Friday’s Lowell Sun and LowellSun.com sports pages take us into the weekend on a high note.

Carmine Frongillo introduces us to new Bruins coach, Dave Lewis. Frongillo also checks in with a feature on Dracut’s Matt Lawlor, who’s now using his catcher’s tools for Lowell’s American Legion entry. Meanwhile, Barry Scanlon heads over to LeLacheur Park for a look at the Spinners 3-1 loss to Oneonta.

In other news, the New England Riptide pull through in extra innings. Chelmsford’s Tim Rich, heading into his junior year, just returned from a 4th place finish in a national wrestling competition. The D-14 Little League All-Star Tournament gets underway tonight. You can also catch up on the rest of the Summer League Baseball action. And Rick Harrison has some final thoughts on the City Golf Tournament.

Final Score
Mets 2
Red Sox 4

Picture Tells the Story: You know how play-by-play announcers sometimes go silent during a big moment of the game, preferring to let the pictures tell the story?

Well, that’s what I’m going to do regarding Coco Crisp’s catch last night. No need to describe it…simply a fantastic catch at a huge point in the game.

The Sox have now won 12-in a row and have gone 16-consecutive games without an error, tying a major league record. Along with making the routine plays, Boston’s Boys of Summer are routinely making spectacular plays, and it’s really helping the pitching staff out. You have to go back to the 1975 team to recall one that’s so good defensively, and this one might be better because Rick Burleson couldn’t hold a candle to Alex Gonzalez.

What are your thoughts on the current winning and errorless streaks? How huge was that play by Crisp? Did the momentum from that catch lead directly to David Ortiz’ insurance home run?

For the 2nd time, Phil Smith is the City Golf Tournament Champion and Thursday’s Lowell Sun and LowellSun.com are all over that story and the rest of the sports news.

Rick Harrison covers yesterday’s final round at Vesper Country Club. The entire scorecard is here. Chaz Scoggins took LeLacheur Park duty as the Spinners eek out a win over Tri-City. On the hardcourts, Lynn Worthy recaps the Celtics draft. Lynn was also blogging fast and furious last night, keeping up with all of Danny Ainge’s moves.

In other news, the New England Riptide fall short against Akron while Lowell Legion prevails in their contest. And Carmine Frongillo gets you caught up on Pedro Martinez' short night of work at Fenway Park.

It’s been a while since I’ve answered mail. Then again, you guys haven’t been very inquisitive lately, so please forgive my laziness. Anyway, the envelopes please:

Bob C. wants to know; “O.K. sports guy…who got the only hit off Petey in the 17k game in the Bronx?�

Chili Davis was the lone Yankee to luck out that night, my friend. And I do mean luck out, because I remember seeing a picture that showed Davis with his eyes closed as he swung and made contact on the home run.

That’s how great Pedro was that night…a team in the midst of its dynasty couldn’t touch him on its home field, and only blind luck prevented that from being universally acclaimed as the greatest pitching performance of all time. (Many of us will argue that’s already the case, but a no-no would have cinched it)

T2 asks; “Where’s GeorgeHR been? In hiding as I predicted?�

Gotta agree with you here T2. (Gee, it feels strange to say that!) You rarely hear from NY fans when things aren’t going their way…they’re the most notorious front-runners in sports.

But hey, they sure didn’t waste much time giving A-Rod a standing “O� after that game-wining home run yesterday, did they? Very touching stuff, especially after all the “choker� chants and boos he’s been hearing in his own backyard. Too bad he’s not more like that hero, Jason Giambi, they keep summoning for curtain calls. There’s a guy you can really root for, right New York?

Finally, T2 wants me to come out and take a curtain call; “Where are the happy Teddy comments on this (Telfair) trade? I'm already committed to buying the paper, so let him post already!"

Every now and then, a blind squirrel finds a nut. Of all the trade rumors out there, the Telfair one made the most sense when you took into account Ainge’s fascination with him out of high school. He’s a penetrating, pass-first point guard, something the C’s desperately need. Now they can bring Delonte West off the bench as a combo guard, which is what I believe he’s better suited for given his ability and injury history.

That said, how about the masterful job Ainge did getting what he wanted out of this draft. You can argue Telfair vs. Foye all you want, but when the C’s Director of Basketball Ops wants something, he knows how to maneuver and get it.

Supposedly, Rajon Rondo was the point guard who most impressed him, so Ainge found a way to get him with a later pick. Giving up Cleveland’s first rounder is nothing….LeBron and company will be deep in the playoffs for the foreseeable future. Now Rondo can develop behind Telfair and either West or Iverson.

Yes, I mean Iverson. That deal still has some legs to it. The guessing here…if it only costs West and Wally Szczerbiak, it’ll get done. Boston might even be willing to throw in Gerald Green. I think they draw a line in the sand at Al Jefferson, and they should. The only way I trade him is if Kevin Garnett comes in return!

And how about a curtain call from "Danny Boy" for getting those supposedly untradeable contracts of Mark “Bow-wow� Blount and Raef LaFrentz off the books!

Final Score
Mets 2
Red Sox 10

Arms Wide Open: Well, the Fenway Faithful welcomed back Pedro Martinez once again…and the former Sox ace responded by welcoming Boston hitters with open arms.

I’ll give Martinez a personal mulligan, but if I’m the Mets, I’m mighty ticked off. Pedro’s mind clearly wasn’t on the task at hand…winning for his current team. He was more interested in soaking up the atmosphere of his return to the place he called home for seven years. The brain fart on David Ortiz’ comebacker in the first inning was exhibit A.

Did you see the look on Willie Randolph’s face? He knew his stud pitcher was thinking more about the Fenway lovefest than how to retire Red Sox batters, and to his credit, yanked him after only 3-innings. He must have been been breathing fire listening to the post-game press conference, where Pedro talked about how “happy� he was and how much he enjoyed the experience. No kidding….so did the Red Sox!

On the other end of the spectrum was Josh Beckett. Despite his struggles at times this year, he came with a reputation for being at his best when the pressure was on. Pitching at Fenway in Pedro’s return qualifies as a “spotlight� game, and Boston’s baby ace delivered. That’s a very heartening sign should there be post-season baseball on the menu.

Was anyone else disappointed in Martinez? Or were you just happy the stinker came against the Sox?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

A Boston fan's three-step draft night:

1. The Boston Celtics acquired guard Sebastian Telfair, center Theo Ratliff and Portland's 2008 second round Draft pick in exchange for forward Raef LaFrentz, guard Dan Dickau and the seventh overall selection in the 2006 NBA Draft.

2. Celtics acquired University of Kentucky guard Rajon Rondo and veteran forward Brian Grant from the Phoenix Suns (the Celtics have Grant's contract, but Executive Director of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge said the team is not counting on him as part of their roster). In return, the Suns will acquire a future first round pick the Celtics acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for swingman Jiri Welsch.

3. Celtics acquired the draft rights to University of California forward Leon Powe from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for a future second round draft pick.

