centerfield faster than any of his contemporaries, and his passion for the game rightfully earned him the nickname of "The Kid." Griffey's retirement earlier this week was bittersweet. He has been celebrated as the one superstar not associated with steroids but it also forced him to show his age and lose his amazing skills a lot sooner than we would have liked. It has been difficult to watch him breakdown as he advanced from his prime into the twilight of his career but when history looks back on his career, he will be remembered as one of the best who ever graced a baseball diamond... The critics who wanted to crucify Theo Epstein for his offseason moves after the team's slow start are nowhere to be found these days. The Red Sox are just 5 games behind the Rays in the AL East and only trail the Yankees by 2.5 games for the Wild Card. The hunt for a playoff spot will be a tough one but count the Sox in the mix for a shot at October. A major part of the team's resurgence has been one of Epstein's winter acquisitions, Adrian Beltre. Beltre came to Boston on a one-year deal after an offseason of failing to land a multi-year contract based on a power stroke that had disappeared playing in Seattle spacious Safeco Field. Beltre has recovered his stroke (.333 BA, 7 HR, 40 RBI, .877 OPS) and coupled with his stellar defense at third base, he has helped the Red Sox force their way back into the hunt for the postseason. Beltre deserves the credit for proving he is still a star but Epstein also deserves a tip of the hat for betting on Beltre's comeback... Can't say that I've been disappointed with the Season 4 episodes of "Friday Night Lights" that are currently available on Comcast's OnDemand. Does that make me a gg? Probably but it's still an amazing show. The refreshed story lines and new characters - Madison Burge is going to be a star - have kept the show thriving... Enjoy Ray Allen on Sunday...