July 2006 Archives

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Reports of the Philadelphia 76ers sale have, apparently, been greatly exaggerated.

The Globe's Peter May reported on Monday that Comcast Spectacor, the owner of the Sixers, the Philadelphia Flyers, the AHL's Philadelphia Phantoms, the Wachovia Center and the Philadelphia Spectrum, were getting close to selling the Sixers franchise.

A different tune was coming from the Comcast executives on Monday.

"We receive expressions of interest from time to time," Comcast-Spectacor president Peter Luukko told the Philadelphia Daily News via an e-mail. "No one has made us an offer and we're not actively selling the team."

The Sixers have also been standing by their statement that they are not looking to trade former MVP Allen Iverson.

Still, that hasn't slowed speculation.

I don’t do well with deadlines. In school I lived by the motto; never do today what you can put off till tomorrow.

Baseball’s trading deadline is different, though. Can’t get enough of it. For someone who lives and breathes sports, there isn’t a more exciting time than those final moments when teams swap players like teens swap text messages.

So as 4pm Monday approached, the good and bad of deadlines stared me smack dab in the face. I had to finish this column for the paper, while at the same time trying to keep track of every trade and false rumor out there…dueling deadlines, if you will.

Thankfully, Al Gore invented the internet. Well, someone did. I’m not sure who, but he or she made my job easier.

As I write this, my television is blaring ESPN. There are roughly 15-windows open on my computer. There’s an earpiece plugged into the back of it streaming WEEI into my right ear. The left ear also features an earpiece, this one allowing me to speak on the phone while having both hands free to type. I have officially brought the terms computer and technology geek to new lows.

And you know what? I couldn’t possibly be any happier. If heaven is part of my afterlife, this is what I envision.

Here’s an hour-by-hour look at what’s going on:

10:10am: Dale Arnold and Rob Bradford (where have I heard that name before?) are on the radio discussing a possible deal bringing Andruw Jones to the Red Sox for Coco Crisp, Craig Hansen and Jon Lester. Lester is the reason this won’t happen, but it’s the second time since last Tuesday our favorite “cereal killer‿ has been mentioned in a rumor. Maybe Theo Epstein reads the Lowell Sun or TheSunBlog.

11:13am: My head is already spinning from baseball overload, so I venture out to the Patriots websites for a training camp check up. Tom Brady isn’t practicing for a second consecutive day. It’s probably nothing, but I don’t think I can deal with this right now.

12:29pm: After scanning all my favorite places, I’ve counted the Red Sox being involved in discussions for about two dozen different players. Wonder how many minutes Theo has on his cell phone?

1:32pm: My cousin Yianni calls from work for the first of what I’m sure will be 100-times, trying to find out if the Sox have made any moves. Poor guy has no television, radio or internet access. I tell him not to hold his breath waiting for any big acquisitions. I also advise him to get another job.

2:21pm: Sean McAdam just tells his radio audience that Roger Clemens won’t leave Houston, but that his heart is here in Boston. That’s a surprise. I always believed his heart was in his wallet.

3:15pm: The consensus now has Theo passing on all the big names and focused on acquiring Pirates pitcher Kip Wells. I wish him no ill, but he’d be better off acquiring Lyme disease.

4:00pm: The trading deadline is here. So is the deadline for this article. Whose performance was more disappointing…mine or the Red Sox?

At least here, there are no deadlines!

Final Score
Angels 10
Red Sox 4

Feeling the Heat: Up till now, the Red Sox haven’t faced much pressure from “The Nation� to make a deadline deal. I wonder if that’s changed now that they’ve lost 2-of-3 at home and the Yankees acquired Bobby Abreu?

Curt Schilling didn’t have it last night, and the red hot Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (or whatever they’re calling themselves these days) made the big guy pay. All in all, it wasn’t a great series for the Sox against the western division contenders. You’d like to win at least two when you have your Big-3 going, but these things happen. You just wish it wouldn’t happen so close to the trading deadline, especially when your top competitor has made the biggest splash of the deadline thus far.

David Wells makes his return Monday and I hear a lot of optimism from the team and the fan base. I’m not sure where this is coming from, to be quite honest. Anything Wells gives you from this point on is a bonus. To count on him to be your number 3 or 4 starter and have that balky knee hold up through a pennant race is really stretching it.

I hope I’m wrong. The trade market doesn’t contain any sure things on the pitching mound and getting even mediocre arms is going to be difficult, so we really could use the David Wells of old. Unfortunately, I think all we’re going to get is an old David Wells.

What do you think? Can we count on David Wells to help fill the pitching void?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The Yankees played lets make a deal today acquiring outfielder Bobby Abreu and right-handed pitcher Cory Lidle from the Philadelphia Phillies.

Abreu, 32, was batting .277 with eight home runs and 65 RBI in 98 games played with the Phillies in this season. The two-time All-Star leads all Major Leaguers with 91 walks and won a Gold Glove in 2005.

Lidle, 34, was 8-7 with a 4.74 ERA in 21 starts with the Phillies. He has won four consecutive games. In 2005, Lidle posted his fourth consecutive season with at least 30 starts and matched his single-season career-high with 13 wins, going 13-11 with a 4.53 ERA.

The Yankees defeated Tampa Bay, 4-2, today after dropping the second game of their three-game series on Saturday, 19-6.

Sox fans, does this make the Yankees more dangerous? Less dangerous? Does it make any difference?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Final Score (11 innings)
Red Sox 7
Angels 6

Call it an Or-tease: Whoever is writing these scripts for the Red Sox really needs to switch it up a little bit. This ain't The WB. Yesterday, David Ortiz hit a walk-off single to give the Sox the win in extra innings. That makes 14 times since 2003 that Big Papi has won a game with a walk-off hit. Papi went 4-for-5 in the game with 4 RBI and his 35th home run of the season.

Josh Beckett didn't figure in on the decision, allowing three runs in six innings and leaving with the score tied. Rookie Craig Hansen hit a large bump in the road in the form of a 2-run homer from veteran Curtis Pride (a guy you'd figure would be playing for the Nashua Pride by now). And of all people to pick up the win, Julian Tavarez came in after an inning of Mike Timlin and two innings of Jonathan Papelbon to claim the victory.

On the other side of the AL East coin, the Yankees and Randy Johnson were absolutely crushed by Tampa Bay to the tune of a 19-6 drilling in the Bronx. The only potentially good news for the Yanks is that they are healing. Left fielder Hideki Matsui, a 100-RBI man, will have his injured left wrist examined in New York on Thursday, and he could be cleared to begin taking batting practice. Robinson Cano, who is out with a strained left hamstring, ran the bases for a second straight day could see action in rehab assignments next week.

With the win and the Yanks loss, Boston is now 1.5 games up in the Division (1 game in the loss column). The Red Sox and Angels play the ESPN Sunday night game tonight. Curt Schilling (13-3) will be on the mound for the BoSox.

Well, let's hear it. With the trade deadline almost here and the AL East race heating up, does Boston need to make a deal? Who would you like to see end up with the Sox for the stretch run? Who would you give up?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff


Final Score
Angels 8
Red Sox 3

Lester comes up with a “L�: Can you hear the phone calls? One loss and the amateur general managers on talk radio must already be working on trade proposals to send Sox rookie lefty Jonathan Lester out of town.

Lester (5-1) yielded five runs on 10 hits last night in 6.1 innings of work, and Manny Delcarmen came in and gave up another pair of runs in 1/3 of an inning. Can you say Lester and Delcarmen in a package deal for (insert name of unavailable All-Star pitcher here).

Well, hold on those trade talks for just a minute because Lester did came out after a two hour and two minute rain delay and allow just one run in the first six innings. It’s always that last third of an inning that kills you!

Speaking of killing you, in case you didn’t notice, the Sox are now even in the loss column with the New York Yankees (technically the Red Sox hold a ½ game lead). That’s right. It’s officially a pennant race. And as the drivers start their engines, the Yankees are riding a four-game winning streak and have two games left in their series with Tampa Bay.

Josh Beckett will be looking to stop the bleeding and keep the Sox from losing their third straight tonight. Also, there is word that help -- if you can call it that -- may be on the way. Along with Keith Foulke working his way back off the DL and into the Sox bullpen, 43-year-old lefty David Wells will make a start on Monday against the Cleveland Indians.

Red Sox Nation, are you optimistic that guys are getting healthy and things are just about to take a turn for the better? Or… perhaps you’re getting a sick feeling as you look at the standings, Lester finally proving to be human, and the team from the Bronx creeping up the standings?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun staff

After an hour and 32 minutes of waiting and getting wet, the Mike Lowell Spinners got started with Red Sox righthanded reliever Keith Foulke on the mound against the Vermont Lake Monsters in hist first rehab assigntment since going on the 15-day Disabled List on June 13 with tendonitis in this throwing elbow.

Foulke wasted no time getting started, retiring the side in order to start the game.

Last year, he pitched 3.2 innings in three appearances with the Spinners last as he rehabbed after arthroscopic knee surgery. He finished with an earned run average of 7.36 and five strikeouts.

So far he is 2-1 with a 5.63 ERA in 29 relief appearances with Boston this season.

Does anyone still see Foulke factoring into the Sox bullpen this year? Does he have any value for the Sox in potential trade plans? Is he going to allow the Red Sox to shake things up in their less-than-stellar bullpen?

In a promotion so far out even the Lowell Spinners wouldn’t attempt it (at least I don't think they would), the Nashua Pride are bringing the king of the black diamond trails to the baseball diamond.

New Hampshire’s favorite son, World Champion and Olympic silver medal winner Bode Miller will trade in his skies for a pair of baseball cleats Saturday when he suits up to play for the Pride at Holman Stadium. Miller is expected to see action for at least three innings against the Brockton (Mass) Rox.

Nashua VP of Baseball Operations, Chris Hall, says Miller will show up at the ballpark around two in the afternoon for a little practice. He hasn't played competitive baseball since Little League, where he was a catcher and third baseman. "The plan is for him to play outfield for us" says Hall. "Manager Butch Hobson and a few of the players will provide personal instruction."

While the publicity stunt has obvious comedic potential, plenty of good will come of it. Pride owner John Stabile has pledged at least $5,000 to Miller’s Turtle Ridge Foundation, which the skier will in turn donate to the Lance Armstrong Foundation to help in the fight against cancer.

The Nashua entry, ranked next to last in Can-Am League attendance at less than 1,500 fans per game, expects an obvious boost at the ticket gate. Besides the appearance of Miller, the Pride hope to draw a few political buffs as well. Former New Jersey Governor and President Bush cabinet member, Christie Todd Whitman will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the 7:05 start.

Perhaps it might be a good idea to have Bode stand in the batter’s box against Whitman…it'll be the best chance he has to get a hit all night.

Congratulations to the cycling community. Your showcase is officially on the same level as the Summer Olympics and major league baseball’s home run derby…and I don’t mean that as a compliment!

Floyd Landis, the feel good story of this year’s Tour de France tested positive for increased levels of testosterone following the 17th stage of the race. For those who don’t remember, that’s the stage where Landis made a remarkable recovery from the previous day to put himself back into contention and set the stage for his victory.

Now to be fair, Landis denies cheating and test results of his backup sample could still clear him. In an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated, the 30-year old American says elevated testosterone results are common among world class cyclists. He theorizes the results could be skewed because of cortisone shots he’s been taking for a bad hip that will soon require replacement. Landis has enlisted a noted Spanish doctor to help him prove his case.

The problem of course, is that the victory is already tainted. Even before the race, several top competitors were suspended because of doping concerns. How many others cheat and haven’t yet been caught? As in the Olympics and baseball, everyone who accomplishes something unexpected almost automatically falls under suspicion.

Is it fair to judge them so? Probably not. Then again, they have no one to blame but themselves and their peers. They’re the ones who helped create a culture of cheating that tarnishes almost everything good about their sport.

Anyone else as disappointed as I am at this news? Are you even surprised?

