Posted By Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

It's official - Isbister signed a one-year $600,000 contract with the Hurricanes.

Although, it seems pretty bad that a 9-year veteran signed for that little of money - maybe Leetch and Carter shouldn't be offended Isbister found a home before they did.

In case you missed it Bs GM Peter Chiarelli was on WEEI with Dale and Holley this morning and because I was on assignment I missed most of it - what I did catch was Chiarelli saying the team was not actively looking to add any more players at this time - guess that means Leetch is definitely not coming back.

Excerpt on what Chiarelli had to say when Dale made the comment he could foresee 3 or 4 youngsters making the team:

"That's a possibility, what you have to keep in mind the level of play in trading camp is a shade less than the level of play at the start of the season and the level of play in the playoffs is a lot higher than the level of play during the season not just the start of the season, so you have to take that into account. These guys bring energy right away and adrenaline and they tend to taper off a bit too at some point during the start so what we see at the beginning of training camp and what we send at the end of training camp from these guys will tell a lot about the trend"

Chiarelli also said during the interview he expects an immediate turn around with this club due to the core of players before Chara, Savard and others were even added.

Do you agree with Chiarelli? I still have doubts about the tandem in net.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Just trying to empty the trash from my mind before the final weekend of summer. Perhaps you beachgoers are sad, but ever since I got out of school, I can’t wait for Labor Day…College Football...the NFL so close you can smell it…Hoops and Hockey on the horizon...Life doesn’t get any better! Anyway…

Who had a worse August…the Red Sox or Pluto?

Sox lefties of the past and future take center stage today. David Wells will most likely be traded any minute now. If we can get a serviceable prospect or player back, I’d consider it a victory for Boston’s Boys of Summer. Good luck to the team hinging its post-season hopes on those overburdened 43-year old knees.

While wishing Wells well on his way out of town, say a little prayer for John Lester. I’ve heard from a couple of doctors who don’t like the sounds of this story. In the meantime, I’ll refrain from making any “can we still get Roy Oswalt� jokes…damn, too late!

O.K. So maybe the transition was a bit insensitive, but I bring Oswalt’s name up because the size of that contract he signed (5-years, $73-million) doesn’t bode well for a team like the Red Sox that’s looking to rein in spending. After a year or two of free agent sanity, it appears baseball owners are about to embark on another round of spending madness. If the philosophy on Yawkey Way doesn’t change, be prepared for another year of Kyle Snyders and Kason Gabbards. Maybe even Matt Clement will take his skirt off and join us at Fenway.

By the way, I know hopes are high for the Papelbon, Hansen, Lester and Delcarmen quartet, but where are the position players? Please tell me Theo “Inept�-stein hasn’t pinned his future batting order on the Dustin Pedroias of the world.

I’ll have a more detailed Patriots post next week. For now, suffice it to say I think 13-3 or 12-4 is where they’ll finish. If you think I’m aiming too high, take a peak at that schedule and try to make a reasonable argument against me? Who do they lose to?

In baseball, they talk about being strong up the middle (Catcher, SS, 2B & CF). In football, everything feeds off the head coach, the QB and the men up front. In Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, the O-line and D-line, the Pats are as good as you can get up the middle.

If you put a gun to my head and forced me to guess right now, I’d say Colts vs. Cowboys, but with each passing day, my dream/nightmare scenario looks more and more possible…Patriots vs. Cowboys in Super Bowl XLI

Clue me in. I don’t get why the Carolina Panthers bandwagon is so crowded. Did anyone else see the Jake Delhomme I saw in the NFC Championship game?

I’m not sure how good BC will be in 2006, but the best college gridiron show in New England can be found in Durham, NH. The UNH Wildcats enter the season ranked #2 in the country in Division 1AA (that’s the level where the kids actually have to go to classes) and feature the most exciting passing combo since Steve Young and Jerry Rice. If you can’t get to the NH coast to see them in person, you can catch Junior Ricky Santos (39-passing TD’s, 7-rushing) and David Ball (24-TD receptions) a couple of times on WMUR (Channel 9 in Manchester). Trust me, you’ll enjoy the show.