Local connection

The Detroit Piston selected Boston-native Will Blalock with the 60th pick in the draft.

Blalock (6-foot, 205 pounds), the number 22 on the Iowa State all-time scoring list, is regarded as an athletic guard with good vision and decent leaping ability for his size.

His sister Marsha Blalock played point guard at UMass Lowell from 1995-99. She ranks second all-time in 3-pointers made (132), and tops the career assits list (429), career steals list (304), and holds the record for most assists in a season (140) back in the 1996-97 campaign.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Sebastian Telfair, the latest and greatest basketball pride of Brooklyn, is on his was to Boston after two seasons in Portland. Last season he averaged 9.5 points per game and 3.6 assists in 24.1 minutes per game over 68 games.

The thirteenth pick in the 2004 draft out of high school, as a senior he was the subject of the ESPN Documentary Through the Fire.

He spoke to members of the Boston-area media via a conference call during the draft. Here are some of the things he had to say.

On what he brings: “My style of play is an up-tempo style of play. They got some good players over there that I can help make a little better by getting open shots like Paul and Wally and the rest of those guys.�

On being surprised: “Yes I was. I was surprised. I didn’t really know it was coming. I heard rumors, but when the deal was done and finalized I was really happy that it went through.�

On getting out of Portland: “I wasn’t exactly happy (in Portland), but to play for a team that is running up and down -- I felt that that was a better fit for me.�

On his first conversation with Doc Rivers: “I spoke to him and he said he liked my game. He said he’d been watching me for a long time. He said he spoke to Paul about it and Paul said give him the ball. I’m here and he said one of my key thing is going to be being able to bring my penetration, and I hope that’s going to be a key factor for us to win some games.�

On expecting to start, or not: “Whatever position coach put me in, that’s the position I’m going to take. I’m going to work hard to be a starter of course. That’s one of my goals, but whatever it’s going to be to win some games. I’m going into my third season. I haven’t been in the playoffs. I would like to reach the playoffs.�

On why it didn’t work in Portland: “I played two season. My first season we had two veteran point guards Nick Van Exel and Damon Stoudamire, so I didn’t get an opportunity to play much. My second season, you know, didn’t play as well as I would like. We went with a different style, we didn’t run the pick and roll that much. I got injured and there were a couple of minor things and it didn’t work out.�

On the Celtics possibly drafting him last year: “I heard that talk around the draft time and I was excited then. To be on the East Coast is one thing, but to play for the Boston Celtics that’s another great thing. I’m honored to be part of the Boston Celtics.�

On playing with Paul Pierce: “That was one of my main reasons for being excited about the trade. He is an All-Star and when you play with an All-Star it makes your job a lot easier. Playing against him he has that fight in him that he wants to go out every night and win, and that’s the type of person I want to play with.�

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

ESPN and WEEI radio have reported that the Boston Celtics have traded the number seven overall pick in tonight's draft along with Raef LaFrentz and Dan Dickau to the Portland Trailbrazers for Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff and Portland's second round pick in 2008.

The Celtics had not confirmed the deal as of 7:15, but league rules prevent any trade made after 2 p.m. from being officially announced before the draft begins.

Be sure to check back for more on the NBA Draft and grab tomorrow's Lowell Sun for more on the Celtics.

Admittedly, I’m biased.

Let me get that part out of the way first. I love Pedro Martinez. He’s my binky. He’s my favorite Red Sox player of all-time. He has a spot reserved on my Mount Rushmore of Boston professional athletes (the ones I’ve seen in my lifetime) along with Bobby Orr, Larry Bird and Tom Brady. He is a legend. And he is probably the greatest pitcher of all-time.

Most of you will view that last statement as ridiculous…just another bit of lunacy from the same keypad that wrote Kobe would win a title before Shaq. Except this time, I have the numbers on my side...no, not overall numbers taken from different eras or accumulated over many years of big league work. I’m talking numbers so dominant for their period they transcend generations.

The comparison was done years ago, when Martinez possessed the combination of Greg Maddux finesse and Randy Johnson power that no other pitcher in major league history other than Sandy Koufax possessed. When you took Petey’s numbers from the 1999-2000 seasons and compared them to the norm for other pitchers during that time period, there wasn’t a better statistical performance in history, be it the dead ball and higher mound eras, to the days when ballparks were pastures and Babe Ruth hit more home runs than every other team combined.

I mention 1999-2000 because those were the two that stand out. Really, you could count his entire career up to now, but what he did those two years was from another world. Pedro drove a stake through the heart of the "Juice Era."

23-4, 2.07 ERA and 0.92 WHIP with 313 K’s in 213 innings in 1999. The strikeouts were down (284 in 217 IP) and the record wasn’t as good (18-6) in 2000, but the ERA and WHIP dropped to 1.74 and 0.74 respectively.

Think about those numbers for a minute. Take some more time to digest them. Then feel free to compare them to any single year from any pitcher of this era and you’d be shocked by how much Pedro Martinez blows them all away. Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux…you name him, Pedro’s stats bury him. Then notice how even Pedro’s worst years fit right in with the rest of those guys and any one-year wonder you’d like to bring up.

But numbers alone aren’t why I love Pedro Martinez. What the Red Sox are today can be directly traced back to the day Dan Duquette traded for the National League Cy Young winner (for the Montreal Expos, no less).

When Pedro pitched, Fenway was packed. (Hard for you Johnny Come Lately’s to understand, but they didn’t always sell out that crap hole of a ballpark) When Pedro pitched, you went to the bathroom when the Red Sox were at bat. When Pedro pitched, the Boston Globe produced an entire page in Spanish. In short, a Pedro Martinez start was an event…something not to be missed for fear of losing out on a piece of history.

The highlights are too many to list, so I’ll give you my personal favorites;

17-K’s and one hit allowed at Yankee Stadium late in 1999, the game that served notice the Red Sox were a legitimate threat to the New York dynasty. It took another 5-years to finally beat them. But Joe Torre will tell you from that night on he always feared the Red Sox most, because they had Pedro Martinez.

The injured ace coming out of the bullpen in the deciding Game 5 of the 1999 playoffs. That he no-hit the Cleveland Indians over the final 6-innings, even though he was hurt and only throwing about 88-89 mph wasn’t what impressed me. It was how defeated and pathetic the potent Cleveland hitters looked as soon as he trotted in from the pen. Check out the game next time it’s on ESPN Classic. I swear they were striking out on purpose in the 9th inning just to get it over with.

Game-3 of the ALCS the same year…the only game the Sox won. Pedro baffled the Yankees while Roger Clemens shriveled like a prune and was taunted off the mound. Undoubtedly, Dan Duquette’s greatest day as GM.

The All-Star game at Fenway when Pedro destroyed the best the National League had to offer. Larkin, Larry Walker, Bagwell, McGwire, Sosa (some at their steroid induced peaks)…all reduced to little leaguers flailing away helplessly.

Game-5, 2004 ALCS…Pedro brushes back Hideki Matsui, who to that point was killing the Sox. Godzilla is not heard from again in the series.