Final Score
Red Sox 1
A’s 5

Hitting the Century Mark: 100-games in the books…62 more to go…and all in all, the Red Sox are in pretty good shape.

Rather than focus on yesterday’s loss (did you really expect a “W� with Kyle Snyder facing Danny Haren?. Maybe you Coco flavored Kool-Aid drinkers did, but the rest of us realists weren’t wagering the ranch yesterday), I’ll look ahead to a golden opportunity for Boston to make hay.

18 of the next 24 contests take place at Fenway, where the Sox are a league best 32-13. The Sox play three against the Angels and four against the Indians before heading back out on the road for three each against Tampa and Kansas City. Then comes an eleven game homestand featuring Baltimore three times, the Tigers three, and five with the Evil Empire.

It would be nice to put the Yankees a bit farther back in the rear-view mirror when this stretch is done. If they don’t, the Sox risk another life and death struggle for the division crown, with the wild-card turning into a free for all featuring the White Sox and suddenly smoking Twins in the picture. It would be nice to put the Blue Jays out of their misery as well, before they get any notions about contending deep into September.

What do you think gang…make or break time for the 2006 season? Can the Sox win the division if they don’t put New York away before Matsui, Sheffield and Cano return? How about the wild card? Which teams do you think have a legit shot at that?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Only time will tell if the folks in Philly are just blowing smoke, or if Allen Iverson is really off the market, but in the meantime the Celtics had plenty of young talent on display this summer.

For what it’s worth, Ryan Gomes (19.3 points per game, 5.8 rebounds per game, 60% field goal shooting), Gerald Green (18.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Allan Ray (25.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg), and Sebastian Telfair (14.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg) were all among the top 25 scorers in the Toshiba Vegas Summer League.

The league’s leading scorer was Minnesota’s Randy Foye, who finished with a 24.8 points per game average. The Celtics brought Foye, a rookie out of Villanova, in for two pre-draft workouts.

Telfair and Rajon Rondo, a rookie out of Kentucky, were two of the top three assist men in Summer League play. Rondo was the second-leading assist man (5.8 per game) behind Houston’s John Lucas. Telfair finished right behind him with 5.3 assists per game.

The Celtics finished up with a 3-2 mark in the Summer League.

Raef’s long lost brother now in the fold


The Boston Celtics announced Wednesday they signed rookie free agent center Kevin Pittsnogle out of West Virginia.

The 6’11� Pittsnogle, a native of Martinsburg, West Virginia, made a home behind the three-point line, shooting 41.1% (253-for-615) from long-range over his collegiate career.

An Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American team selection and a First Team All-Big East selection as a senior, Pittsnogle finished his four-year career at West Virginia University as the school’s sixth leading scorer with 1,708 points.

During his senior season, Pittsnogle led the team in scoring, averaging 19.3 points per game. He was a key player in West Virginia’s run to the Elite Eight in 2005.

Celtics recognized for being Tech savy


The Boston Celtics announced that it has been named as a finalist for the Mass Technology Leadership Council’s 2006 Mass Technology Leadership Awards. The Mass Technology Leadership Awards honor Massachusetts companies and individuals who best exemplify leadership and excellence in business and technology.

“The Celtics have long recognized the benefits of technological leadership on both the administrative and basketball sides of our business,� Celtics Vice President of Technology Jay Wessel said. “Using StratBridge’s visualization technologies has shown immediate benefits in ticket sales and is finding more and more uses in other basketball and business analyses.�

Celtics Vice President of Ticket Sales, Marketing and Service Shawn Sullivan said, “StratBridge gives us the on-demand diligence to make sound decisions that help boost attendance and revenue. It has become indispensable to our business.�

Apparently the NBA has also taken notice of the Celtics technology braintrust as this past April the Houston Rockets grabbed Celtics Senior VP of Operations and Information Daryl Morey to be their assistant general manager. While with the Celtics, Morey's key areas included the development of analytical methods and technology to enhance basketball decisions, such as the draft, trades, free agency and statistical advance scouting for the coaching staff.

Before I forget, let me give a shout out to Bob C. for this post;

“Be on the lookout for two teams lurking, ladies and gentlemen: Toronto and Minnesota. Halladay and Burnett as well as Santana and Liriano impress me as 1, 2’s that could be playoff bound. You heard it here in July.�

The date of this comment? July 16, 2005. Well here it is just ten days later, July 26th, and the Minnesota Twins have pulled even with Chicago in the wild card race thanks to a 3-game sweep over the “pale hose� in the Windy City.

Nice work Bob. You’ve said some truly idiotic things in the past. This wasn’t one of them!

So that’s all it takes, huh?

I bust my tail week after week, trying to write a Lowell Sun column that’s creative, informative and funny, only to be ignored like a nagging girlfriend during SportsCenter. But mention one bad word about Coco Crisp, and you’d think I just insulted Hillary Clinton at a N.O.W. rally.

If picking on poor Coco gets you all fired up and commenting, just wait till the first time I rip someone who’s actually accomplished something in this town. (Note to self: move to Botswana if you ever say bad things about Bill Belichick and Tom Brady)

Anyway, here are a couple of comments I couldn’t just let slide without a defense:

Rick writes: “No wonder you now work at the Sun. Sounds like a personal vendetta to me. Coco Crisp is as good a player as Damon. Sure you can bring up the stats for the season as your proof, but there is more to baseball than stats, particularly since Coco missed 25% of the season out of the gate. Don't get me wrong, I like Johnny and certainly feel that he is an excellent leadoff hitter. To say we would be five games ahead without him is ludicrous. The Red Sox record at this time last year??? We have lost 40% of the rotation and have a better record. Hello??? anyone home?�

“Coco is as good a player as Damon?� You’re basing this on what, exactly? If not numbers, then what?

Hey, we all have our opinions and maybe in time, Crisp can become Damon’s equal. I highly doubt it, but if you’re proven correct, I’ll be more than happy to give you props. But in the meantime, please don’t insult our intelligence with that statement.

And yes, there is more to baseball than stats…like winning World Series…hitting two home runs, including a grand slam in Game 7 of an American League Championship Series, on the road no less…defense...intangibles like working pitch counts...taking the media pressure off your teammates...putting fannies in the seats...etc...

To work at the Sun, you have to pass an eye test so you can actually observe what’s going on in front of you instead of turning a blind eye and making ridiculous statements like that. Believe me, I'm home. I just refuse to answer the door to let the nonsense in!

My buddy Legend Killer chimes in with; “The Non-Signing of Damon and Trading for Coco were not moves meant to pan out THIS YEAR. Come back to me in Damon's 3rd year with the Yankees when He, Giambi and E-rod are all DH's.�

I’ll be sure to come back to you in three years when Damon is still a productive .290-.300 leadoff hitter for the Yankees. What will Coco be? Will he even be around?

Please gang. Put down the Kool-Aid for a bit and admit this one was a mistake…today, tomorrow, and even 3-4 years from now. It’s o.k. I promise. Even I admit to being wrong from time to time. It’s not that bad!

Take your medicine. It’s better for you than Kool-Aid!

Final Score
Red Sox 13
A’s 6

Another “A’s�-Kicking: Back to back butt whuppins in Oakland have the Red Sox dreaming sweep dreams this afternoon.

The offensive fireworks helped Curt Schilling to lucky victory number 13. Meanwhile, Manny Ramirez looks like he’s in one of those zones he gets in from time to time. He’s absolutely crushing the ball right now, which is bad news for all the haters and radio gabbers. They’ll have to find a new whipping boy…at least until the next time Manny asks for a day off or misplays a ball in the outfield.

For those of you who still want to criticize Ramirez, here’s a challenge; name me one outfielder with comparable hitting ability that is a better defensive fielder. I bet you can’t.

The closest in my mind is Vladimir Guerrero, but other than a rifle for an arm, he’s a mediocre outfielder at best. And while a good hitter, he can’t carry Manny’s jock strap in terms of career accomplishments. Oh yeah, if you think Ramirez misses a lot of time due to injury, check out Vlad’s game totals from recent years compared to Manny’s.

Give up yet? Perhaps you want to talk about Ichiro and Carlos Beltran as great defensive players, but would you rather have them than Manny? Again, compare career totals and you’ll be shocked how far ahead Ramirez stands out.

One more thing; Manny does play the outfield, unlike a guy like Albert Pujols who the Cardinals had to move to first base so he wouldn’t hurt himself chasing fly balls. Remember that next time you ride Ramirez for his defense, and ask yourself; If David Ortiz played the field day in and day out, could he stay rested and healthy enough to put up the numbers he does? Evidence from his Twins days says no.

This message has been paid for by the Manny for President Committee!

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

According to the Philadelphia Daily News website, Sixers president/general manager Billy King says seven-time NBA All-Star and former NBA MVP Allen Iverson is no longer part of trade discussions.

And just like that, the air may have been let out of the baloons of Celtics fans everywhere.

Rumors had been flying that Iverson would be headed to Boston to play alongside Paul Pierce, who recently signed an extension to stay with the Celtics through 2010-11.

"Allen and I have talked about it, and he wants to be here and is excited to be playing for us," King told the Philadelphia Daily News on Tuesday.

The Celtics (33-49 last season) have made several roster changes since the end of the season. Off-season additions include Sebastian Telfair, Rajon Rondo, Allan Ray, Theo Ratliff, and Leon Powe.

So Celtics fans, assuming the report is true and not just an attempt at a poker face by Philly, how big a blow is this? Are you comfortable with the current roster? Would the deal have put the Celtics over the top?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Danica Patrick, last year’s Indy Racing League Rookie of the Year, has signed a deal that will end her run with Rahal Letterman Racing and add her to the Andretti Green Racing (AGR) stable in 2007.

Yes, for those of you who’ve been out of the loop for the past year, there is a female driver in IndyCar and she wasted little time making a name for herself. Aside from the Rookie of the Year honors, Patrick finished fourth in the Indianapolis 500 in 2005, becoming the first woman to ever lead a lap in the history of the Indy 500. In 26 starts, Patrick has four top-five and 13 top-10 finishes.

AGR has produced the last two IndyCar Series champions in Tony Kanaan (2004) and Dan Wheldon (2005), now of Target Chip Ganassi Racing. Wheldon, who was also the runner-up in 2004, moved over to Target Chip Gannassi this year.

"Today is an exciting day for everyone at Andretti Green Racing. Danica has shown great talent during her first two seasons in the IndyCar Series and has impressed Kim [Green], Kevin [Savoree] and myself with her development as a driver,� Chief Executive Officer of AGR Michael Andretti said in a statement released by AGR. “Our focus has been and always will be on winning races and winning championships. We certainly believe Danica will do that. She has made it very clear that one of her goals as a driver is to win the Indianapolis 500 and we are looking forward to giving her a great opportunity to do that."

Race fans, you've chimed in before, so weigh in now. Is Danica Patrick news because she is a top driver or because she is one of few women in the sport? Do race fans even care that Patrick is out there? Should she have made the move to NASCAR?

Final Score
Red Sox 7
A’s 3

Sox Earn High Marks vs. A’s: A good start to the Oakland trip for Boston’s Boys of Summer. The offense, led by homers from A-Gone, Manny and Big Papi staked Josh Beckett to a nice lead. Beckett held on despite giving up his 28th homer of the season.

The win was the major league leading 13th for the big righty, kind of surprising considering the 4.77 ERA. Curt Schilling tries to match that victory total Tuesday in what might be a fun night at the ballpark.

The A’s, particularly Nick Swisher, have been doing some chirping since Schilling drilled the outfielder between the numbers during Oakland’s Fenway visit a couple of weekends ago. The clubs have played a couple of games without incident since then, but with the A’s still holding a grudge, perhaps there’ll be some extra-curricular activity tonight.

Anyone else expecting some fireworks tonight? Are you even staying up late to watch the games?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Football players aren’t the only ones getting their fill of training camp. Some of the NBA's best began camp this weekend as well. The goal being to bring USA Basketball back up to snuff.

Of course, it’s a little different since the NBA guys are getting their training in Las Vegas. It goes without saying that they’re hoping everything that happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas.