I’m really looking forward to the Celtics season. I think you’re going to love Sebastian Telfair, but not as much as the wide open C’s he sets up for easy hoops are going to love him.

And for the first time in a long time, I’m actually optimistic about the Bruins.

That’s it for now…I’ll be back to discuss some of these topics in greater detail as they unfold! Till then, what are your thoughts?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

It's never a good sign when all the announcements from your local team are coming from the medical director, but that's where it's at in Red Sox Nation.

The following is a statement from Boston Red Sox medical director Dr. Thomas Gill updating the condition of rookie pitcher Jon Lester:

Jon Lester has been undergoing testing to determine the cause of the back pain he has been experiencing. During the course of that process, some enlarged lymph nodes were identified. Jon was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital on Wednesday for further evaluation and testing. Jon is resting comfortably.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

This picture was the highlight of the Sox trip to Oakland. Congrats to Curt Schilling on his 3,000th strikeout. It’s a milestone he was very much looking forward to, as he’s now one of only 14-players in major league history to accomplish the feat.

Unfortunately, the big “K� came in the finale of a 3-game sweep to the A’s which saw the Red Sox get straight “F’s�. Among the lowlights:

A nightly lineup featuring players spring training crowds might not pay to see…Schilling was hit hard again…Coco Crisp had to be scratched due to a shoulder injury he got while making a fantastic diving catch Tuesday night (as disappointing as “Coco Beware� has been, he’s made two of the greatest catches in Sox history)…and David Ortiz is still in a Boston hospital.

The only positive was the second consecutive strong outing by Josh Beckett. (A cynic would argue he’s great now that his team doesn’t need him to be) Does he finally get it? Don’t’ know…he’s had good stretches before. But I’d love to see him close out the year strong and build towards next year. I believe there’s still hope for Beckett.

Finally, in response to Legend Killer: No, we can’t pin the Ortiz situation on Theo, as humorous as that might be (provided Papi is OK, of course). What we can do, however, is use it to point out how precarious pinning everything on the future and forgetting about the present is. You never know exactly what obstacles you’ll face. Those 2007 & 2008 teams won’t stand a chance either if Big Papi isn’t around. Even if he is, what’s the guarantee Curt Schilling, Jason Varitek, or any other key player stays healthy the entire year?

Any thoughts on the sweep in Oakland?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The following is the statement by Boston Red Sox medical director Dr. Thomas Gill updating David Ortiz's condition:

David Ortiz is in the process of undergoing further testing to determine the cause of his symptoms. As part of this procedure, David has had multiple consultations with the appropriate specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital under the direction of Red Sox Internist, Dr. Larry Ronan.

The testing and evaluation will continue throughout the remainder of this afternoon and evening. David will remain in the hospital Wednesday night. He is resting comfortably and is in good spirits.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

Posted By Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Former Bruins d-man, David Tanabe has signed a one-year deal with the club that originally drafted him 7 years ago - The Carolina Hurricanes...

Tanabe signed a deal worth $900,00 - he had been awarded $1.275 million in arbitration, which the Bruins rejected leaving him a free agent.

According to TSN; the Stanley Cup Champs are also interested in signing free agent Brad Isbister - Bruins fans will remember Isbister was another "stellar" signing by MOC when he was still GM with the club and what I mean by stellar is definitely sarcastic.

J.P. Dumont has also found a new home after the Sabres chose to walk away after he was awarded a one-year $2.9 million deal in arbitration.

The Predators have signed the right winger to a two-year deal worth $4.5 mill - not too shabby for the winger who was instrumental in the Sabres going to the Eastern Conference Finals last spring.

The Bruins made another move when they signed former Hobey Baker finalist T.J. Trevelyan to a multi-year deal.