Game-3, 2004 World Series…7 shutout innings in his first World Series appearance. After threatening in the 1st inning, the Cardinals had no shot. They looked more beaten than the ’99 NL All-Stars.

The above performances, along with the many serious and goofy moments in between are why I love Pedro Martinez. And apparently, so does the majority of Red Sox Nation.

I can’t tell you how happy I was to see the standing ovation given to him between innings Tuesday night. After what happened with Johnny Damon, I was a bit nervous. Red Sox fans are mocked nationally for their inferiority complex and for eating their stars alive. The Damon incident was embarrassing to me because it validated the belief that Boston fans hate the Yankees more than they love the Sox. Had they booed Pedro, too, a new low would have been reached.

Luckily, we don’t have to worry about that now. We can sit back, watch the master at work, and root like hell for another Red Sox victory tonight….1-nothing…9th inning HR by David Ortiz…off Billy Wagner.

Welcome back Pedro. And thank you for a lifetime of memories!

What are your thoughts on Pedro’s return to Fenway? Favorite memories? Bad ones?

Final Score
Mets 4
Red Sox 9

The Beat Goes On: 10 in a row…all of them coming against the National League East…the latest an impressive romp over the NL’s best team, the Mets.

This one was overshadowed a bit by Pedro’s return to Fenway (more on that in my next post) and the fact it was a matchup of rookies, Jon Lester and Alay Soler. The Pedro-Beckett and Glavine-Schilling matchups will generate much more excitement the next two days.

Still, it was nice to see Lester hang tough despite struggling against a very good team. He never lost his composure and wouldn’t allow the New Yorkers that one big inning to get them back in the game. Sure, he’ll need to pitch better, but it’s comforting to know he can survive without his “A’ game.

Also, that batting order that looked so anemic early in the season is really picking up steam at home. Other than David Ortiz (he does enough, don’t you think?), the top five hitters in the lineup are all over .300 now, as is Mike Lowell in the 7-spot. Having Kevin Youkilis getting on base so much and Mark Loretta return to form really makes them dangerous. Give Papi and Manny RBI chances and those two will put numbers on the board more often than not.

Are you surprised at how well the Sox are playing lately? I know I am. I didn’t think they had the pitching to run off ten in a row, regardless of the competition.

The NBA draft is just a day away and the trade winds that normally howl during this time of year are reaching hurricane levels, with your Boston Celtics right in the eye of the storm.

Right now, there are a ton of rumors out there, many involving big names, and many involving the Green. I’ll give you a couple I’ve seen, along with my take on them and the probability of them going down. Of course with Danny Ainge running the ship, expect the unexpected. It won’t shock me at all if the trade that does occur comes out of nowhere and not from this list.

I will say this however; I think the Celtics will make a major move in the next day or so. The best guess here is it will involve the number-7 pick in the draft, and will bring back a “name� player who can immediately step in and start, probably at point guard.

The juiciest rumor involves Allen Iverson coming to Boston in a trade sending the number-7 pick to Philadelphia and Wally Szczerbiak to Utah. As intriguing as this one sounds, I don’t think it will happen…and it shouldn’t.

Yes, Iverson would instantly make the C’s a playoff team. But there just aren’t enough basketballs for “The Answer� and “The Truth� to handle. The only way this deal works is if it’s followed by a Paul Pierce trade. If you ask me, the devil you know is better than the one you don’t. Iverson may be better, but Pierce is younger, stronger and in line for a much longer career from this point on. This deal only makes sense if the C’s are on the verge of a title, which they’re not at this time.

Another rumor gathering steam is Boston sending the #7 pick to Chicago for Chris Duhon and the #16 selection. I’d say this one is much more probable than the AI deal. It doesn’t make as big a splash, but it makes a lot more sense.

Duhon isn’t a potential stud, but he is a solid point guard who could instantly help. He’s probably better than any of the options available at that position in the draft other than Brandon Roy, who’s expected to be gobbled up before Ainge gets to choose. The Bulls already have Kirk Hinrich, so Duhon is expendable if they have their eyes on a particular player at seven. (Remember, they already have the second pick in the draft thanks to Isiah Thomas’ idiocy)

If a better option doesn’t become available, I think the C’s take this deal in a heartbeat (Ainge would still likely come up with a pretty good player at #16). However, late word out of Chicago has a Bulls source denying this one will happen. We’ll see.

The final deal gaining momentum involves the #7 pick and Dan Dickau going to Portland for PG Sebastian Telfair. This is the one (other than a possible Kevin Garnett trade) that really gets me excited.

Ainge made no secret of his interest in Telfair before the 2004 draft. Some say that’s why the Trail Blazers took him so high (#13) despite the kid jumping to the NBA straight out of high school. He’s not a great shooter and he is kind of small, but Telfair has great instincts for the position. I, for one, would love to see the Celtics with a point guard who thinks pass first. He’s just 21 and should be ready to bust out in this, his 3rd year in the league.

Why is he possibly available? Well, because word is he’s going to leave Portland anyway when his rookie contract expires. Plus, the man who drafted him higher than a lot of “experts� thought he should go was John Nash, who was relieved of his duties this off-season.

Ultimately, I think this is the deal that gets done. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking on my part, but I believe it’s a steal for the Celts. Even if Portland demands something else, I believe Ainge will jump at the opportunity to add a young “veteran� at the position his team has the greatest need at.

Now then, if Garnett becomes available, all bets are off! What do you say Kevin McHale? Care to help your old team out?

What are your thoughts on the NBA draft? What should the Celtics do? Do any of the rumored trades excite you? Have you heard any others? Which ones would make you cancel your season ticket subscription? If the C’s do keep the pick who should they select?

In Tuesday’s Lowell Sun and LowellSun.com, Carmine Frongillo spotlights Patriots coach Bill Belichick, the guest speaker at Lowell High’s Alumni Golf Tournament. Sticking with the golf theme, Rick Harrison previews tomorrow’s final round of the Lowell City Tournament.

Elsewhere, the Bruins trade defenseman Nick Boynton. Chaz Scoggins has details of the Spinners loss to Tri-City. And you can catch up on all the summer league baseball action.

Final Score
Phillies 7
Red Sox 8

Time to Take a Walk: What else can be said about David Ortiz in the clutch that already hasn’t been said?

It’s almost getting boring. The only surprise yesterday was that he didn’t end it in the 9th inning. It’s gotten to that point. So what I’d like to ask of you is this; is it time to give Ortiz the Bonds treatment and walk him whenever he comes up late in the game, no matter the situation?

I bring this up because the Phillies had an interesting dilemma yesterday. It goes against all baseball wisdom to walk a guy and move the winning run up to 3rd base. It doesn’t make much sense.

Then again, what Big Papi is doing doesn’t make sense. He’s that good in game-winning situations. Managers used to walk Barry Bonds a few years back in similar situations, even giving him a free pass with the bases juiced. (Like the choice of words there?) Has David Ortiz reached that point?