So far it appears that Coack Krzyzewski has left many stones unturned, starting with the basics such as the differences in the international game as well as a special reminder from the military about who they’re playing for.

The U.S. won its first five games in the 2002 World Championship, but then choked in three of its last four games to finish sixth. Then the U.S. finished 5-3 and took the bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics.

Early on with the current group, Coack K sounds as if he has been satisfied with the effort, saying, “My first day of actually coaching and doing this with this group, I was amazed at the professionalism and the attention. I don't think the NBA players get credit for how professional they are, and the coaches. It is high level stuff. There's no nonsense. Each of our practices the first two mornings have been cut short because they're getting it. I don't like to linger if they're getting it. I'm impressed with that.� (click here to read more Coach K comments)

The United States will begin Preliminary round in the 2006 FIBA Men's World Championships on Aug. 19, at the Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center in Sapporo City ,Japan. Their pool (Group D) includes Puerto Rico, Slovenia, Italy, China, and Senegal.

USA Basketball roster

What do you think? Is USA Basketball turning it around? Has the rest of the world surpassed the U.S. on the basketball court?

They haven’t even played 100 games yet. There are still more than two full months of the season remaining to be played. With any luck, another month of playoff baseball might follow, so there’s plenty of time for him to redeem himself.

But mark my words: if the Red Sox post-season dreams die, it will be the work of a “cereal� killer…Coco Crisp.

These days, it’s tough to criticize Sox management, especially Theo Epstein. “The Nation� is still recovering from the massive hangover of 2004, and woe to the person who dares differ with the front office in place for that historic comeback and World Series victory. (Notice I said “in place� not “solely responsible for�)

Say a bad word about one of Theo’s roster decisions, and you quickly find yourself isolated, with only Yankees fans and cranky old timers taking your side. That’s sort of like having a political opinion only Al Qaeda and Hezbollah share with you.

However, put down your John Henry issued rose-colored glasses and your Theo Epstein shaken, not stirred Kool-Aid martini for a moment and honestly answer this question; how many games ahead of the Yankees would the Sox be right now if Johnny Damon, not Covelli Loyce Crisp roamed center field at Fenway Park?

I say take the current margin, then add at least five games to cover the difference between Damon instead of Crisp atop the Boston batting order plus what having Damon leading off in the Bronx is worth…and that’s a conservative estimate!

I hate to bore you with numbers, but since this current management philosophy puts so much emphasis in them, we have to take a look. Granted, some of Crisp’s stats are skewed since he missed a month and a half with that finger injury, so those whopping totals of 4-home runs, 17-RBI’s, 37-runs and 11-stolen bases pale in comparison to J.D.’s 11-dingers, 48-ribbies, 69-scores and 11-thefts.

Of course, the at bats stand at 223 vs. 358, meaning all things being equal, Coco should at least provide 62% of “Loco’s� production. For those too lazy to do the math, trust me, he doesn’t come close anywhere except SB’s.

Now let’s look at the statistics not affected by games played; average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. In order, they read; .260, .319 & .381 vs. .293, .353 & .433. Care to guess who wins the unanimous decision?

In the Sox defense, some will point to another important stat; Damon’s salary. We’ve all heard over and over how paying $13-million a year would be a terrible burden, especially in year four of the deal. My argument; there’s a reason rich folk pay more for a Mercedes than a Hyundai. Besides, when the 2006 playoffs roll around, will anyone really care what happens four years from now?

Speaking of money, remember the price of bringing Crisp to Boston? You think the Sox wouldn’t mind having Andy Marte to trade right about now to help fill one of the gaping holes in the starting rotation?

I’m sorry. Theo and the trio don’t get a free pass here. There have been too many bad judgment calls since the wonderful autumn of ’04. You don’t just go replacing established crunch time performers with one-hit wonders from small-market teams. At least Epstein was willing to cut his losses with Edgar Renteria. It might be time to do the same with Coco Crisp.

Kevin Youkilis has filled the void at leadoff. Wily Mo Pena would be an offensive upgrade in center. The defense would suffer a bit, but perhaps when he climbs the wall to make a catch, he’ll at least be in the same area code as the baseball.

Now pass me another bowl of Captain Crunch and stop trying to ruin my summah!

Anyone else think it's time to give up on Coco Crisp? Can he turn things around or was he just a one-hit wonder in Cleveland?

Final Score
Red Sox 8
Mariners 9

Wrong End of the Celebration: A pretty entertaining baseball game ended with the Red Sox on the wrong end of back and forth celebrations.

The teams took turns with the lead. Seattle looked like an easy winner after slapping Jon Lester around, the rookie’s first poor outing of the season. Boston recovered and took the lead, only to see the bullpen cough it back up thanks to some shoddy outfield play. Jason Varitek and Richie Sexson traded 9th inning home runs, but since the Mariners had last ups as the home team, they got to party in the end.

It’s tough to be disappointed about losing 2-of-3 when Schilling and Beckett don’t take the mound, so there really isn’t much to complain about here. The radio yahoos are already in the process of ripping Manny for his defense, but educated fans know one of the team’s biggest problems right now resides one position over from Ramirez in the outfield. (More on that in a future posting)

Fortunately, the Yankees had a worse weekend in Toronto, so the lead sits a 2 ½ over New York and 4 ½ over the Blue Jays. Looks like a hot summer pennant race, wouldn't you say?

News Flash: Ty Law agrees to a five year contract with Kansas City. The Chiefs and Patriots were believed to be the two finalists in the battle to secure the cornerbacks services. The move reunites Law and his coach with the Jets, current K.C. coach Herm Edwards.

Teddy’s Take: No surprise. No surprise at all, other than I thought he might wait another week or so and try to avoid a few two-a-day workouts.

Over the last month, Patriots fans have constantly asked me what I thought about Law’s chances of returning to New England. My answer all along; he’ll go where he gets the most money. The natural follow up question was; don’t you think he’d rather come back here for a chance to win a Super Bowl? Again, my answer was; he’ll go where he gets the most money.

As I write this, financial terms have yet to be announced. But I’ll bet K.C. is where Law is getting the most money.

Plain and simple. That’s what it’s about for him at this point in his career. He’s already won his Super Bowls…already made his all-pro and pro bowl teams. Law is trying to get as much money as he can before his body no longer allows him to play the game at a level he can be comfortable with.

And you know what? I don’t blame him one bit. This is a guy who gave the Patriots his all while here. Played hard. Played hurt. Through good times and bad. Helped them win a ton of games. If this is what makes him happy, I wish him well.

I have no doubt he’d have come back to New England if the money was equal. I’m willing to bet it wasn’t. There’s no way he plays five years, so that part of the contract is as good as useless. It has to be about guaranteed greenbacks, and my guess is the bonus the Chiefs offered trumped Bill Belichick’s final numbers.

Good luck Ty. We’d love to see you back playing in Foxboro, but I think we understand your decision. Don’t we gang?

…Tiger Woods!

In case anyone out there thought Tiger’s days of dominance had gone by the wayside, this week’s happenings at the British Open should dispel that notion. Woods seized control of the tournament Friday and then did what he’s done so many times in the past…put the competition away.

Oh, a few big names stayed close. Ernie Els had his chances. So did Sergio Garcia. But when push came to shove Sunday, neither one could make a serious charge. Garcia, playing in the same group with Woods, folded like a pup tent early. This is the 2nd time he’s been in the final pairing with the master and he’s shot over par both times.

The only player to step up was Chris DiMarco, who put a scare into Woods at last year’s Masters and pulled within a stroke after sinking a 25-foot putt on 13. Tiger was up to the challenge however, drilling 3-consecutive birdies and holding on for a 2-shot victory. The win marks the first back-to-back British Open titles since Tom Watson turned the trick in 1982-83. Woods has now won 11-majors.

Afterward, the emotional 30-year old broke down at the memory of his father who passed away earlier this year. “I could not stop it� said a sobbing Woods. “I miss my dad so much.� It was a rare emotional display for the normally stoic champ.

I count myself as a Phil Mickelson guy, rooting for the big lefty whenever these majors come around. Not because I dislike Tiger Woods mind you, but because having legitimate challengers to the king’s throne makes things more entertaining. Over the past year, there’s been hope that Tiger’s stranglehold on the game is gone…that numerous challengers, led by Michelson, had closed the Grand Canyon sized gap that existed.

Throw that theory out the window. Tiger Woods still rules the golf kingdom, and until Sunday rolls around at a major and one of these guys has the guts and the game to take him down, they’ll all be playing follow the leader.

Is Tiger Woods back? Did he ever go away? Would Phil Mickelson have been able to challenge is he was in contention?

Final Score
Red Sox 2
Mariners 5

Not Half Bad: So far, the Red Sox have won one and lost one on their west coast trip. Ordinarily, that pace wouldn’t do, but splitting a pair of games when Kyle Snyder and the immortal Kason Gabbard are your starting pitchers is actually a good thing.

Boston’s Boys of Summer had a chance to win Saturday. Gabbard was o.k. on the mound and certainly kept his team in the game. Ironically, it was an error by Alex Gonzalez that ultimately did the good guys in, though it took a heads up play by Eduardo Perez to force the miscue as Seattle’s baserunner didn’t slide into third, forcing A-Gone’s throw to hit him and bounce away.

The Sox have a good shot at taking the rubber match of this 3-game set. Unbeaten Jon Lester gets the call on the mound against Jarrod Washburn. It would be a huge boost to escape Seattle with 2-out-of-3 wins, especially without your two aces appearing anywhere along the way.

What did you think of Kason Gabbard? A battler for keeping the Sox in the game or just lucky the Mariners didn’t take advantage of all the baserunner? Does he deserve another start or are the Red Sox going to acquire some help before the trade deadline?

It never fails. Every time I catch a glimpse of or a news report about the Tour de France, that Freddie Mercury and Queen song invades my head.

I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike. I want to ride my bicycle I want to ride it where I like…

AAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!! I actually love their music, except for that one song! I have to stop watching that damn bike race!!!

Anyway, it appears the Americans will keep their stranglehold on France’s greatest sporting event. Fresh off the heels of Lance Armstrong’s record 7-consecutive Tour wins, Floyd Landis has grabbed the yellow jersey with but one, largely ceremonial stage remaining. This one was kind of a remarkable development according to cycling experts. (I admit to not being one, unless you count riding a 10-speed through the back streets of Dracut when you’re a kid)

Landis, one of the favorites to win the race, was given up for dead following a disastrous performance Wednesday. After the stage, he stood in 11th place, more than 8-minutes behind the leader. Landis roared back with a dominating performance Thursday, one that ended with him just 30-ticks off the pace.

Even better, he’d become a fan favorite among the mostly French crowds. After winning the all-important time trial Saturday, Landis now has a nearly insurmountable lead of 59-seconds.

The only question remaining is whether Landis can stay upright on his bike while sipping champagne through the Champs Elysees on Sunday. That, and how long will it take some French newspaper to drum up false performance enhancing drug rumors about the new champ.

God bless America! And God bless Freddie Mercury!

Does anyone out there care about the Tour de France other than the fact an American is sticking it to the French yet again? Does anyone like that "bicycling" song? What's your favorite Queen hit? Mine is Killer Queen!

Final Score
Red Sox 9
Mariners 4

Pleasant Surprise: Any game the Red Sox win with Kyle Snyder on the mound is a bonus in my mind, and the same holds true tonight when Kason Gabbard takes the mound.

While the Sox offense gave Snyder a big boost last night with a “home run derby‿ display against Jamie Moyer, the Bronson Arroyo look-a-like more than held his own. You can’t ask for more than keeping the home team to 2-runs through 5-innings. If he can do that every time out, this offense will get him more than his fair share of wins. Of course, if he could pitch like that all the time, he wouldn’t have been placed on waivers by the Royals in the first place.

Tonight should be interesting with Gabbard on the mound. Not even Terry Francona knows much about him. Frankly, Boston doesn’t have much choice, unless you think David Pauley deserves another shot. I’d much rather roll the dice with one of those two than Jason Johnson.