Trevelyan played his college career at St. Lawrence University.

Not sure where he fits with the club or if he'll play for the Baby Bs - but not a bad signing if you look at his stats - 78 goals and 76 assists for 154 points and 204 penalty minutes in 150 career college games.

FYI - Brian Leetch and Anson Carter are still looking for clubs to pick them up - I think it would be a major insult if Isbister gets signed before them - JMO...

For now, I am patiently waiting for the puck to drop ... this is the most boring time in hockey - waiting for training camps to open and the new season to start.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

News Flash: David Ortiz returns to Boston for tests after experiencing a rapid heartbeat for the third time in 11-days. The problem originally popped up during the Yankees series at Fenway and Ortiz was hospitalized overnight on one occasion. Big Papi was removed from the starting lineup about an hour before last night’s game in Oakland.

Teddy’s Take: You’ll have to pardon me if I seem to overreact to this news, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned since the Reggie Lewis tragedy, it’s to not take heart issues lightly.

Right now, the Red Sox are downplaying the situation, saying he was sent home for precautionary reasons. Up until last night, Ortiz had yet to miss any games due to the condition. However, a closer look raises concerns.

Big Papi says he first experience the rapid heartbeat during the doubleheader loss to the Yankees on Friday the 18th. It returned the next day, when he was removed from the game early and spent a night in the hospital. The DH laughed it off as stress from the beating Boston got during that series.

But quotes from teammates indicate it’s no longer a laughing matter. "It's not good� said reliever Mike Timlin to ESPN. This game is nothing compared to someone's health or family. We don't play games with people's lives. I don't know any of the details. All I can do is pray for him."

Perhaps more telling is this quote given to the Boston Herald by Wily Mo Pena; “He told me it’s still bothering him and he doesn’t know where it’s coming from. Everybody’s worried, especially him. He said it’s going ‘Boom, boom, boom.�

It says here Big Papi has every reason to be concerned. Bone and muscle injuries are one thing. Potential heart problems are a whole new ballgame. Three episodes in such a short span indicate something is definitely wrong. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious. But until the problem is diagnosed and cured, David Ortiz would be wise to forget about baseball and take care of David Ortiz.

Are you folks as worried as I am about this situation?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Jocelyn Forest fired a seven-inning shutout, her second in three days, to guide the New England Riptide to their first National Pro Fastpitch (NPF). Forest, who was selected as an NPF All-Star this weekend, was named MVP of the Championship Series.

For Forest the win makes it a NCAA championship, a championship and oversees in Holland, and now an NPF title.

Lisa Iancin and NPF Player of the Year Lyndsey Angus each knocked in runs for the Riptide.

Tuesday's Lowell Sun will have reaction from owner/general manager Joe Adlman as well as Forest.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Terrell Owens needs a spanking.

Mind you, I’m not advocating a beating or child abuse. Just a good, old-fashioned, open palm to the rear end spanking. Entire generations were raised this way and, more often than not, grew into mature adults instead of petulant little children in grown up bodies.

Is it a coincidence that in this era of “time-outs� we have a generation without any respect for authority? Then again, a good chunk of them don’t have any respect for decency or life. Why should authority be any different? But I digress.

I’m not sure all the specifics of T.O.’s upbringing. I know he came from a very troubled background and supposedly was whipped often. But I’m guessing he never got the proper discipline he so desperately needed, or is so desperately calling out for. No, too many people along the way enabled Owens and didn’t care enough about him to teach him right from wrong. It’s kind of sad, really. Here you have one of the most talented athletes of his generation flushing his career down the toilet, and not a single person in his inner circle has stepped up to stop the career suicide.

We know his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, is only in it for the money. That’s expected. What I want to know is; where’s T.O.’s family? Where are his friends? Not even one person is strong enough to look him in the eye and tell him the truth?