With Manny Ramirez batting behind him, I’d say no. (I hope the anti-Manny forces appreciate what his presence means) You have to take your chances, no matter what Papi’s previous record in the clutch is. But it’s something worth considering, and something I have a feeling we’re going to see if Ortiz’ game-winning ways continue.

How about it amateur managers? Would you have walked Ortiz to load the bases in the 12th? Even if you don’t think it is sound strategy, do you think we’ll start seeing it in the near future?

The Lowell Sun and LowellSun.com are all over the City Golf Tournament. David Pevear has the story of Phil Smith holding a two stroke edge over Dean Demitropoulos, with 10-time champ Doug Parigian lurking just three shots off the pace. Meanwhile, Rick Harrison focuses on Mt. Pleasant’s Mark Lammond, the “old man� of the tournament.

In other sports news, the St. Louis Blues selected Westford resident Matthew McCollem in the 6th round of the NHL Draft. England and Portugal advance in the World Cup.

On the diamonds, former Lowell Spinner Anibal Sanchez was impressive in his major league debut with the Marlins. The Lowell All-Americans drop a decision to Concord, while the New England Riptide emerge victorious in their softball game against the Canadian National Team. And you can also catch up on the rest of the summer league baseball action.

OK Sports Talk readers…time to add another entry to your summer reading list.

In case you haven’t noticed, TheSunBlog.com has a new feature…a political blog called The Sun Community Forum, hosted by Jim Campanini, Editor of the paper. I know you guys and gals live and die with sports, but an entire other world exists outside the sports realm, and Jim does an excellent job bringing it to you.

Not only does the new blog give you a chance to chime in on local issues like Lowell’s City Manager search or the riff between the School Committee and the city’s State House delegation, but it also touches on national and international issues sure to get your blood boiling. Check out today’s entry about The Da Vinci Code and radical Islam for an example of what I’m talking about.

So as part of your daily routine, make sure to visit The Sun Community Forum (after you’ve finished with Sports Talk, of course!). It’s well worth the time!

Oh…and don’t go easy on Jim. He can take it!

We’ve reached the final week of our Spinners Trivia contest. Thank you to all those who've participated. The response was greater than we could have imagined.

The answer to last week’s question; who was the first Lowell Spinners player to appear in Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game? Shea Hillenbrand, of the 2002 Boston Red Sox.

Congratulations to our winner, William Sheehan of Lowell. You've won a pair of tickets to an upcoming game at LeLacheur Park.

This week’s question; who is the first Lowell Spinners player to record a save in the major leagues?

Good luck!

There hasn’t been a bigger critic of the Boston Bruins than yours truly. Since the early ‘90’s, I’ve stopped rooting for the team I grew up loving because I figure if they don’t care about winning, why should I.

That said, it’s time to officially declare a cease-fire and move forward. It appears the B’s have, hiring a new GM in Peter Chiarelli and beginning the process of phasing Harry Sinden out. If only Jeremy Jacobs would unload the team, I might just fall back in love with them instead of approaching this new phase of our relationship with a wary eye.

I thought yesterday’s NHL draft was a good first step. Instead of trading out of the #5 spot or making a safe defensive pick, Boston chose the best player available in University of Minnesota center, Phil Kessel. Kessel’s strengths are speed and scoring ability and he’s been compared to Pat LaFontaine…not a bad thing if you ask me. The 18-year old has tremendous “upside� and was considered by many to be the top player before his freshman season in college.

You know what I like best? His nickname. Kessel is known as “The Thrill,� which is what I hope he puts back into being a Bruins fan.

The other move worth noting; Boston traded 2003-04 Rookie of the Year Andrew Raycroft to Toronto for Tuukka Rask. The young goaltender was the 21st overall pick in the 2005 draft and will most likely spend some time in the minors, where he’ll hopefully remove the extra “u� and “k� from his name.

I don’t think trading Raycroft will come back to haunt the B’s. While he did have a good rookie year, I never thought he was a championship caliber netminder. He just happened to play on a defensive minded team with the Eastern Conference’s best record. While he can’t be faulted for the defeat, he certainly didn’t stand on his head during the playoff loss to the Canadiens or do anything to carry his team like many other goalies do when the games count for real.

It’s a new era in Bruins hockey. The turnaround won’t happen overnight, but I’m willing to be patient as long as the team’s moving in the right direction. The salary cap will help as long as Chiarelli is a shrewd talent evaluator. Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt…for now.

What did you think of the Bruins draft? Should Boston have taken one of the many trade offers they got? What about dealing Raycroft? Will we regret it?

It’s kind of a slow day, what with the Red Sox rain-out and all. I guess I could do a thorough analysis of the World Cup Quarterfinals, but watching the spinning ceiling fans at my folks restaurant is a bit more entertaining right now. (When do the hooligans start burning down Germany, anyway?)

So instead, my daily contribution consists of a link from the Heat’s championship parade in Miami, in case you missed it. Not only does Pat Riley dance up a storm, he actually gets spanked by Shaquille O’Neal.

So much for dignity!

Final Score
Phillies 3
Red Sox 5

Tell Me You’re Not Surprised: It’s not like we haven’t come to expect such things of David Ortiz anyway. But combine a 10th inning at bat for Big Papi with Tom Gordon on the mound, and I’m sure more than a few of the Fenway Faithful were gathering their belongings and had the car keys firmly in hand.

Other than that, not much else to say about Mr. Ortiz…he may never win an MVP award because of his DH status, but he’ll continue to be the most feared hitter in the game during the late innings…Curt Schilling was great again, showing he knows how to pitch. That’s what I was talking about earlier in the year when I mentioned how some guys survive even when off to a bad start or struggling…Hope Mark Loretta isn’t hurt too badly. He’s really starting to tear the cover off the ball…and Jonathan Papelbon displayed a new trick yesterday, shutting the Phillies down for 2 1/3 innings. Is there anything this kid can’t do right now?

Final Score
Phillies 2
Red Sox 10

Let’s Switch Leagues: Any Red Sox fans out there who still hate the concept of inter-league play? I didn’t think so!

I love the concept anyway, whether the Sox are winning or losing. But the way Boston’s Boys of Summer are feasting on the NL’s poor stepchildren, if they ever do away with it, I say let’s switch leagues. We’d win 120-games a year….easy!

The Red Sox made it 7-wins in a row overall…7 in a row over National League squads…and a 9-1 record against their friends from across the aisle. Granted, Boston isn’t alone in its NL mastery (even the Devil Rays are beating them up), but no other team has made as much hay since interleague play began.

Other highlights included Josh Beckett taking a perfect game into the 6th…Manny Ramirez with 2 more homers and 5 ribbies…Alex Gonzalez grabbing 2 hits to up his average to .260…and a club record 11th consecutive game without an error.

News Flash: The NHL names former Bruins captain Joe Thornton its Most Valuable Player. Thornton was traded from Boston to San Jose earlier in the season and went on to lead the NHL in scoring, which earned him the Ross Trophy to go along with the Hart Trophy for MVP.