A quick note here about the Jake Peavey trade rumors; there is no way Peavey is getting traded for Mike Lowell. Please tell me my readers are intelligent enough not to fall for this b.s. Please!

Why would the Padres trade a young, potential ace for an aging 3rd baseman, no matter how good Lowell has been this year and no matter how much of a hole San Diego has at the hot corner? Teams simply do not trade good young pitching for aging veterans…witness what it took to get Josh Beckett here.

This trade is not going to happen unless the Sox include Jon Lester or someone of that stature. And if that’s the case, I’ll keep Lester and Lowell…thank you!

Does anyone really think Jake Peavey is getting traded for Mike Lowell? What would it take to get someone like Peavey here?

Final Score
Rangers 4
Red Sox 6

Gutting out Another One: Once again Curt Schilling showed what he’s made of, beating Texas and improving to 12-3 on the season despite going without his best stuff.

It’s actually getting kind of redundant saying that. Perhaps we should stop expecting Schilling to be the dominating ace, enjoy those rare appearances where he is, and learn to appreciate a guy who can still win at this level with diminishing skills.

Do I think the 39-year old can still light up a scoreboard with K’s? Hell yes…just check out last Saturday for proof. But more often than not, he’s going to have outings like yesterday. With this offense and defense, however, that’s more than enough.

One more thing…time to get Wily Mo Pena’s bat in the lineup more often. Perhaps a day or two off a week for Coco Crisp, something. But Terry Francona needs to get this guy some more at bats. The rest of the lineup isn’t exactly tearing the cover off the ball (back to back 1-0 games against the Royals?) so why not get some guys a little rest and work in a powerful hitter in the process?

Your thoughts on Schilling’s performance? How about getting Pena some more time in the lineup?

The big blog news of the day comes not from the sports pages, but from the gossip pages.

News Flash: A report in today’s Boston Herald says Bill Belichick has been named “the other man� in a divorce case. The husband, Vincent Shenocca claims his wife Sharon, a former receptionist with the New York Giants has had a relationship with the Patriots coach for several years and that Belichick has given her large sums of money and expensive gifts. The wife, while not naming Belichick in court papers, says she never hid the relationship from her husband and shared all monetary gifts received with him.

Teddy’s take: Something’s fishy here.

Perhaps I’m way off and perhaps Mr. Shenocca is dead on in his assessment of the relationship. Who knows exactly what goes on behind closed doors. But am I the only one who finds it funny the same coach who hides information about sprained ankles would be stupid enough to send a limousine to pick up a married woman he’s supposedly having an affair with?

Think about it. Belichick is about as private an individual as they come. It took a recent book and the death of his father for most of us to even find out the simplest details of his personal life and upbringing. Do you really think if he were involved with a married woman he would give cash, send limos and fly her to the Super Bowl without doing a better job of keeping it secret? Would the wife be so brazen as to tell her husband about all the gifts from him if an affair was going on? Isn’t it more believable that the two had a friendship that also involved the husband and that the “gifts� were intended for both?

I’m sure more info will be forthcoming, but I’m willing to bet there’s something else going on here, perhaps a jealous husband and a marriage gone bad. This doesn’t sound like something out of Bill Belichick’s playbook.

I wrestled with the idea of even dicussing it. To be honest, it's kind of uncomfortable. But this is a blog and we're here to discuss the topics making news. This story certainly has and will continue to do so.

What are your thoughts on this story? Do you care? Does it sound believable? If true, does it change your opinion of the Patriots coach? Should we even be discussing it?

Final Score
Royals 0
Red Sox 1

Afternoon Delight: A great day all-around for the Red Sox and Josh Beckett.

For the second day in a row, Boston’s Boys of Summer won a soccer match against the pathetic Royals. A Yankees home loss to Seattle is the cherry on the ice cream sundae, as the lead is now a game and a half.

On the Beckett front, he was great. I can’t stress enough how bad the Royals are, but the way he’s pitched lately, this was a much needed effort. As for his ice cream topping, Beckett received a 3-year contract extension.

Terms have yet to be released, but it’s a good move by both sides…the Sox because talented pitchers command big bucks when the potential is there, even bigger dollars when the numbers catch up to the potential…Beckett benefits because he’s yet to put it together for an entire season, and even if he does, he’ll still be young enough to get a huge deal next time around.

Update: The deal is for 3-years and $30-million and runs through the 2009 season with a $12.5-million club option for 2010 that kicks in automatically if Beckett makes either 28-starts in 2009 or 56-starts combined in 2008 & 2009. If not, the Sox have the option to buy him out for $2-million.

One other interesting note…the Sox hadn’t pitched a shutout all year until Curt Schilling and company stifled the A’s Saturday night. They’ve now gotten 3 in the last 4 days. Go figure!

Was the Beckett signing a good one? Should the Sox have waited a bit to see if he can handle the American League over a longer period of time?

Allright! I know I’m going to sound like a Red Sox yahoo here, but enough is enough.

How many times are the Yankees going to get the benefit of a horrible call by an umpire? It’s ridiculous how often the men in black make a brutal call in a close game, and that blown call helps the pinstripes win. Playoffs…regular season…whenever. The calls always go the Evil Empire’s way when it counts. Think I’m exaggerating? Name me one time in the last 10-years when an umpire has obviously blown a call that went against them. I challenge you! I can name at least a dozen that went their way! (Jeffrey Maier/fan interference, Jose Offerman fantasy tag in the 1999 ALCS, etc...)

In case you missed last night’s travesty, Jorge Posada was called safe on a play that wasn’t even close. This picture doesn’t do the play justice…Posada’s foot was a half step off the bag when the ball landed in Richie Sexson’s glove. It was obvious in still shots…obvious in slo-mo…obvious in regular speed.

I know calls at first are sometimes bang-bang plays, but trust me. This was not one of them. Of course, the next batter (Johnny Damon) hits a SAC Fly that should have been the final out, and the Yanks go on to win in extra innings. Seattle manager Mike Hargrove wasn’t around to see it, of course, because he got tossed arguing the absurd call. The pathetic umps aren’t even man enough to admit they’re wrong and cut the guy some slack!

While I’m at it, how about that fraud of a commissioner Bud Selig? So he says MLB has the right and precedent to suspend Barry Bonds if he’s indicted. Really?

Fine. I’m with ya Mr. Commish! Invoke the “best interest of the game� clause and boot his butt out of there. I don’t care if it doesn’t hold up in court. It’s the right thing to do. But let me see if I’ve got this straight; you want to suspend Bonds because he lied to a grand jury about using performance enhancers and allegedly avoided paying taxes, right?

Fine. Jason Giambi on the other hand…who’s already admitted in front of the same grand jury that he used performance enhancing drugs…who apologized for it at a press conference…who was batting under .200 and weighing even less than that in the spring of 2005…who refused to go to the minors when the Yankees asked him to…who then miraculously started putting on weight and muscle in the middle of last season…and who suddenly found his power stroke and is carrying New York’s offense again this year, he’s allowed to entertain curtain calls?

What? No suspension for him in the best interests of the game? Not even up for discussion? An admitted cheater who affected a pennant race last year and is doing so again this year…no talk of punishing him? Oh, that’s right. I forgot. He plays in New York. Those standing ovations being shown over and over again on ESPN are worth destroying the few shreds of integrity the game still has left.

What a joke Bud Selig! Your umpires are! Your major league offices are! And most of all, you are!

Anyone else sick and tired of the pro-Yankees slant in major league baseball? You think it’s just an amazing coincidence that all these missed calls go in their favor? Anyone out there think it’s O.K. to single out Barry Bonds but let Giambi and Sheffield off scott-free even though they’ve basically testified to the same crimes as him?

Final Score
Royals 0
Red Sox 1

A Child Shall Lead Them: O.K. It’s the Royals and they stink. But I think it’s safe to say young Mr. Lester has taken the next step.

Most people will point to the one hit allowed as the best stat of the night for the rookie. For me, it’s the 8-innings pitched. Lester had only gone as long as 6-innings on two occasions. To stretch that out an extra two on a night after the bullpen had been heavily taxed was huge. And it wasn’t like he did it with a ton of offensive support. Every single one of those 100-pitches he hurled were with the game on the line.

(For more on Lester, click on this David Pevear story in today's Lowell Sun)

It’s safe to say the Sox are now set at starters 1-3, 4 if Wakefield is healthy. (I’m assuming Josh Beckett gets his act straightened out) Considering how bad things looked early in the year, Lester emergence is one of the more positive developments of 2006.

The future looks bright!

How impressed were you with Lester’s performance last night? Is it safe to say he’s established himself as the number 3 or 4 starter? Can he stay consistent the second time around the league?

In the course of my “extensive‿ online research to keep you and this blog on top of the action (believe it or not, I actually do put a little effort into this thing!) I stumbled across this piece of video sure to bring back a flood of memories for you “old-timers‿ out there.

You all remember the Nintendo game Tecmo Bowl? It looks so cheesy compared to the Madden games and the technology now available, but back then it was considered the greatest invention since the remote control.

Anyway, those who remember will tell you that the two most unstoppable forces in that game were Lawrence Taylor and Bo Jackson. Well, thanks to YouTube and the folks at Deadspin and Kissing Suzy Kolber, I uncovered a clip of video you have to see to believe. It’s Bo Jackson, tearing up the Tecmo Bowl field and scoring a touchdown while killing the clock on an entire quarter.

Here’s the link: Bo Jackson-Tecmo Super Bowl Run

P.S. The team he does it against is the Patriots, which kind of gives you an idea how bad the local football entry was back then. They were even a laughingstock in the video game community.

Final Score
Royals 4
Red Sox 5

Disaster Averted: OK, so losing to the Royals in the middle of July wouldn’t exactly be a disaster, but you get my drift. Psychologically, losing to the worst team in baseball and falling into second place on the same night would not be good for the collective psyche of Red Sox Nation.

Thankfully, Doug Mirabelli came through with that 3-run jack (after the ump blew ball four, thankfully!) and that sort of jump started the rest of the club. Heck, even David Ortiz stole a base, which shows you how alert this Kansas City team really is.

The bullpen was great last night as they were called on to early thanks to Tim Wakefield’s injury. Things don’t look good right now for the knuckleballer, and a DL stint appears imminent. With Kyle Snyder and Jason Johnson already being trotted out as 5th starters, having to fill in for Wake as well could be a tall order to fill.

There seems to be growing optimism about a David Wells return at some point, but that’s still a ways off and a rotation featuring Snyder and Johnson could do a lot of damage by then. And not to douse any dreams here, but that is a 43-year old man with a bum knee…counting on anything from him would be a huge gamble.

In my opinion, help must come from outside the organization.

Is it time to be concerned about Tim Wakefield’s back injury? Can Wells get back in time to help? Even if he does, can he really be counted on? Of the names being bandied about on the trade market, do any excite you?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

They take their time, but they come through. The NBA has officially approved the deal extending Paul Pierce's contract with the Celtics through the 2010-11 season.

Here's the release out of Waltham on Monday:

BOSTON – The Boston Celtics announced today that they have agreed with team Captain Paul Pierce to extend his contract through the 2010-11 season.

"This represents a milestone for the Celtics and for Paul Pierce," said Wyc Grousbeck, the Boston Celtics Managing Partner and Governor. "My partners and I are committed to building a championship contender with Paul, who has become a team leader on and off the court in the best Celtic tradition. With the return of our core players, the quality players we recently added to the team, and the excellent fan support we received last season, we are excited about the momentum we’ve built going into the 06-07 season and beyond."

Danny Ainge, Executive Director of Basketball Operations, is enthused to have the forward on the court for an extended period with a team he has developed around the five-time NBA All Star.

"Paul is one of the greatest Celtics in the history of our franchise," Ainge said. "We are very happy to have him under contract for the next five years to lead us in the prime of his career."

