Random Thoughts (January 2, 2011)

I apologize one last time for the lack of NFL picks posts the last few weeks. I have been struggling to keep up with all of my other commitments and I did not want to rush through the weekly picks. I will be back for the NFL Playoffs, starting next week... Is it too early to be getting excited to watch Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford don their Red Sox uniforms for the first time in Spring Training? I can't wait to wear my Crawford J-Shirt for Opening Day... TheBostonInsider thinks there could be one more MAJOR move by the Red Sox between now and Valentine's Day that would make the 2011 season the most anticipated in recent history. With a lineup full of lefthanded hitters, could the Sox re-visit acquiring Justin Upton from Arizona? Crawford's arrival makes Jacoby Ellsbury more likely to be traded. I would not be shocked to see Ellsbury be packaged with either Ryan Kalish or Josh Reddick and Felix Doubront for the 23-year-old Upton. That would give the Red Sox a more balanced lineup that would look a lot like this: 1. Dustin Pedroia, 2B (R) 2. Carl Crawford, LF (L) 3. Kevin Youkilis, 3B (R) 4. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B (L) 5. Justin Upton, CF (R) 6. David Ortiz, DH (L) 7. Jed Lowrie, SS (S) 8. J.D. Drew, RF (L) 9. Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Jason Varitek, C (S) Bench: Varitek/Saltalamacchia, C (S); Marco Scutaro, Utility (R); Mike Camron, OF (R); Darnell McDonald, OF (R) Yeah, that would be a fun lineup to watch for 162... Is it possible that Bill Belichick would bring back Eric Mangini if the Browns fire him after the season? There were a lot of bad feelings when Mangini left New England to take over the Jets after the 2005 season but the former Belichick protege would be a great addition as secondary coach to continue the development of youngsters Devin McCourty, Darius Butler, Brandon Meriweather, and Patrick Chung... Enjoy Brian Hoyer today...