Teddy’s Take: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Here’s another kick in the groin for Bruins fans…Jumbo Joe becomes the first player to win the MVP after being traded in the middle of the season. I can't tell you how happy I am for Thornton and for the added embarrassment to the B's front office.

Thanks Mike O’Connell! Oh, and thank you, too, Harry Sinden and Jeremy Jacobs for allowing a guy you were thinking of firing to make the trade in the first place! Look on the bright side Peter Chiarelli...there's no place to go but up!

Any thoughts out there? Or has bashing the Bruins become boring?

In 1775, the shot heard ‘round the world kicked off America’s Revolutionary War. 231 years later, the shots heard ‘round the world booted the United States out of the World Cup Soccer tournament.

A 2-1 loss to Ghana eliminated the Yanks from competition and touched off a round questions and debate that will rage on over the next four years. Did Bruce Arena’s strategy handcuff the team? Which players left off the squad should have been there? Should we give more immigrants citizenship to help the 2010 collection?

I’ll let the experts debate those points. What I want to know is; 4 shots on goal in 3 games…are you kidding me? With 4 years to prepare, that’s the best we can do? With hundreds of years of evolution, that’s the best the sport of soccer can do?

Look, I’ll be the first to admit what passes for soccer in the States pales in comparison to what’s played in Brazil, Argentina and Europe. But there is something inherently wrong with a sport where one of the top ranked international teams (as flawed as that ranking system must be) can only manage 4 shots on goal in 3 games.

Let me repeat that in case you missed it; 4 SHOTS ON GOAL IN 3 FREAKIN’ GAMES!!!

Soccer nuts wondering why the sport doesn’t catch on in the U.S. need look no further than that statement. How can a sport allowing such a performance be developed? Sure the Americans stink, but so do the Kansas City Royals, and they manage to get at least 4 or 5 hits per game.

Think of the worst baseball, hockey, basketball or football teams around. Even at their most pathetic, they generate scoring opportunities. That’s because those sports realize there are two sides of the ball, offense and defense. And it’s offense (also known as skill) that puts fannies in the seats and in front of television sets.

So those sports develop rules and systems where skill shines through and offensive opportunities abound. (Unless you want to talk about the pre-lockout NHL…that’s an entirely different story)

Please don’t hit me with the “Soccer is the most played and popular sport in the world� argument. Of course it is. What are the other options in Ghana and the Ivory Coast? You think they have to shut down the theater district in Iran when the national team plays? Take away soccer and the English would be forced to riot after every Prince Charles tumble off the polo pony.

“Football� is the only sport these nations have known for centuries, so they have no choice but to become fanatics. Give them 300 years of top level American football or basketball, and a new generation of hooligans would be born. You can see it already in Europe and South America. Basketball is now #2 and rising fast. Think it won’t ever overtake soccer? That’s what the old stogies who ran baseball thought about American football, too.

The reason is simple; action. Soccer simply doesn’t have enough of it, and the video game/computer generation demands it. As the rest of the world catches up to the United States technologically and culturally, kids will gravitate toward the same things American kids do; entertainment and excitement.

We may not see it in our lifetime, but rest assured, there will come a day when international soccer goes the way of American baseball. It will still be the national pastime. It just won’t be the favorite sport.

Where did the USA go wrong in this World Cup? What are your thoughts on soccer? Is it destined to go the way of baseball? Is it just fine as is?

Friday’s Lowell Sun and LowellSun.com pages load up on local sports coverage.

Barry Scanlon talks to Chelmsford’s Keith Aucoin about being part of a Stanley Cup Champion. Scanlon also has more on the Lowell Devils new logo. Carmine Frongillo took in Joshua Papelbon’s impressive debut for the Spinners. Paul Daley has his weekly horse racing column. And Rick Harrison previews the Lowell City Golf Tournament teeing off this weekend.

Remember the scene in Anchorman where Champ Kind feels abandoned by Ron Burgundy and begins rambling on about missing him, only to go too far and embarrass himself? What was it Brian Fantana said to him? “Why don’t you stop talking for a while Champ,� or something like that?

Well, why don’t you stop talking for a while Ozzie?

Ozzie Guillen is in trouble again. The latest controversy involves the White Sox manager calling Chicago Sun Times columnist Jay Mariotti a “fag.� The incident is the latest in a long list of times Guillen has shot his mouth off. Adding to the manager’s woes, he’s just been suspended one game for a beanball incident, just a few days after throwing a nutty on pitcher Sean Tracey, who refused to drill an opposing batter and was sent to the minors immediately afterward.

Let’s get one thing straight. In a nation that trumpets free speech, Guillen has every right to say what he did. Also, the reporter in question is regarded by many who know him as a first class jerk and he hasn’t exactly covered himself in glory with his reaction to the incident. In fact, he’s come across as a coward, which is what the linguistically-challenged Guillen was trying to insinuate with his comment.

However, someone in Ozzie’s position should know better. You don’t go running your mouth off whenever something pops into your mind, especially when you’re constantly surrounded by cameras and microphones. When you represent a team, an organization…heck, an entire city…you sometimes have to pick and choose your words carefully.

Where Guillen was once a breath of fresh air, he’s now become a caricature; a loudmouth blowhard who won’t hesitate to rip any one, any place, any time, including his own players. Eventually, that will catch up to him in the clubhouse. His words, however, will get him even sooner.

Just as Guillen has a right to say what he wants, within the law of course, the White Sox have the right to demand their employees and representatives behave in a manner representative of the entire organization. While Ozzie may have been the face of the team during its World Series run, I suspect ownership wishes that face, and mouth, would go into hiding. I’m guessing the topic has already been addressed behind closed doors.

Take Brian Fantana’s advice and stop talking for a while Ozzie. You’re too good of a manager to have your career short-circuited because you couldn’t manage to keep your mouth shut.

What’s your take on the latest Ozzie Guillen controversy? Should he be left alone or should the White Sox and/or Major League Baseball take disciplinary action?

In the sports pages of Thursday’s Lowell Sun and LowellSun.com, Chaz Scoggins has more on the Red Sox sweep of the Nationals. The 5th and final excerpt from Scoggins’ book Game of My Life: Memorable Stories of Red Sox Baseball focuses on Mike Greenwell. Lynn Worthy and Mike Davidson square off in an interleague play edition of Sparring Partners.

Locally, Barry Scanlon recaps the Spinners 4-1 loss to Vermont. You can also get scores from the area’s summer baseball league action. David Pevear spotlights defending City Golf Tournament champion, Ken Gys. Carmine Frongillo focuses on Chelmsford’s Dave Welsh, a participant in tomorrow’s Shriners Football Classic. Thom Ring has all the auto racing news in this week’s Around the Track. And registration is underway for the Bay State Games.

u>Final Score
Nationals 3
Red Sox 9

The Kid is OK: Maybe all the hype was worth it, after all.