Drafted by the Boston Celtics out of the University of Kansas in 1998 (10th overall), Pierce has spent his entire career on the court for the Celtics. Named co-captain in 2000, and taking the helm as team captain at the start of the 2003-04 season, Pierce’s leadership role with the organization has grown over the last eight seasons.

"I am very happy to be continuing my career as a member of the Boston Celtics," Pierce said. "The Celtics organization and the fans of Boston and New England have been great and now we can continue to strive to put the 17th championship banner up in the rafters."

Pierce had a career year this past season, averaging 26.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game, along with 17 double-doubles and one triple-double. After a fourth straight 2000-point season, Pierce has matched Larry Bird for the most seasons in franchise history, and is the eighth leading scorer in Celtics team history. While his 26.8 points per game and 47.1 shooting percentage from the field were both career-highs, Pierce also led the team in scoring 63 games, in rebounds 26 games and assists for 31 games. The Celtics’ Captain notched a career-high 50 points against Cleveland on February 15, 2006, with eight assists and seven rebounds in the final contest before the All Star break.

Encyclopedias define “the dog days of summer��? as the period between July 3rd and August 11th. It has something to do with Sirius (the dog star) being in conjunction with the sun.

Don’t ask me what that means. I was too busy reading the sports pages during science class, which is why to me, the “dog days��? are the period between the end of basketball and hockey playoffs and the beginning of football season, that time when only baseball dots the major sports landscape.

Sure, you can find an occasional major event (British Open Golf…Tour de France…the weekly “left turn festival��?) to help tide you over. But in a non-Olympic year, the dog days have always belonged to America’s pastime.

Traditionally, the period hasn’t been kind to Boston’s Boys of Summer. It’s always been kind of a running joke that when the weather really starts to heat up, the Red Sox freeze. The ball through Buckner’s legs and Bill Lee’s eephus pitch may have taken place during the Fall Classic, but some of the Sox biggest collapses have begun in the heart of the dog days.

The granddaddy of them all of course, occurred in 1978 when Boston held a 14 ½ game lead over the Yankees in the middle of July, only to pull a choke even Dr. Heimlich couldn’t save them from, while making Bucky Dent a curse word in New England.

Even recent dog days history hasn’t been kind to our locals. Dan Duquette’s final team enjoyed a few moments in the sun during the summer of 2001, prompting the soon to be fired GM to utter the now infamous and embarrassing phrase; “we spent more days in first place than at any time since 1995.��?

A quick scan of the 2002 calendar shows Boston within a game of the Evil Empire on July 2nd, dog days eve if you will. By the August 12th hangover, the lead was four and climbing, ultimately topping out at 10 ½ when the season’s final out was recorded.

Even the curse busting squad of 2004 wasn’t immune to a few bow-wow performances. However, the one positive to come out of an underachieving summer that saw the Sox staring at a near double digit deficit on August 12th was that it necessitated the trading of Nomar and the rest of the changes that ultimately led to the first World Series victory since 1918.

How the 2006 numbers track remains to be seen, though the early returns aren’t promising. Canine season arrived with the Red Sox wagging their tales thanks to a four game advantage. Entering play Monday night, the leash had grown considerably shorter, the Yanks just a half step behind and nipping at the heels of their fierce rivals.

Ultimately, nothing is decided during the dog days, no matter how much barking either side’s fans do. In fact, it’s probably best to follow the lead of the other major sports leagues and take a summer holiday. You know, spend some quality time with the misses and the family.

Otherwise, you might find yourself in the doghouse.

Do you folks find the sporting world boring at this time of year? Or is the break necessary to recharge those batteries for football season?

Final Score
A’s 8
Red Sox 1

Not Panic Time…Yet: Losing 3-of-4 to Oakland certainly wasn’t the way to kick off the post all-star schedule, but it’s not the end of the world.

The A’s are actually a pretty good team and have a history of taking off during the second half of the season. And if you look back about five weeks you’ll notice they swept a 3-game series from the Yankees in New York, so it’s not like they don’t know how to win against good teams on the road.

Where it will be time to panic is if Boston’s Boys of Summer don’t play well against Kansas City. The Royals come to town at a perfect time, and it would behoove the Sox to do some damage. The Yanks are just a half game back (even in the loss column) and every game from here on out is a big one.

What do you think gang? Time to panic or just a bump in the road against a good team?

Final Score
A’s 0
Red Sox 7

Look of a Winner: Taking notes Josh Beckett?

Curt Schilling was masterful last night, completely stifling the same Oakland offense that slapped Beckett around the previous night. It was vintage Schilling…actually, check that…it wasn’t vintage because the old (or is it young?) Schilling would have been burning up the radar gun like Beckett does and blowing A’s hitters away.

Of course, the old Schilling also knew how to pitch a little, so now that he’s lost a couple of mph’s off the fastball, he can still control a baseball game as he did last night. Only two hits and a walk allowed in 7-efficient, yet dominant innings. The A’s had no shot, and as the game progressed, they knew it. That’s what a winner does…keeps his team in the game even when he doesn’t have his best stuff…takes the opposing team out of a game when he does.

I’d love to see big Curt take young mister Beckett under his wing and start teaching him some of these things. (Actually, I’m sure he’s already tried and will continue to do so) Hopefully, the youngster will start to take better notes and learn what being a consistent winner is all about. Remember, Schilling didn’t really become a great pitcher until later in his career, so there is plenty of hope and plenty of talent to work with. It’s just that for the sake of this year’s pennant race, I’d like to see that talent developed sooner, rather than later.

What did you think of Schilling’s performance against Oakland? Was it the best of the year for him? Do you think Beckett can learn a thing or two from the old veteran?

News Flash: The Celtics and Paul Pierce agree on a 3-year/$59-million dollar contract extension. The deal keeps the 28-year old in green through the 2011 season.

Teddy’s Take: Or does it? Danny Ainge has shown a willingness and an ability to move anyone, anyplace, anytime if he thinks it’s going to improve the club, no matter how big or how small the contract is.

Would both sides like for Pierce to retire a Celtic and have his number-34 raised to the rafters? I really believe so. Will the captain ask out or Boston want him out if the rebuilding process doesn’t speed up soon? You betcha!

I like the signing and I hope it works out in the long term. Pierce sold me last year with his performance, his maturity and his team first attitude. As stated before, I think he is a great player and can lead the C’s resurgence, which I think is a lot closer than people realize. Just wait and see how much easier it’ll be for him to score now that he has two pass-first point guards (Telfair & Rondo) feeding him the rock on the break and in half-court sets.

Now, if Allen Iverson is added to the equation, all bets are off!

That’s my take…what’s yours? Should the Celtics have signed Pierce to a big money extension or traded him? Can he possibly play better than he did last year? Will Iverson help or hurt Pierce’s game and the team?

Final Score
A’s 15
Red Sox 3

Missing the National League: Right now it’s not clear who misses the National League more…the Red Sox or Josh Beckett.

Boston’s Boys of Summer continue to struggle since ending inter-league play and the young righty continues to give up runs at an alarming rate. The Sox are now 3-6 since bullying around their cross league rivals, while Beckett’s ERA stands at 5.12 and his home runs allowed total a whopping 27.

Curt Schilling tries to right the ship Saturday, and when he’s done with that, perhaps he can start pulling Mr. Beckett aside and try teaching him the difference between a thrower and a pitcher. Heck, maybe even Jon Lester can get in on the act, because right now the rookie left-hander is much more poised than the young, but experienced former Florida Marlin.

Beckett continues to light up the radar gun with mid-90’s heat…problem is, major league hitters can tag those offerings if there isn’t a threat of anything else to keep them honest. The more he gets into trouble, the more it appears he tries to rear back and fire the ball past them. Someday, hopefully, the 26-year old will learn how to be a “pitcher� instead of a thrower. Till then, outings like last night will pop up more and more, especially now that he’s in the American League.

Who woulda thunk Mike Lowell would be the best part of that big off-season trade?

Final Score
A’s 5
Red Sox 4

Loretta Not on his Mark: The Red Sox defense, which had been so solid in the 1st half, let them down last night as Mark Loretta made a costly error that led to a pair of Oakland runs. But while that, and the two runs given up in the 11th by Julian Tavarez, is what folks will point to when placing blame, I think the game was lost elsewhere.

A’s pitching walked eleven batters on the night…starter Esteban Loaiza accounting for six of those all by himself. You know how many of those 11-gift baserunner crossed the plate? Zero.

Say what you will about Tavarez and feel free to boo him if you want...he probably deserves it. You can also point to the reliable Loretta and say these things sometimes happen…they do. But had Boston’s offense been able to capitalize on one or two of those walks, the game never goes into extra innings.

Let’s hope for better results Friday!

Haven’t checked in with the Patriots for a while, so I figured this might be a good time for a little reminder.

Training camp opens two weeks from tomorrow (Friday, July 28th) and the team recently announced practice schedules for the first four days. For those hoping to get up close and personal with the 3-time Super Bowl champs, this is the best time to do so as players often spend a portion of their pre and post practice times signing autographs. Parents take note...they're much more likely to visit with kids, so be sure to bring junior along!

Word of warning: The schedule sometimes changes, and there are times Bill Belichick will cancel either the morning or afternoon session due to weather concerns or fatigue factors. (Hint: if he decides to reward the guys with some time off, it’s usually the afternoon practice getting the boot)

Here then is a link to the Patriots Training Camp Schedule for July 28-31. For schedule updates, be sure to check Patriots.com.

How about it bloggers…ready for some football?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Today officially marks the opening of the NBA free agent signing period and NBA rosters can potentially begin to round into form.

LeBron James is said to have agreed to three-year contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, keeping the Akron, Ohio, native in town through 2009-10 with a reported $60 million deal.

NBA finals MVP Dwyane had reportedly agreed to a five-year, $80 million max extension with the Miami Heat last week, but ESPN.com is reporting that he is instead expected to sign a three-year deal with a player option for a fourth season.

Other deals that officially went down include: Atlanta signed free-agent guard Speedy Claxton and second-round pick Solomon Jones. Philadelphia re-signed restricted free agent Shavlik Randolph. New Jersey signs first-round picks Marcus Williams and Josh Boone. Memphis aquires Stromile Swift and draft rights to Rudy Gay from Houston for Shane Battier. Dallas acquires Austin Croshere from Indiana for Marquis Daniels.

Celtics heating up Las Vegas…and Connecticut?

The Boston Celtics continue play in the Toshiba Las Vegas Summer League, now three games in with a record of 2-1. Ryan Gomes lit it up in the second game with 29 points, and he tossed in 22 while Gerald Green scored a game-high 23 last night. Of course -- before anyone punches their ticket to Springfield -- the top offensive weapon for the Toronto Raptors last night was a guy by the name of Joey Graham who has one season of NBA experience under his belt.

More importantly, down at Foxwoods the Celtics Dancers held their final auditions and rounded out the squad for their inaugural season. The Celtics were the last team in the NBA to add a dance team to their repertoire. Judging by the audition photos, it's a definite step in the right direction.

The ceremonial halfway point of the season is behind us and, all in all, I’d have to say the Red Sox have been a pretty nice surprise.

Most experts had Boston’s Boys of Summer finishing behind the Yankees…a few even had the Blue Jays 2nd…and battling for a wild-card berth. That’s where I had saw them finishing, though I figured Cleveland and Anaheim would be the main competition instead of the White Sox or Tigers.

The offense is running almost identical to last year, something of a surprise considering Coco Crisp’s lack of production. Most of us envisioned the new centerfielder being the catalyst atop the batting order, but he’s been a disappointment. Ditto for Jason Varitek, who may finally be showing the wear and tear of everyday catching duties over the long haul.

That said, Kevin Youkilis has filled in admirably in the 1-hole…Mark Loretta has rebounded nicely from injuries…Big Papi and Manny have been Big Papi and Manny…Mike Lowell is a doubles machine and the best surprise of the season…and even Alex Gonzalez is now getting on base at a decent enough clip. I’d prefer a little more pop in Trot Nixon’s bat, but the on-base percentage will do for now. When Wily Mo Pena returns to the mix, offense shouldn’t be a problem.