We all have a buddy or relative who’s always messing up. We care for them and offer support. It’s what friends and family do. But at some point, usually after the 20th self-destructive episode or so, isn’t there always one person in the circle of trust who steps forward and says “I love you man, but you’re making Tom Cruise look normal?�

Think about it for a second. 99.99% of the country thinks Owens is a jerk. There have to be more than a few close acquaintances who feel the same way. It’s the law of averages. How can they, in good conscience, watch what’s going on and not try to help? Is the idea of being close to a “star� so alluring that common sense takes a back seat?

You know what’s funny about this whole Bill Parcells-Terrell Owens relationship? It’s that the Tuna is actually the kind of coach the troubled wide receiver would flourish under. Yes, T.O. had a bad childhood. So did Terry Glenn. Glenn had more than his share of flare-ups in the NFL. Even Bill Belichick couldn’t get through to him. Yet there was Glenn in Dallas last year, playing for his first coach and putting up numbers he hadn’t approached since his rookie year with the Patriots.

You remember 1996, don’t you, a frustrated Parcells questioning Glenn’s toughness and willingness to play through a hamstring injury? Sounds eerily similar to 2006, doesn’t it? Remember how it played out, the coach starting a firestorm by referring to his talented but troubled wideout as “she,� the receiver responding by posting 90-catches on the way to the Super Bowl?

See, the spanking doesn’t always have to be physical. Words sometimes do just fine. Too bad the current version of the Tuna doesn’t care enough about the current version of the troubled receiver to step in where so many others failed.

What are your thoughts on Terrell Owens? Will the Cowboys cut him? Is there hope for him to turn his career around?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Early Friday evening, I was reminded of Michael Corleone’s great line in Godfather III, the only memorable words in an otherwise forgettable movie.

“Just when I think I’m out, they pull me back in.�

Al Pacino was talking about the mob, but he could just as easily been talking about the Red Sox and how they always manage to fool their loyal fans. After winning two in a row over the Angels, a handful of Fenway Faithful approached me during the course of Friday to take issue with me for giving up on the team. “All we have to do is makeup one game a week on the Yankees� they’d tell me. “The Yanks are due to fall into a slump, like they do every September.�

Well, Michael Corleone died at the end of the Godfather trilogy, and the Sox are now dead as well thanks to a trilogy of horror in Seattle. I don’t have to deal with this issue any longer and neither does the Kool-Aid brigade. I think only the suits in the Yawkey Way corporate suites would be foolish enough to suggest a playoff appearance is possible.

The Sox actually mailed out post-season bills to their season ticket holders late last week. I’m curious how many fools will actually send them their hard earned cash so they can salt it away in an interest bearing bank account. I personally know of one guy who, as of Saturday morning, was still going to send a check.

Wonder if he’s changed his mind yet?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Final Score
Redskins 0
Patriots 41

Teddy’s Take: Repeat after me; it’s only preseason. It’s only preseason. It’s only preseason.

All kidding aside, how can you not be pleased/encouraged/awed by what you’ve seen the last two weeks? Sure, the game means nothing. Sure, the Skins were missing Clinton Portis. So what! This was just an awesome display on both sides of the ball, almost a déjà vu from last week against Arizona.

First downs: 30-8…Total yards: 464-154…Time of possession: 36:08-23:52…it doesn’t get much better against what’s supposed to be a quality opponent (I have my doubts about how good Washington is, but that really doesn’t matter for now). New England dominated in every facet of the game, as evidenced by the final score, the largest margin of victory in the team’s preseason history.

They say football games are won and lost on the line of scrimmage. If so, the Pats are going to win a ton of football games. Just look at the O-Line and the D-Line…loaded with young studs and high draft choices. Those units are going to be good, and they’re going to be good for a long time.

Many Happy Returns: How good was it tosee #37 roaming the secondary? Dan Koppen took the field for the first time as well, but Rodney Harrison was the show stealer as far as injured players returning…a huge lift physically and emotionally for this defense. Richard Seymour and Junior Seau also made their debuts.