Jon Lester not only showed he belongs in the majors, he showed he can dominate in them when his stuff is working. I know it’s just the Nationals, but 10-strikeouts is still 10-strikeouts. These are major league hitters, and if you can fool that many of them or get that many to swing and miss, you have a chance to be a very good pitcher.

I’ll be curious to see how the kid responds to the iron of the league. He was only so-so against Texas, but that was his debut. Each start has been progressively better, culminating in last night’s impressive performance against the pesky Nats.

Elsewhere, the acquisition of Jason Johnson isn’t that big a deal, other than it provides another arm and another option to Matt Clement and David Wells. He’s not as bad as he’s pitched for Cleveland, but then again, when the struggling Indians have no use for a pitcher, how good can he be?

We’ll soon find out.

How impressed were you with young Mr. Lester? Is it too early to say he’s the real deal? Or will he start Game 4 of the playoffs?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Before Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger bounced off a windshield while riding his motorcycle, Jay Williams was the posterchild for pro careers put at risk.

Monday and Tuesday Williams was in Waltham for a free agent workout with the Boston Celtics three years after what looked like a career-ending injury.

Williams, a point guard who led Duke University to a national championship in 2001, played in 75 games for the Chicago Bulls as a rookie in the 2002-03 season averaging 9.5 points and 4.7 assists per game.

In 2003 Williams, the second pick in the 2002 draft, hit a telephone pole on his motorcycle and severed a main nerve in his leg, fractured his pelvis and tore ligaments in his left knee. He has not played in an NBA game since the accident.

"Somebody's going to have to take a chance on me, and for the last two years I've been hearing about what I can't do, which is fine, because that drives me with the motivation to prove everybody wrong," Williams told Celtics.com.

Several draft eligible guards have been brought in for workouts by the Celtics including Kentucky’s Rajon Rondo, Iowa State's Will Blalock, Boston College's Louis Hinnant, Villanova’s Randy Foye, Temple’s Mardy Collins, Iowa State’s Curtis Stinson, UConn’s Marcus Williams, Northeastern's Jose Juan Berea, Rutgers' Quincy Douby, and Michigan State's Shannon Brown.

The Celtics are looking to get pointed in the right direction.

What do you think about the Celtics point guard situation?

Wednesday’s Lowell Sun and LowellSun.com are all over the Spinners season opener. Chaz Scoggins has the game story, which includes a look at pitcher Dustin Richardson, who struck out 5 of the 6-batters he faced. David Pevear chimes in with a feature on Zach Daegas, a Red Sox draft pick straight out of “Moneyball.�

Elsewhere, you can find another excerpt from Scoggins’ book Game of My Life: Memorable Stories of Red Sox baseball. Today’s chapter is Dave Henderson, who recalls the nightmare Game-6 of the ’86 World Series. The Lowell All-Americans are set to host a “Heroes Night� at Alumni Field tomorrow. Jackie Graham is Lowell High’s recipient of the Mary Mullen Award.

On the links, Billerica’s Geoff Sisk has the lead heading into the final 18-holes of the Mass. Open. Long Meadow and Mount Pleasant have their teams set for the Lowell Women’s City Golf Tournament. And UMass-Lowell’s track stars earn academic honors.

Final Score
Nationals 3
Red Sox 11

Heating Up: Boston’s Boys of Summer are heating up faster than the weather. The win streak is now at five…Tim Wakefield looked solid yet again…and for once, the bats finally gave him some support.

Oh yeah…that Livan Hernandez trade possibility that I thought might be worth a try? Not if last night is any indication of how he’s going to react to the American League, though it’s not exactly like he’s dominating National Leaguers either. I’ll take my chances with Lester or someone else.

Youth Movement: The big news coming out of Fenway was Terry Francona’s pre-game meeting with his young guns…Lester, Delcarmen, Hansen and Lopez. The manager indicated he’s ready for a youth movement and I say it’s about time. Let’s see what they’ve got.

Granted, Hansen looked shaky last night. But at this point in their careers, Huston Street and Chad Cordero were already closers. Hansen was just as highly thought of as those guys coming out of college, and he doesn’t even have to be the 9th inning guy. I say cut him loose and let’s see what we’ve got.

What are your thoughts on the youth movement? Will it work or is Boston the wrong town for inexperienced pitchers to enter a pennant race?

OK Shaq lovers...here’s your chance to rejoice and hit me with all the I told you so’s. But when you do, remember to send a thank you note to Dwyane Wade for carrying the big fella to another title.

A few other quick thoughts on the NBA Finals;

1)Wade has now stepped up to the “Basketball God� level, that region above superstar occupied by a very select few and requiring a championship to enter. It was more than the over 34-points per game average in the Finals…the ice water running through the veins during crunch time is what sets him apart from other superstars, like Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzky.

2) Speaking of the big German, shame on Cedric Maxwell for saying he’s better than Larry Bird. If anyone should know better, it's Maxwell.

Bird never, EVER, turned into a “female cat� in the 4th quarter of a must-win game. Nowitzky couldn’t get the ball out of his hands quick enough when Miami turned up the heat on defense. Trying to pass the ball to a moving and out of position Eric Dampier in the game’s final moments? Please! If I’m Larry Legend, I call Max and tell him to get off the crack!

3)I’ll give Shaq his due as the 2nd most important part of Miami’s title team. To say Wade doesn’t win a title without O’Neal is accurate. But it’s also accurate to say Shaq doesn’t advance past the 2nd round of the playoffs without “Flash.�

It was kinda funny to hear the big fella admit he took a secondary role when he got to South Beach. Why wouldn’t he do that in LA? Probably because of Kobe’s arrogance and the fact the Lakers wouldn’t give him the monster contract extension the Heat did.

4) Alonzo Mourning was the best center on the court last night.

5) I hated seeing slimeball Pat Riley get his hands on that trophy, though I was happy for Antoine Walker. Just lose the prone wiggle next time ‘Toine. Bench players shouldn’t be so arrogant. And while you’re at it, instead of bashing Danny Ainge, thank him for being the first Celtic to publicly admit you’re nothing more than a good complimentary player and sending you on the career path that led to your first ring.

6) Enjoy the title Miami. Dallas, you have maybe one more year to get it done. After that, it’s LeBron time and the road to Titletown goes through Cleveland from 2008 on…if not sooner!

Your thoughts on the NBA Finals?

There’s nothing like opening day at a baseball game, be it in the majors or minors. (Heck, even a tee-ball opener is a big deal to the kids and parents) So it should come as no surprise I packed up the laptop and carried it on down to LeLacheur Park for the first game of the Lowell Spinners 2006 Season.

For those not here, the game is being televised live on public access television. (No truth to the rumor Wayne and Garth are being bumped from the schedule) But one thing TV can’t capture is the “Spinners Experience,� the action that takes place when the baseball action takes a break. And no team, at any level, is better than Lowell’s NY-Penn League entry at making minor league baseball a family event.

With that as a backdrop, here’s a minute-by-minute view of the zaniness that is the Lowell Spinners 2006 season opener:

6:20 Your faithful blogger arrives as the ballpark.

