Just a few thoughts after over a month of inactivity...
If the Patriots can find a way to convince both Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard to leave Baltimore for Foxboro, Bill Belichick's defense would be significantly improved in 2013.
Reed might not have a lot left in the tank but he'd certainly be an upgrade over Steve Gregory and his locker room and film room presence might be the difference between Tavon Wilson becoming a solid contributor or being another wasted second round pick by Belichick.
Pollard, he of the season altering hits on Tom Brady (2008), Wes Welker (2009), Rob Gronkowski (2011), and Stevan Ridley (2012), would bring a much needed physical presence to the Patriots secondary that has done little to scare opposing receivers since Rodney Harrison turned in his helmet for a microphone.
A safety rotation of Reed, Pollard, Devin McCourty, and Wilson looks good on paper and if the Patriots can also re-sign Aqib Talib (and keep Alfonso Dennard out of a Nebraska prison cell), the Patriots secondary could go from being suspect to solid very quickly.
***
I am very happy that Danny Ainge did not move Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce at the NBA trade deadline, despite his constant claim that he once told Red Auerbach to trade Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish at the end of the 1980's.
Now if Ainge could have made the Celtics a better team in the long run by trading Garnett and/or Pierce, I would have been in favor of a deal. However, the rumored DeAndre Jordan-and-Eric Bledsoe for Garnett deal did not inspire me and really, no NBA team had anything to give or was going to give up anything to add a once great (and still very good) player who is on the verge of retirement.
Keeping Garnett and Pierce keeps the Celtics competitive now, makes them a contender to win a series or two in the playoffs, and delays the inevitable rebuilding process that will begin the day they retire for at least another season.
They are a fun team to watch. The presence of Garnett and Pierce makes them better but it also does wonders for the confidence and development of younger players like Jeff Green, Brandon Bass, Avery Bradley, and Courtney Lee. I'd much rather watch the Garnett and Pierce Celtics play hard and be at least capable of making some noise in the playoffs than be a fan of the Charlotte Bobcats, a team that accumulates young talent in the lottery but has no leadership or sense of direction.
***
My annual Red Sox and MLB preview will be out by the end of the month but (not surprisingly) I am optimistic for the 2013 season. I'm not about to predict a division title or a World Series for this season but I do believe that John Farrell's leadership will be a welcome change to the chaotic days of Bobby Valentine, I do believe that their pitching will be much improved in 2013, and I do believe that the offense will score enough runs to win between 80-85 games.
***
Speaking of the Red Sox, if David Ortiz is out to start the season (and that will likely be the case) then I hope rookie Jackie Bradley, Jr. starts the year in left field and the team uses Johnny Gomes as the designated hitter.
Bradley, as they say, is the real deal.
***
As confident as I am in the Bruins, losses like the one on Tuesday night in Pittsburgh when they blew a 2-0 third period lead and allowed the Penguins to score three unanswered goals, just can't happen to a Stanley Cup contender.
And don't tell me about fatigue. Championship teams don't crumble in the final 6 minutes when they hold a two goal lead.
***
Enjoy the college basketball conference tournaments.
No comments:
Post a Comment