Home Cooking: My final thought (and again, it’s just preseason) is that Bill Belichick’s boys are re-establishing the home field dominance they displayed in 2003 and 2004. That mystique disappeared a bit in ’05 after the Chargers came in here and “female dog�-slapped the Pats around Gillette Stadium, but “The Razor� once again looks like it’s going to be a force in helping the home team shave down more than a few opponents.

Starring Roles: Stars on the forehead go to Tom Brady (this is going to get redundant): 17-30, 231-yards, 1-TD, 0-INT’s…Ben Watson: 8-receptions, 97-yards, 1-TD can you say fantasy stud!)…Patrick Cobbs: 13-carries, 92-yards, 2-TD’s (mop-up duty, but impressive nonetheless…still, probably not enough to win a roster spot)…Michael Wright: tied for team-high in tackles with four, 2-sacks (2nd year lineman adding to an already deep and impressive young core that helped account for 7-sacks on the night).

Quality Quote: “It is so efficient the way they handle the offense and everyone is on the same page and he doesn’t panic. He lets the clock run and takes his time. I keep saying he is the Michael Jordan of our era. As friend, as a former player, now as an opponent you can see the preparation that goes into the game. It is not just talent alone it is preparation and he does everything.�—Christian Fauria, Washington TE, on watching Tom Brady from the other side of the field

OK, your turn…impressed? Wish the regular season began last week? Did I miss any other standouts? Did you see any negatives? Are you ready for some football?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Leominster’s Lyndsey Angus was named the 2006 National Pro Fastpitch Player of the Year. The announcement came on Saturday in Stratford, Connecticut, where the NPF Championship Series is underway. Angus beat out former Riptide standout Jessica Merchant now of the Connecticut Brakettes for the honor.

Angus, one of two members of the original Riptide team from 2004, was a NPF All-Star in 2005 and turned in another outstanding all-around season. The Riptide leader in almost every statistical category, Angus was fourth in t he league in batting average (.354) and tied for fifth in runs batted in with 23. She also hit three home runs, had an on-base percentage of .452, and a .531 slugging percentage. Angus smacked 13 extra-base hits, drew 16 walks, and struck out only nine times in 131 plate appearances.

The University of Kentucky product who primarily played catcher in college committed just one error in the field all season at first base.

Angus was also one of three Riptide players selected to the 2006 NPF All-Star Team. Joining her are pitcher Jocelyn Forest, and third baseman Jackie Pasquerella.

The other third-year Riptide player along with Angus, Forest tied for the league lead in wins this season with 15 (the Riptide had 24 as a team), her 1.32 ERA was third in the league, and her 107 strikeouts ranked third. This is Forest's second selection to the NPF All Star Team. Last season she split her pitching duties between the Riptide and USA Elite team, helping win the Canada Cup.

An off-season acquisition, Pasquerella was sixth in the league in batting average this year hitting.320 and she committed only 3 errors at third base in over 150 chances. A member of the 2004 champion NY/NJ Juggernaut, Pasquerella scored a team-high 19 runs during the regular season for the Riptide.

The New England Riptide defeated the Chicago Bandits 1-0 in nine innings to advance to the finals of the National Pro Fastpitch playoffs. Jocelyn Forest pitched a complete game two-hitter with seven strikeouts. Following a leadoff single, Lyndsey Angus scored the game-winning run on a throwing error in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The victory advances the Riptide into their second championship game in three seasons. New England will play against the host Connecticut Brakettes Sunday in the championship game. The Brakettes defeated Akron 1-0 in eight innings in the late game on Saturday night.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

It is playoff time. The stage is set, the intensity will be turned up in Connecticut tomorrow. Just hours remain before the New England Riptide begin their pursuit of a championship Saturday afternoon.

The NPF playoffs are single-elimination and the margin for error is miniscule. The Riptide hope pitching, defense, and a balanced lineup will lead to victory.