6:25 Your fat blogger devours his first Italian sausage of the season. Rest assured, it won’t be the last.

6:44 Being opening day and all, the pre-game ceremonies begin early. Naturally, where there’s a crowd, you’ll find politicians and the locals are out in full force. City Manager John Cox, Mayor Bill Martin and Councilors James Millinazo, Bud Caulfield, Rita Mercier, Kevin Broderick and George Ramirez are introduced to the crowd.

The manager keeps a safe distance from the councilors. What? You thought they’d be all huggy-kissy or something?

6:55 The loudest cheer during player introductions goes to Spinners pitcher Joshua Papelbon. Apparently, Mill City baseball fans are trying to make up for the fact they didn’t recognize his brother’s greatness while he was here in 2003.

7:08 The big moment arrives. Director of Corporate Communications, Jon Goode, has been promising a MAJOR pre-game announcement. The press box is buzzing with speculation over what that might be. (OK, not exactly buzzing. It’s just Sun Writer David Pevear and I joking that with the Spinners penchant for wackiness it could be almost anything) Needless to say, they don’t disappoint.

GM Tim Bawmann, microphone in hand, runs onto the field with the Canaligator and frantically asks if there’s a veterinarian in the house. Soon, a helicopter arrives and out runs someone wearing blue scrubs. They all head to the kids’ area, and a minute later Canaligator and his new bride Allie-Gator walk out with their just delivered baby, Millie-Gator, in a stroller.

(I swear, I’m not making any of this up! Even more troubling, I predicted it, half-jokingly, off course. But you should have seen Jon Goode’s face when I said it to him before the game!)

You’ll recall, Canaligator and Allie-Gator married in May during a much publicized and well-attended event at the ballpark. I’m not sure the gestation period for alligators, but the joke in the press box is that it was obviously a shotgun wedding.

7:26 Spinners lefty Mario Pena records the final out in the top of the 1st as the crowd comes to its feet. No, not to cheer the pitcher, but because it’s time for the first between-innings attraction…the T-Shirt toss. You’d be amazed what people will do for anything free!

7:27 The first boos of the season are heard. An error? No. Because the gun shooting the freebie shirts into the back rows misfires, causing one to land harmlessly in the infield. The lesson; never mess with people’s free stuff!

7:36 Jon Goode enters the press box and asks how I knew what the big secret was. “Lucky guess� I say, assuring him no one spilled the beans. My “inside source� at the concession stand gets to keep her job a bit longer. (Just kidding, Jon!)

Jon also informs me a typical gator pregnancy lasts 45-days, so the event was timed perfectly to coincide with the wedding. No shotguns necessary. Somewhere, Jerry Falwell and the moral majority are smiling.

8:09 My favorite between innings contest; the base race begins. This is the one where Canaligator races a little kid around the bases. Tonight’s challenger is a young boy named Zach. He touches home plate first, keeping the poor mascot’s losing streak intact. I think he’s now something like 0-for-1,324.

I’ve always been curious what would happen if one of these nights, the person in the costume decides enough is enough and actually wins the race. Picture it now…some poor 5-year old gets beat in front of 5,000 people…is traumatized for life and has to undergo counseling for losing to an alligator. Oh the humanity!

Aren’t you glad I don’t run a minor league franchise?

8:15 The Spinners introduce their newest between-innings entry…Dancing with the Gators. Fans are asked to call a number and vote for Meghan or Ashley, who are about to bust a few moves with the mascots. Unfortunately, Ashley is shy and saves her fancy footwork for the next school dance.

8:17 The phone next to me in the press box starts ringing off the hook. It’s a landslide for Meghan, and a new hit promotion for the Spinners. Let’s just hope a Fear Factor promo isn’t in the planning stages.

8:21 The promos are coming fast and furious. The “Spinnerama,� where contestants place their forehead on a bat and spin around 10-times before trying to run toward Canaligator, once again leads to someone wiping out on the infield. This is always a fun event for the spectators. However, if I’m in the stands and a member of the Spinners staff approaches me about entering, I’m making a b-line for the men’s room.

8:30 My second favorite contest, the Sumo Challenge, begins. If it weren’t muggy and about 110-degrees in the shade, I might actually get a kick out of putting on one of those costumes. For the record, the guy in the red “diaper� is kicking butt.

8:40 Lightning has them ooh-ing and ah-ing in the stands.

8:41 Thunder has them heading for the exits.

8:45 The umps clear the field while the grounds crew breaks out the tarp. Nothing elicits more groans in press row than a rain delay. By the time this one’s finished, there may be more of us than spectators.

9:15 Still raining…

9:17 A couple of computers down from me, Jon Goode logs onto TheSunBlog.com to see exactly why I’ve been tying up his phone line for the last 3 hours.

9:27 Whew! Jon says he won’t revoke my credential. He probably doesn't want to lose out on the money I spend at the food stands.

9:29 The grounds crew returns to remove the tarp, led by General Manager Bawmann who’s lifting tires and helping out the process. Think Theo Epstein has to do that?

9:41 Another round of free T-shirts for those who braved the weather and stuck around. There isn’t a better run business, in any industry, than the Spinners. They know how to treat a customer.

9:53 The game finally resumes, after a 1-hour 8-minute rain delay.

Your friendly blogger on the other hand, is calling it a night. There’s an NBA Finals game to watch and a big, bald center to root against.

I’ll be back again and again over the summer. I am invited, right Jon?

News Flash: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is fined $250,000 for “several acts of misconduct� during Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Cuban walked onto the court to berate an official at the conclusion of the game, and the Miami Herald reported he also screamed obscenities at Commissioner David Stern. Cuban vehemently denies saying anything to Stern.

Teddy’s Take: You gotta love a team owner who maintains his own blog and even finds time to update it during a championship game!

On a more serious note, I would be a bit irate if I were Cuban. As much as I dislike his antics and think he exhibits an amazing lack of class for someone of his stature, he’s right on in his criticism of the officiating.

Heading into Game 5, the Mavericks were already shorthanded thanks to the suspension of Jerry Stackhouse for committing a flagrant foul on Shaquille O’Neal. Forget for a moment that the contact on the play was no more severe than any time Shaq buries his shoulder into a defender. Suspending a player one game for a hard foul during the Finals, when on two occasions you’ve handed out the same punishment for a punch to the nuts, is a joke.

Also during the 5th game, Miami took 49 free throws to Dallas’ 25. (For the series, the Heat have shot 38 more FT’s) Heck, Dwyane Wade took as many as the Mavericks did all by himself. I understand the time honored tradition of giving the superstar the call should he even catch a whiff of a defenders breath, but there are 2 superstars in this series. You give Wade those calls, you have to give them to Dirk Nowitzky.

Instead, Nowitzky gets bumped and held each time he even tries to free himself to catch a pass, while Wade gets to decide the game from the foul line on a play with minimal contact. It’s understood that officials do not decide championships. If you’re going to call a foul with 2 seconds remaining in a one point game, there had better be blood. At the very least, the player driving the lane should be bumped off course more than an inch and a half.