Neither will defense. In fact, it’s this club’s biggest strength. This is by far the best defensive Red Sox team I’ve ever seen, and you’d be hard pressed to name me a better one in all of baseball. If Jeter wins the Gold Glove over Gonzalez, they should just stop handing out the award and Mike Lowell is the most quietly spectacular third baseman I’ve ever seen. He’s not Brooks Robinson, but does any third bagger make difficult plays look so effortless?

Pitching was the main question mark heading in, with Curt Schilling and Keith Foulke leading the worry parade. Schilling has been better than hoped for and Foulke’s spot ended up improved thanks to Jonathan Papelbon. We all know Little Papi’s accomplishments by now, so let me take a minute to give props to Terry Francona for having the stones to go with the youngster right off the bat and never look back. It might not seem like such a big deal and it was the right thing to do, but ask yourself; how many other managers would have made that move without first waiting for the incumbent closer to blow a few games?

Speaking of stones, how about Jon Lester’s ability to pitch out of trouble? The young lefty is living up to the hype and making up for the Matt Clement/David Wells disasters that could have derailed the season. As for the rest of the staff, Tim Wakefield’s been better than a knuckleballer can be expected to be…Josh Beckett has been a disappointment to me, though I have to keep reminding myself he’s still only a few months older than Papelbon and should only get better as he gets used to the league (his big game performances only help the cause)…and the bullpen has solidified thanks to youngsters Hansen and Delcarmen.

I don’t see any significant re-enforcements on the way. Sox management has made it pretty clear they intend to go with the youth movement, so trading good, young talent doesn’t look like an option. They’ll be helped in the public relations wars by the fact there doesn’t appear to be a sure-fire ace pitcher on the market, so the pressure to make a move won’t be overbearing. John Smoltz could fall into that ace category, but if he ends up in Detroit instead of New York, the Sox can survive the PR hit.

What does it all mean? I think Boston has a chance to win the East, which I didn’t think possible coming out of spring training. Right now it’s a coin flip between the Sox and Yanks in my mind, with the loser failing to make the playoffs. Detroit doesn’t appear to be going anywhere. That division is just too weak and I think they’re for real…at least until the post-season.

For now, I’ll stick with my original prediction and say Yankees win the division, though like Bill Parcells or a good woman, I reserve the right to change my mind!

How about you? How do you see the second half playing out? Boston or New York? Will both make the playoffs? Are the Tigers for real? How about the west…who comes out of there?

I said I didn’t want to get too far into this whole Manny Ramirez thing, but I just finished reading something I had to pass along.

It’s written by Bruce Allen, who maintains a website called Boston Sports Media Watch. Along with providing links to articles from all the local papers and lots of websites (he’s even provided links to the Lowell Sun and Sports Talk w/Teddy Panos in the past, though not as many as I’d like to see…LOL!), Allen will often call to task media members when he catches them being hypocritical.

Here then is the link to one such entry defending Manny Ramirez. I couldn’t agree more and couldn’t have said it better myself.

Manny Ramirez: Reality vs. Perception

Tell me what you think…and be sure to tell Bruce, too!

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

More "Reality TV" for San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds? No, it could be more like Court TV if a report that came out today is true.

According to the New York Daily News: The U.S. Attorney's office in San Francisco is mulling over whether it will seek an indictment against Bonds, perhaps as soon as next week. Bonds is facing possible indictment for perjury and tax evasion, and the grand jury that has been hearing evidence against him is due to expire within the next couple of weeks.

Bonds, a seven-time MVP and the third player in the history of Major League Baseball to hit more than 700 home runs, has batted .249 with 12 home runs and 39 RBI so far this season having played in 69 games.He has battled a knee injury throughout the course of this season.

Is anyone still concerned with the Bonds story? Is he about to get what he deserves? Do you think he's getting a raw deal because of who he is?

Well, the mystery into exactly what Marco Materazzi said to make Zinedine Zidane snap continues to unfurl.

Materazzi admits he did insult France’s best player prior to the head butt that got Zidane tossed from the World Cup Final. Zidane has thus far refused to discuss what transpired, but The Sun (the U.K. version, not the Lowell one) is reporting all sorts of alleged conversations between the two footballers.

In one, Materazzi’s agent says the players were bantering about exchanging shirts after the game, a soccer tradition, when the Italian told Zidane; “I’d rather take the shirt off your wife.� There’s also talk the incident began with a nipple twisting.

However, the even juicier version gaining steam involves a slur made toward the Frenchman’s ill mother. Zidane is of Algerian descent and is said to be extremely proud of his heritage.

A top lip reader (whatever that means) says after the two battled for a ball in the air, Materazzi told Zidane a high ball was not for “fecca like you.� Fecca is the Italian word for scum or the not-so polite version of feces. As Zidane smile and walked away, the lip reader says Materazzi then added; “We all know you are the son of a terrorist whore.�

Son of a terrorist whore? Wife insults? Nipple twisting? Maybe I should pay more attention to soccer after all!

What are your thoughts on the Zidane headbutting incident? Does this one final act mar an otherwise brilliant career?

I guess I could jump into this “Manny Ramirez skipping the All-Star game� debate full bore, but in my opinion, too much print space and air time has already been wasted. Manny has been an always will be a lightning rod for criticism from certain segments of the population and media.

(I’ve provided links to Mike Davidson’s recent article in the Lowell Sun as well as reaction to it and Chaz Scoggins’ humorous look at Manny’s All-Star break schedule)

Most of it is because he’s not the most media accessible guy around, so people in the business won’t bust their hump to defend him and present a balanced picture. A lot of it stems from the money he makes. Some involves his “diva� behavior. Part of it has to do with his lack of hustle at all times. And finally, there’s also a tint of racism in Manny bashing. (I hate when people play the race card, but you have to be naïve to think a chunk of the population doesn’t resent what they perceive as an uneducated, Hispanic guy with dreadlocks who makes more money than they’ll ever dream of while playing a kid’s game)

This isn’t to say Manny’s critics don’t make some valid points. They often do. But here’s a question for those who want to dump on Ramirez for not wanting to accept the “honor� of an All-Star invitation and “spitting in the face of the people who pay his salary�…

Are you displaying this same righteous indignation toward Tom Glavine? Or better yet...how about when Tom Brady skipped out on the Pro Bowl in February?

You see my point?

Twinkle, twinkle little star. How I wonder what you’re on.

Welcome to Major League Baseball’s 2006 All-Star game, where every home run, every 95mph fastball and every strained muscle is met with the question; “You think he’s on the juice?�

1999 seems like ages ago, doesn’t it? That’s the summer the All-Stars came to Fenway Park. What an amazing couple of days, and I was so mad at myself.

You see, as a season ticket holder, this member of Red Sox Nation was entitled to two tickets for all the events. Alas, as a member of a capitalist nation, I felt entitled to sell those bleacher seats to a broker, which I gleefully did for the ridiculous price of $825…each!

It was a decision I regretted long before chills ran down my spine as the greatest hitter of any day, Ted Williams, was carted onto the field, long before Pedro Martinez made the greatest hitters of that day look more helpless than the Splendid Splinter.

Nope, I already regretted it Monday as “superheroes� Big Mac and Slammin’ Sammy launched balls into the night sky, each seeming to travel farther than the previous one, disappearing in the dark as we could only wonder where they landed. The Mass Pike? The Citgo sign? Outer space?

Just a few short years after the crippling strike, baseball was back, bigger than ever, with the long ball leading the resurgence and MLB celebrating that resurgence with a show of power Stalin would be proud of.

We were all fooled, me more than anyone. “Something’s up,� I’d tell people. “There’s no way an object could travel that far without help. The ball must be juiced.�

Turns out the powers that be knew the truth all along. Oh, they’re trying to cover it up, but the facts will come out. There’s too much money to be made selling books, and if there’s something we’ve learned, it’s that athletes will do anything for the almighty dollar, even inject substances that will eventually destroy their bodies and kill them.

Go back and scan the rosters from that 1999 game. How many players are suspected of “juicing?� Of those already convicted in the public eye, “BALCO Boys� Bonds and Giambi were missing, but Gary Sheffield was there to represent. So was the “Congressional Contingent� of Canseco, Palmeiro, Sosa and McGwire.

What a pathetic group they were that day in the nation’s capitol, too cowardly to fess up, instead attacking Canseco for being a rat, pointing fingers to declare their innocence while lying under oath, or pretending not to understand English. Saddest of all was McGwire, looking like a sniveling child, such a far cry from the mighty slugger in the batter’s box that July night at Fenway.

So here we are, seven years later, another All-Star game and its surrounding festivities upon us. Only this time, we know better. The childlike innocence has been replaced by grown up cynicism, the oohs and aahs following long balls giving way to guffaws following jokes about HGH standing for How Giambi Homers.

Congratulations Bud Selig, Donald Fehr and everyone else associated with baseball. Enjoy your celebration. Just do me a favor. When you introduce the players and rundown the accomplishments that got them there, be sure to include the information we really want to know.

Like, how does a guy strain an oblique muscle chasing a pop fly?

What are your thoughts on Major League Baseball's All-Star game? Does it still seem as special as it did when you were a kid? Did the steroids scandal ruin it or simply the fact we're getting older?

Final Score
Red Sox 5
White Sox 6

Let’s Play Two: Windy City legend Ernie Banks must have been smiling yesterday as the Red Sox and White Sox engaged in a doubleheader of sorts, even if there was only one game scheduled.

And what a great baseball game it was. The only way it could have been better was had the good guys won it. Think about this for a second. Major League baseball’s two best teams played 19-innings and over 6-hours on the day before the All-Star break, and neither team made an error in the field. Amazing!

Now let me address some of the idiots calling into WEEI last night and this morning…the ones blaming the loss on Terry Francona. If any of you reading this blog fall into that category, I have some advice; GET A LIFE!!!

How can you possibly blame the manager for a game where his unhittable closer blows a save and his second best reliever can’t hold a 2-run lead in the 11th? What the hell is wrong with you people?

Trust me…I’m about as cranky as they come and I never fail to criticize the Red Sox or the manager when I think they deserve it. But what I heard over the last two days is crazy, even by my standards. You can’t win every game, especially when you’re facing a great team on its home field. Sometimes, you just have to tip your cap to them.

There was absolutely nothing Terry Francona could have done differently yesterday to affect the outcome in a positive way. NOTHING! Not pinch hitting for Trot Nixon…not pinch hitting for Doug Mirabelli. NOTHING!!! Unless he thought he could take the ball out of Papelbon and Timlin’s hands and struck out Jermaine Dye by himself.

I have a hunch most readers of our readers, and most listeners of talk radio for that matter, are reasonable, sane people. They get it. The rest of you need to stop watching sports. It’s too much for your minds to handle!

Do any of you think Francona was to blame for yesterday’s loss? Anyone?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The buzz was out there. The Bruins got their new general manager. They named their new head coach, and they opened up the coffers and signed coveted free agent defenseman Zdeno Chara and center Marc Savard.

This past week they even added winger Shean Donovan and former University of New Hampshire star Mark Mowers, and they were still looking for more.

The Bruins admitted having interest in 37-year-old veteran left winger and three-time Stanley Cup winner Brendan Shanahan.

“Of course we have interest,� Bruins interim general manager Gorton told the Herald this past week. “Brendan Shanahan scored (39) goals, so of course we have interest in him.�

Well, you can't win them all, and Bruins fans, you should already know that.

The New York Post is reporting today that Shanahan will be taking his services to New York after agreeing to a one-year $4 million contract with the Rangers.

So, are you disappointed about Shanahan going to New York? Is it about what you expected? Did you think he was overrated and would have cost too much?

Final Score
Red Sox 9
White Sox 6

Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad: At least that’s what Meatloaf will tell you. Of course, when you’ve taken the first two in a three game series with the defending champs, you might as well make it 3-for-3.