Match-up: New England v. Chicago
Jocelyn Forest will most likely be in the circle for the Tide, looking to shutdown the defending champion Chicago Bandits.

Bandits slugger Jamie Clark is the top RBI producer in the NPF and finished fifth in home runs with five. She also hit at a clip of .317 this season. Chicago also sports the runner-up to the batting title, Steffan Anne (.400).

Don’t be fooled by their sluggers. Riptide head coach Sharon Drysdale says one of the main things her squad needs to be aware of is that the Bandits like to play a lot of the short game, moving runners over, stealing bases, and generally putting pressure on the players in the field by making the defense adjust to them.

Be cautious of numbers
Chicago comes in with a record of 30-12 (.714), but as Drysdale pointed out this week, comparing teams on paper is extremely difficult and downright misleading because not everything is equal. For example, Chicago has less games (26) against professional teams than any other squad in the NPF. The next lowest total being 32 from Connecticut. Philadelphia and Akron played 38 professional games, New England played 34.

In the other semi-final
Akron Racers - The Racers hit the playoffs on fire, going 9-2 in the month of August. That stretch was highlighted by five consecutive wins against the New England and the Chicago. Oli Keohohou, Crystl Bustos, Kristen Butler, Caitlin Benyi, and Iyhia McMichael have belted a combined 27 home runs over the course of the season.

Connecticut Brakettes - Connecticut has an astonishingly potent lineup of it‘s own led by former Riptide shortstop Jessica Merchant. With a league-high 12 homers to go with 32 RBI (second in NPF) and a .354 batting average. Merchant has been the big bopper in a lineup of power hitters including Kelly Kretschman, the league’s leading hitter (.410) and a total of four players with three home runs or more.

Pitchers Sarah Pauly (Conn.) and Radara McHugh (Akron) each tied with New England’s Forest for the league lead in wins with 15.

Any softball handicappers out there? Anyone with bold predictions? What are the chances the Riptide come the closest of any pro team in the Boston area to winning a championship?



RIPTIDE QUICK FACTS
2006 Record: 24-17 (fourth place in NPF)
Leaders
Batting: Lyndsey Angus, .346 (4th in NPF)
Runs batted in (RBI): Angus/Tarrah Beyster, 23 (fifth in NPF)
Hits: Lindy Winkler, 42
Home runs: Beyster, 4
Stolen bases: Winkler, 8
Runs scored: Jackie Pasquerella, 19
Wins: Jocelyn Forest, 15 (tied for 1st in NPF)
Strikeouts: Forest, 107 (3rd in NPF)
Earned run Average (ERA): Forest, 1.32 (3rd in NPF)

Against playoff teams in 2006
Against Chicago Bandits: 1-2
Against Connecticut Brakettes: 3-1
Against Akron Racers: 2-6

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

News Flash: The New England Patriots have granted holdout Deion Branch permission to negotiate a contract with another team and work out a trade. They’ve given the wide receiver until next Friday, September 1^st, to get a deal done.

Teddy’s Take: For once, I’m kind of speechless. I thought the situation would have been resolved well before it got to this point. Is this the Pats moving on, or basically calling Branch’s bluff and trying to prove to him he’s not as valuable around the league as he thinks?

Bill Belichick remains in the driver’s seat as far as where the Super Bowl XXXIX MVP plays this year. Even if his agent does work out a lucrative contract elsewhere, New England doesn’t have to trade him unless they get satisfactory compensation. The negative for the Pats in either scenario is they’ll still be without Tom Brady’s favorite target in 2006. A trade more than likely brings back a draft pick not a player, and certainly not a receiver of equal value.

This smells of a “you know what� or get off the pot move by BB. Branch needs to be in camp and soon, or move on so he’s no longer a distraction. I guess next Friday could roll around and we’ll still be in the same situation we’re in today. However, I have a hunch this gets resolved one way or the other by then.