So yes, Mark Cuban is a pain in the butt. But if he’s trying to say the officiating in this series is awful and slanted against his team, he’s 100% on the money!

That’s my take…what’s yours? Are the Heat getting helped by the officiating? Are Cuban and I imagining it? What do you think of the finals themselves? Can Dallas come back?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

When the Spinners toss out the first pitch on the 2006 season tonight there will be a familiar name in the Lowell dugout. Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon (top) leads the majors in saves and could very well find himself in the Boston starting rotation one day. Whether closing or starting, he's made himself one of the most popular pitchers on the Red Sox staff.

This season the Red Sox drafted Josh Papelbon in the 48th round and assigned him to Lowell where his older brother Jonathan started his pro career in 2003.

Josh and his twin brother Jeremy pitched in Lowell last summer on the New England Collegiate Baseball League's Mill City All-Americans (now the Lowell All-Americans).

In published reports right after the draft Jonathan had made mention of the fact that in a way he wished his brother wasn't in the same organization because of the endless comparisons and pressure, but before last night's Sox game he acknowledged some advatages the situation does lend itself to.

Red Sox Closer Jonathan Papelbon:

(On discussions with his brother) "We talk a lot, not just about baseball, but about life and everything that goes on. But lately we've been talking a lot about baseball and what to expect and how to approach hitters on the next level and how to go out there and he able to get hitters out now with a wooden bat. You know, it's going to be a whole new animal for him to face. He's really excited and he's looking forward to it. He's just like me. When a challenge is in front of him, we love to go out there and challenge ourselves."

(On their being any advantages to coming up through the same system) "Oh yeah, definitely. I know how the system works and I know what to expect and I can relay that information to him. Another thing is the fact that being my brother, he's going to have a lot of eyes on him and expectations and I told him that and he understands that. He's the kind of guy that nothing else matters but baseball to him. He keeps telling me the fact that now he just concentrate on baseball and 'I don't have to worry about school or nothing like that.' So he can just go out there and lay it on the line and compete."

(On Josh starting in Lowell) "I figured he'd go to Lowell. That's a good starting point for kids that came out of college and he came out of college. I figured that's where they would send him. That's where they sent me and that's a great place, a first professional team to go to play, and he'll have a lot of fun with it.

What do you think? Would Josh Papelbon have been better off in another organization? Or are you voting for the Red Sox to get as many Papelbons as possible?

In today’s Lowell Sun and LowellSun.com, Lynn Worthy recaps Kyle Snyder’s successful debut with the Red Sox. Former Lock Monster Cam Ward is the MVP of the Stanley Cup Finals. Dracut High Catcher Matt Lawlor earns MVP honors in the Eastern Mass. All-Star Game. Several local golfers are in contention at the Mass. Open Golf Tournament.

And you can also read an excerpt from Chaz Scoggins’ new book, Game of My Life: Memorable Stories of Red Sox Baseball. Today’s chapter; the thrill and grace of Fred Lynn.

Final Score
Nationals 3
Red Sox 6

Déjà vu on the Mound: Those of you longing for the days of Bronson Arroyo may have a new hero in Kyle Snyder.

Was it me or did Snyder remind you of Arroyo on the mound? Even better than the looks, Snyder pitched much like Arroyo used to, never really dominating, but pitching well enough to give his team a chance to win. Ironically enough, the tall righty’s Boston debut came on the same night Bronson won his 9th game for the Reds. (We may have to re-visit that Pena/Arroyo trade debate at some point in the future)

Let’s not go getting too excited just yet. Snyder has never shown the ability to maintain good form over the long haul and the Nationals aren’t exactly sporting a murderer’s row of a batting order, but for one night anyway, this was just what the doctor ordered.

Let me also give a shout out to the much-maligned bullpen, which shut down Washington over 4-innings despite Jonathan Papelbon getting the night off. The Sox are now 2-games ahead of the Yankees, as the teams continue to trade the division lead. Let’s see if we can get some separation this time.

What did you think of Kyle Snyder’s debut? One hit wonder or long-term replacement?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The Red Sox announced at Terry Francona's 4 p.m. meeting with the press today that veteran first baseman J.T. Snow (pictured) was designated for assignment in a move to make room on the roster for tonight’s starting pitcher Kyle Snyder.

Red Sox executive Vice President/General Manager Theo Epstein said the decision was made to designate Snow because of the stress put on the bullpen lately. He also said more transactions would be coming in the next 24 hours.

Francona acknowledged that the Snow’s limited time on the field this year was a result of the performance so far from Kevin Youkilis.

“Because of the way Youk has taken this job and made it his job, I think J.T. was certainly hoping for more at bats when he came in here and that’s not the case and won’t be -- or wouldn’t be.�

The Kap attack is back
Gabe Kapler will make his first start since returning to the Red Sox on Friday after rehabbing a ruptured left Achilles’ tendon for the early portion of the season. Trot Nixon will get the day off in right field and will most likely be back in the lineup tomorrow as the Red Sox give catcher Jason Varitek a day off.

On Saturday, Kapler singled in his first at bat since September last year. He hit .282 with 1 home run and 9 RBI, seeing action in 36 games last season for the Red Sox after spending the first part of the season with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan.

Pitching staff rehabbing slowly
Kyle Snyder, a 6-foot-8 right-hander with a 22.5 ERA in the majors this season, gets what even the Red Sox called a “spot start� tonight, but the injured arms in their rotation may be set to miss quite a bit of time. Matt Clement, who went on the 15-day DL this weekend, saw a specialist today and so far things look well according to Francona. The expectation is that his rehab will take a little longer than that of Mike Timlin.

Quickly becoming a stable on the disabled list, 43-year-old lefthander David Wells is currently rehabbing in San Diego. The Red Sox say he has not yet progressed to the point in his rehab program that he needs to be with the team, Epstein said when he is that point they’ll bring him back out and get him working back out of his delivery.

“We just can’t pinpoint a date until his knee starts feeling better,� Epstein said.

Final Score
Red Sox 10
Braves 7

Sweeping Changes: What a difference 3-days and one ice cold opponent make. Fresh of getting swept in Minnesota, the Red Sox returned the favor to Atlanta, finishing off the Braves in dramatic fashion Sunday night.

The turning point, a 6-run rally with 2-outs in the eighth after Rudy Seanez helped cough up a lead in the 7th. Amazingly enough, the rally started after David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez struck out to start the inning, and was punctuated by a Kevin Youkilis home run.

The Braves still had one more rally in them, but Jonathan Papelbon came on to tomahawk chop those hopes in the 8th, before slamming the door shut in the 9th. By the way, did you check out the look on the kid’s face as he was bearing down and looking in for the signs? Papelbon already has the look of a killer down pat.

I know I’ve said it a hundred times, but what he’s doing is simply amazing. It’s unfair to compare him to Mariano Rivera, but even the g