That’s where the Red Sox stand today, having bested their pale cousins twice on the road. Josh Beckett struggled with the long ball Saturday, but Boston’s bats answered the call and beat back every Chicago challenge. David Ortiz went yard yet again as he and Jim Thome continue to play “can you match this� with the American League home run lead.

Boston’s Boys of Summer go for a sweep today with Curt Schilling (10-3) facing undefeated Jose Contreras (9-0). The Red Sox owned Contreras when the Cuban righty pitched for the Yankees. They haven’t been able to get to him since the move to the Windy City, but I have a hard time believing the guy who was so horrid in the Big Apple can transform into this unhittable force. I fully expect a return to New York form at some point and today would be a good starting point.

What are your thoughts on how the Red Sox match up with the White Sox? Are we better equipped to handle them should there be a playoff rematch? Is Jose Contreras really as good as he’s pitched over the last calendar year?

Can’t say I’m really excited about the World Cup Final…can’t even say I really care. But this is a sports blog and since Italy vs. France will be the most watched sporting event in the world, I figured I might as well throw my two cents into the conversation.

Italian goaltender Gianluigi Buffon is no buffoon in net. He’s gone 453-minutes without allowing a goal. If he can keep the French from tickling the twine for another 63-minutes, he’ll have set a new World Cup record. Italy has only given up one goal the entire tournament…and that was one they put in their own net against the United States. If as soccer buffs tell me, defense is beautiful, the Italians are Sophia Loren circa 1972!

However the prettiest, and best player I’ve seen this tournament is France’s Zinedine Zidane. The hero of France’s 1998 Cup title is playing his final international competition…and he’s going out in style. Against Brazil he was downright awesome, accounting for at least 75% of the action in that quarterfinal contest.

Ask me if I have a rooting interest, and I’ll tell you no. I’ll probably cheer for Italy because…well, because the French are the French. But if you put a gun to my head and told me I had to bet my life savings on this game, I’ll take the team with the best player on the field.

Teddy’s Take: France wins 1-0 (don’t all soccer matches end 1-nil?) on a brilliant goal or assist from Zidane. Start the celebration in gay Paris...and feel free to burn it down if you'd like!

What's your take on the World Cup Final? Who wins? Will you watch or is Red Sox-White Sox the most important game of the day?

Final Score
Red Sox 7
White Sox 2

Red Sox Draw First Blood: Chalk this one up in the “upset� category.

Granted, it’s just a regular season game, but the Sox winning on a night where the mound matchup featured Jon Lester vs. Mark Buehrle is a huge psychological boost. The even bigger boost, however, is the way this kid lefty has pitched since being called up from the minors.

He’s not yet dominant, though he has the stuff to one day own hitters. What’s really striking is his poise. Not to pick on Matt Clement when he’s down, but I’ll do it anyway. Where as Clement shrivels when there’s a man on base, Lester turns it up a notch and manages to escape trouble with minimal damage. What’s that saying about when the going gets tough? Jon Lester is tough!

Chicago had a chance at a big inning in the first, loading the bases with one out and right-handed Jermaine Dye at the plate. Lester escaped with just one run on a sac fly. Same situation in the third, only no outs. Same result…only one run on a sac fly, and even that was on a play that the 3rd base coach wouldn’t have sent the runner had it been any other outfielder other than Coco Crisp.

From there, Lester settled in and controlled the game. Manny Delcarmen also pitched in with another shutout inning of relief (we’ll have to address this kid’s emergence at some point, too) and Boston added a couple of insurance runs to pull away. All in all, a great night for the crimson hose.

What do you guys think of Jon Lester? Have we seen enough to say he’s the real deal?

Final Score
Red Sox 12
Devil Rays 5

Put Those Brooms Away: The Sox saved themselves the indignity of being swept by Tampa thanks to a big night from Big Papi.

David Ortiz stayed step-for-step with Jim Thome for the major league home run lead, blasting a pair of bombs including the grand salami that put this one away. Papi now has 29-homers to go along with a league leading 82-RBI’s.

I would have loved to have heard what Rays manager Joe Maddon said to Shawn Camp in that conference on the mound before Ortiz’ at bat. Somehow, I’m guessing “throw a meatball down the heart of the plate so we can get this over with� wasn’t part of the conversation, though it might as well have been. It’s tough enough pitching to that guy in the clutch…never mind with the bases juiced and nowhere to put him. I’m glad he’s on our side!

Now we head to a “barometer series� before the All-Star break. Three games against the defending champion White Sox should give us a pretty good idea where this team stands. I don’t like the Lester-Buehrle matchup in game one, but we do have Schilling and Beckett going over the weekend, so it should be a lot of fun as the two best teams in the American League (right now) square off.

Any predictions on the upcoming series? Are these the two best teams in the league or does Detroit belong in the conversation? I’m guessing even George HR won’t argue at this point!

So what do you want first…the good news or the bad news?

Let’s get the bad out of the way first. I’m a moron. (Most of you already knew that, didn’t you?) I gave the wrong answer in our final Spinners Trivia contest. The first Lowell Spinners player to earn a save in the major leagues was not Jonathan Papelbon, as I had been led to believe. It was Casey Fossum. (Thank you Chaz Scoggins!) Next time, I’ll double-check.

Now for the good news; Parker Bailey, who we awarded the tickets to, gets to keep them. No sense punishing you for my stupidity. You deserve them. Enjoy the game.

Even better news; a few people actually had the correct answer (the real correct answer) so we did another drawing and will award another pair of tickets to a lucky Spinners fan.

The winner is…drum roll please…Paul Falewicz II from Billerica. Congratulations Paul! You’ve won two tickets to an upcoming game at LeLacheur Park. Me, I'm just going to sit here in the corner with my dunce cap until I smarten up!

The World Cup, a sporting event already struggling to grab a foot-hold in the U.S., lost a lot of its local luster when France eliminated Portugal in the semi-finals.

While soccer fans will no doubt watch the Italy-France championship matchup with great interest, the passion and “life or death‿ atmosphere that existed around Lowell each time Brazil and Portugal took the pitch will be missing. In today’s Lowell Sun and LowellSun.com, Lynn Worthy goes inside the Portuguese-American Civic League to capture the hopes, and ultimate disappointment, of locals who live and die with their national team.

By now I’m sure you’ve figured out I’m not a big fan of the sport. However, the one thing I do admire is the rabid nature with which people cheer on their team. Minutes after Portugal eliminated England in last Saturday’s quarterfinals, downtown Lowell was abuzz with cars circling the streets, horns blaring, flags waving and passengers chanting in celebration. It was kind of cool, and made me wonder what it might be like if Portugal ended up winning the entire thing. Would there have been rioting on Back Central Street?

Just kidding…I think.

What are your thoughts on the World Cup Final? France or Italy? Has Soccer won any new fans these last 3 weeks? Has it lost any?

An update to our Hot Dog eating post:

Seems there was a bit of controversy surrounding Takeru Kobayashi’s victory in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Here’s the story as reported in the San Francisco Chronicle;

Suddenly, Kobayashi appeared to regurgitate -- a move that results in automatic disqualification and that speed eating experts call "a reversal of fortune." As Kobayashi lifted a cup of water to his mouth, a spray of bread chunks and wiener bits shot into his cup, which the 170-pound champion immediately gulped down. Chestnut, unable to spit out words, pointed and gestured toward judges to draw their attention to the slip.

"The judges found a quarter of a hot dog in his cup," said Patrick Chestnut, Joey's older brother who witnessed the spew from the front row as he cheered on his brother. "If that's not grounds for disqualification, what is?"

Gersh Kuntzman, the judge who ruled in Kobayashi's favor, saw it differently. "The effluvia never touched the table," Kuntzman said, a distinction he claimed was part of the International Federation of Competitive Eating's official rules. "When the hot dog came up, and some of it came out his nose, Kobayashi sucked it back down. To me, that's the testament of a champion and great athlete."

“Testament of a champion and great athlete?� Sounds more like a garbage disposal than an athlete!

Final Score
Red Sox 2
Devil Rays 5

This ain’t Right: I understand the Devil Rays are a much improved team with an awful lot of young talent, but they’re not that good. There really is no excuse for the Sox to be one game away from a 4-game sweep.

I think what’s bothering me even more is the way they lost last night. I’ll give Scott Kazmir the O.K. to shut down our offense. Tim Corcoran hasn’t earned that right yet. And how about Jason Johnson, just comatose on the mound. You’d think after watching Carl Crawford run wild at 2nd and 3rd base, he’s at least pay a little attention to him while he’s stealing home, wouldn’t you? Thankfully, Julian Tavarez (if I’m going to rip him, I also have to acknowledge when he does a great job) held the fort or the final score wouldn’t have been that close.

Let me also take this opportunity to address a comment from Touchdown Ted, who takes a little dig at me for thinking Johnny Damon is a better player than Coco Crisp.

Hey, TT…timing is everything, my friend. Perhaps you should wait till Crisp actually does something before trying to bring up that old argument. Great catch the other night, no doubt. Whether Damon gets to that ball or not, we won’t know. Perhaps Captain Caveman doesn’t posses the Cereal Man’s speed, but he certainly makes his share of outstanding catches. Since the next runner Crisp throws out on the bases will only be his second of the season, I’ll call it a draw defensively.

Now then, let’s look at the other side of the ball. What are leadoff hitters paid to do? Get on base, right? Chew on this;

Crisp: .261 avg., .311 on base percentage, .364 slugging percentage.
Damon: .291 avg., 367 on base percentage, .466 slugging percentage.

No contest. Here’s a few more to digest:

Crisp: 3-HR, 13-RBI, 29-Runs, 6-SB
Damon: 11-HR, 42-RBI, 62-Runs, 17SB

Granted, Crisp was injured, but he’s had 165 at bats, roughly half Damon’s total of 320. He should at least have half of JD’s production right? Only in runs scored does he come close. If he doesn’t snap out of it soon, Wily Mo Pena will be getting plenty of playing time in center when he returns.

That’s not to say Coco won’t get better. I’m sure he will. My guess is he’ll settle in somewhere between this year’s disappointment and last year’s dream season. But in the end, you get what you pay for, whether it’s in sports or in life.

What would you rather drive…a Mercedes or a Hyundai?

The most exciting Independence Day competition didn’t take place on an American baseball diamond or German soccer pitch, but on a boardwalk at Coney Island.

27-year old Takeru Kobayashi took home his 6th consecutive Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest title, woofing down a new world record 53 ¾ weiners in 12-minutes. Kobayashi, who normally dominates this event, had to fend off a stiff challenge from American Joey Chestnut. The home country hero actually led the competition most of the way before struggling over the last 3-minutes and falling just short at 52-dogs.

Describing the action doesn’t do it justice. You have to see these guys and gals (yes, gals…one ate 37) to appreciate it. I almost tossed my cookies watching them try to keep from tossing theirs. At one point, it was a race to see which would burst first…Chestnut’s stomach or the bulging vein in his forehead.

Kobayashi, meanwhile, continues climbing the list of great sports dynasties with his victory. He’s now tied with Lance Armstrong’s 6-consecutive Tour de France titles, leaving the great Yankees and Canadiens dynasties in the dust. Should he come back and do it again next year, the 160-pound Japanese native would equal the UCLA Bruins run of seven, with the Celtics 8-straight NBA titles the holy grail. The only opponent to ever beat Kobayashi in a hot dog eating contest was a 1,000-pound Kodiak Bear.

Did you catch this event? I’ve seen them before and been mildly interested, but I must admit the drama of watching those two guys going at it side by side was amazing. Has anyone seen an eating exhibition like that anywhere else? And I’m not talking about me at a family cookout!

Final Score
Red Sox 6
Devil Rays 9

Oh, Those Pesky Rays: Tampa’s baseball entry is really starting to get annoying now!

The Devil Rays made it two in a row over the Red Sox, beating Josh Beckett and Curt Schilling no less. It’s not that Curt on the Car Phone pitched poorly. He had the Sox in the game until the usually reliable Mike Timlin let it get away. However, I would like to see Schilling and Beckett transfer some of that Fenway dominance to the road.

Offensively, the Manny and Papi show continues, but it might be time for Terry Francona to make a batting order switch sometime soon. He simply can’t allow Jason Varitek and his .244 average to bat so high in the lineup (5th) when Trot Nixon sits. Varitek hasn’t been an offensive force since midway through the 2005 season and he really should be dropped a couple of spots in the order where there’s less pressure and he can concentrate on defense.

There is something to be said for fatigue, especially considering his tour of duty in the World Baseball Classic. There also might be something said for a now 34-year old catcher with a couple of more years left on his contract at big numbers, but I’ll save that one for another time…unless anyone cares to argue it now.

Should Terry Francona drop Jason Varitek in the batting order? Is this the beginning of the decline that almost all catchers go through in their 30’s?

Final Score
Red Sox 0
Devil Rays 3

Armed and Dangerous: One day, and it’ll be sooner rather than later, Tampa is going to be a very dangerous team. If they were in the National League, they'd be a legit playoff threat.

Sometimes you just have to tip your cap and say you got beat, which is exactly what happened to the Red Sox last night. Josh Beckett was very good on the mound and would have been a winner on most nights. Problem was, he was facing Scott Kazmir, who on this night was simply magnificent.

The Rays 22-year old lefty allowed just two hits and struck out ten, improving to 10-5 on the season. For his career, Kazmir is now 5-2 with a 2.60 ERA in 11-career starts against Boston. A big reason for his success; David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez are 9-for-55 against him. What were the Mets thinking?

In my mind, the American League will be dominated by 5-pitchers over the next decade. Beckett, Kazmir, Johan Santana, Francisco Liriano and Jered Weaver. What are your thoughts on the AL’s young guns? Who is the best? Who else belongs on the list? Who doesn’t?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

If it’s possible to be basketball royalty at the age of 21 with just two NBA seasons under your belt, then the Boston Celtics believe they landed a hardcourt prince in point guard Sebastian Telfair.

Celtics executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge called it “a big day for the Boston Celtics� as the team introduced Telfair, who came over in a draft night trade from the Portland Trailblazers, and second round pick Leon Powe during a press conference at their training facility in Waltham.

“I’m a winner,� Telfair said. “You know, nothing is easy, but I like to win, that’s one of the reasons why I’m so excited about being here. We have the team with the tradition and the organization.�

The 6-foot 168-pound Telfair has been a highly-touted basketball prodigy since he was a high school player. His half-brother Jamel Thomas was a standout at Providence College and his cousin is current New York Knicks’ guard Stephon Marbury, a two-time NBA All-Star.

“I’m not sure I would wish on my children to have that kind of notoriety and that kind of exposure and that kind of pressure put on,� said Ainge. “I think the fact that we're getting him after a couple of years of development, after 3000 minutes in the NBA, he's had success and he's had some failures to deal with as well. I like the fact that both of these guys have had to deal with some adversity in their lives. I think that‘s what‘s going to make them stronger.�

This past year Telfair averaged 9.5 points, 3.6 assists, and one steal in 24.1 minutes per game. He played in 68 games (missing 12 games with a thumb injury) and made 30 starts. In those starts he averaged 12.3 points, 4.2 assists, and two rebounds per game.

Veteran point guards Nick Van Exel and Damon Stoudamire played ahead of Telfair during his first season in Portland. During his second season the Trailblazers featured the inside game and opted to go with Steve Blake and Jarrett Jack at the point guard position.

Now, going into his third season, the Celtics believe they can take advantage of Telfair’s speed and play-making ability as they plan to be even more of a running team this year. Celtics head coach Doc Rivers said he has watched Telfair since high school and likes his ability to get other players involved and the prospect of him making the current Celtics players better.

Powe, a 6-foot-8 240-pound power forward selected in the second round out of the University of California, entered the draft after his junior year. He earned All-Pac-10 honors his sophomore and freshman seasons and finished with a career averaging 17.8 points per game and 9.8 rebounds per game.

He was forced to sit out the 2004-05 season as a medical redshirt after a pair of knee surgeries.

“I think everybody has got something to prove,� Powe said. “Me, I’m just going to come in here and do what I’ve been doing. That’s just playing hard and going to my strength which is rebounding and just try to make my team better.�

Telfair and Powe are slated to be part of the Celtics summer league squad that begins play next Tuesday in Las Vegas.

Where do you come down on the Celtics off-season moves so far? Moves you'd like them to make from here on?

Final Score
Red Sox 4
Marlins 3

So Long NL, We’ll Miss You: Can we hurry up and do this interleague thing again?

The Red Sox closed out their National League slate with a 16-2 record after yesterday’s win in the Sunshine State. Of all their NL opponents, Florida was actually the most competitive. The Marlins are going to be very scary in a couple of years. There’s a ton of young talent and pitching there.

As for Boston’s Boys of Summer, they have one week to go before the All-Star break. I think Curt Schilling deserves to go…that policy of taking one player from each team may have worked 30-years ago, but with so many teams now, it leads to some ridiculous selections. Mark Redman (or any member of the Royals for that matter) doesn’t deserve to be there any more than I do.

I’m also a bit surprised at Jose Contreras’ selection. I understand that he’s having a good year, but weren’t the leagues cracking down on managers loading the roster with their own players at the expense of more deserving ones?

Remember when a couple of the Red Sox were ticked at Terry Francona last year for not making sure more of his guys got the nod? I defended him then, but it sure seems funny how Joe Torre and now Carlos Guillen always manage to get their marginal All-Stars that bonus check. I like Paul Konerko, but Travis Hafner not being on that team is a joke! Don’t even get me started on Robinson Cano!

What are your thoughts on the All-Star selections? Did Schilling deserve to go? How about Kevin Youkilis and Mike Lowell?

Everyone has a favorite number.

For many, it signifies something special, perhaps a birthday or anniversary. For others, there’s no rhyme or reason to it. But we all have one, that number we turn to in times of need, be it at the horse track, roulette wheel or lottery ticket counter.

For me that number is four, the greatest digit ever created. Why it became my favorite is a matter of debate, lost in the faint memories of my tonsils being removed and breaking my collarbone falling off a tricycle, both of which occurred at the age of four.

As best I recall, the number stood out because it marked the members in my immediate family…mom, dad, sis and me. Either that or because Bobby Orr wore it ever so gracefully on his black and gold Bruins jersey.

Four dominates the world of athletics. Adam Vinatieri touched off a dynasty while donning the number, though Notre Dame’s fabled “Four Horsemen��? backfield ruled the gridiron long before this Patriots reign.

Is there a better sporting event than March Madness, which culminates Final Four weekend? No wonder Dean Smith’s “Four Corners��? offense made so many NCAA Tournament appearances.

Next time you’re at Fenway Park, count the number of bases, then stand and cheer as David Ortiz blasts another one of his walk-off four baggers.

Soccer fans wait patiently for the World Cup, contested every four years, as are the Olympics, where Jesse Owens’ four gold medals in 1936 spit in the face of Adolph Hitler’s superior race.

The number transcends sports, however, becoming prominent in every facet of American life.

Presidents serve four year terms, not two and six like your representatives and senators. The only one to serve more than two terms was FDR, who was elected on four ballots.

Abraham Lincoln was our 16th President, or “4 squared��? for the hip generation. His most notable speech? The Gettysburg Address, which begins “Four score and seven years ago…��?

Most of us studied the Civil War during our four years in high school, where we also took geometry and learned about squares and rectangles, four sided figures with more everyday use than their cousins. Ever pack your UPS shipment in an octagon shaped box?

Is there a better double date venue than a Chinese restaurant, sipping Scorpion Bowls and sharing a Pu Pu Platter for four? Throw in a “four��?-tune cookie for good luck.

When Trident surveyed Dentists, four out of five recommended sugarless gum for their patients who chew gum. I always wondered what number five was thinking. Did he want people chomping on sugar sticks so he could make tons of money, work only four days a week and spend the rest of his time joining a foursome at the local country club, which consists mostly of Par-4 holes?

So now that you’ve seen the greatness in number four, join me in celebrating this Independence Day by hopping in your 4-wheel drive vehicle for a trip to the beach, a family cookout or a fireworks show. Just make sure you come to a complete halt at all 4-way stop signs.

Oh, and happy July 4th!

Trivial Matters: The answer to our final Spinners trivia question; Who was the first Lowell Spinners player to earn a save in the major leagues? Jonathan Papelbon.

Congratulations to our winner, Parker Bailey of Billerica, and thank you to everyone who participated. We’ll have to do it again sometime!

Now then...what's your favorite number? Can it top number-4 in greatness and relevance?

Rebuilding the Bruins will be a difficult process, but the Black and Gold took a “big� step in the right direction on the first day of NHL free agency.

The B’s signed Zdeno Chara to a five year, $37.5-million contract, complete with a no trade clause. Chara was considered the top defenseman available after a career best 43-points with Ottawa last year.

Anyone see the coincidence there? Perhaps that was interim GM Jeff Gorton’s voice on the conference call announcing the signing, but this has Peter Chiarelli’s stamp all over it. As an assistant with the Senators, Chiarelli got to see the physically imposing Chara up close and personal. That he acted quickly and decisively in securing a player he values is a positive sign for the formerly stagnant Bruins front office. (Stagnant in terms of spending money and improving the team that is…they were quite pro-active when it came to screwing it up!)

Besides the 6-foot-9 Chara, Boston added 8-year veteran Marc Savard to bolster the center ice corps. Savard is also coming off a career year (28-goals and 69-assists for Atlanta) and is a very good playmaker.

Together, the duo represents the biggest free agency impact in team history, a clear sign there’s a new sheriff in town and a new way of doing business on Causeway Street. To a fan base starving for a winning attitude, Christmas came before Independence Day.

Job well done guys!!!

What do you think of the moves? Did they pay too much for Chara? Anyone remember his days with the Lock Monsters? And what about Savard? Where does he fit in?

Come on Bruins fans…we haven’t had a lot to be excited about…let’s make some noise!!!

Final Score
Red Sox 11
Marlins 5

Fun in the Sun: Guess the Sox didn’t take too well to having their winning streak broken.

Boston’s Boys of Summer lit up the Miami skyline with a powerful display of thunder and lightning…also known as Manny and Papi. Ramirez and Ortiz each belted a pair of home runs, Manny notching his 2,000th career hit in the process. The beneficiary of the early fireworks show was Tim Wakefield. The knuckleballer couldn’t get much offensive help the first few months of the season, but he’s now getting more than his share of support.

The only negative was the end of the errorless streak. Even more shocking was that Alex Gonzalez also made a boo-boo…his 2nd of the year. I say get rid of the bum before his defense costs us!!!!

Final Score
Red Sox 2
Marlins 5

Bad First Impression: So that’s why the Indians dumped him!

Not a very good first outing for Jason Johnson, though it’s not like much was expected anyway. I was actually kind of surprised the game stayed as competitive as it did. Looking at the pitching matchup ahead of time, you kind of got the feeling the winning streak would end…facing Dontrelle Willis with a Cleveland reject isn’t the ideal setting for a victory.

The bullpen did a great job keeping the Marlins in check and what could have been an embarrassment turned into a decent ballgame, so all in all, I’m not disappointed. The streak had to end sometime. The errorless streak lives on, however, as Boston’s Boys of Summer have now gone a major league record 17-consecutive games without an “E.� As someone who watched the big bat/no glove Sox of the 80’s and 90’s, this is kind of fun to see.

And while we’re at it, how about some props to the classy Florida fans for giving Mike Lowell and Alex Gonzalez a hearty welcome back. The duo played a key role in the Marlins 2003 Championship, and they were rewarded with standing ovations. Good job Miami!

Any initial thoughts on Jason Johnson? He wasn’t very sharp, but I have a hunch some of those ground balls that found holes in the first two innings will eventually turn into outs. While I don’t think he’s the answer to our prayers, I think he deserves more of chance. He can’t be worse than Matt Clement, can he?