The guessing here; Deion Branch will be playing in Foxboro on September 10th…and I don’t mean for the Buffalo Bills.

Can the Patriots-Branch marriage be saved? Have I read today’s news correctly, or am I way off in my assessment?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Final Score
Red Sox 2
Angels 1

Deal with the Devil: So is that the deal? To get the good Josh Beckett, we have to live with the blister problems that plagued him so often in Florida?

It’s kind of a bummer to what was a nice couple of nights. The Red Sox stopped the bleeding and took two in a row from a good Angels club. Beckett rediscovered his dominating form and was the pitcher we expected. And then, just like that, he’s gone because of a blister.

Not that the Sox will confirm it, but the natural conclusion is that in order to avoid chronic blister problems, he’s been doing something different this year, whether it’s altering his grip or avoiding throwing certain pitches and getting pounded as a result. The assumption is that last night he went back to being the stud from the National League. And it worked, except that with the positive came the negative and now his next start is in question.

Talk about a catch-22.

You think this has been the issue with Beckett all year? If so, what can he and the Sox do? Any skin doctors out there care to chime in with their thoughts and possible remedies?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

This is Bill Belichick from his 11:30am press conference Wednesday;

Q: As far as kickers go, do you plan on having one guy for this weekend?

BB: We haven’t set our plans for this week yet.  We’ll take a look at that a little bit later as we get closer to game time.  I don't have anything on that one now.

Q: The way he’s kicking now (Martin Gramatica), does he look like he’s near his prime now?

BB: I think he's been very competitive in camp.  I think he's been very competitive.  He's accurate.  He handles the elements well.  He's kicked in wind.  I think that's a strength for him.  He gets the ball off quickly.  I thought he kicked off pretty well against Atlanta.  I think he's very competitive.  I'm not saying he's the best kicker in camp.  I'm not saying he's not the best kicker in camp.  I’m just saying that I think he's very competitive and I've been around kickers for a long time.  I think he's a very competitive kicker in the National Football League at this point.

Q: Do you go back and watch what he did in Tampa that year when he sort of had problems?  Did you see anything else?

BB: I think there’s definitely some issues related to that, but again, that's not nearly as important to me as to what happens this year.  I think we all know the guy was a pretty good kicker and he's had a good camp.

Martin Gramatica was cut by the Patriots minutes later...if it hadn't already been done. LOL!

What do you think of the decision to go with Stephen Gostkowski at kicker? Can the rookie step in and replace Adam Vinatieri on a Super Bowl contender? Will Gramatica catch on elsewhere? How about Belichick’s poker face? Would you want to be sitting across the final table from him at a Texas Hold 'Em tournament? 

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Final Score
Red Sox 5
Angels 4

Break out the Bubbly: The streak is over!

While you were sleeping, Boston’s Boys of Summer put an end to their losing ways with a gutsy victory over the Angels. Funny thing though. Listening to the radio and talking to people today, it seems nobody cares anymore. Is this true? Have you all become me? Or are there a few believers still out there?

For me, the rest of 2006 is about individual honors. I hope David Ortiz can maintain his pace and clinch the MVP. However, if the Sox fall too far out of it, don’t be surprised if Jermaine Dye, Derek Jeter or Vladimir Guerrero sneaks up and steals it from him. I also think Jonathan Papelbon has a slight edge on Justin Verlander for Rookie of the Year, but that could change in a hurry if the Tigers righty gets close to 20-wins and pitches a few September gems in key situations. Right now, Big Papi and Little Papi have my respective votes.

I’ll use the rest of this space to answer a question from Legend Killer, who in a comment to Another Winter of Discontent listed the moves he thinks the Red Sox must make to get back in contention next year. LK then asks; “Ted what would be on your to do list.�

I agree with all of your points Killer, except for picking up Manny’s option. If I thought it would make him happy, I’d say yes. However, I think he still wants out and as soon as things turn sour, he’s going to pout and be disruptive. That’s always been the case and I don’t see it changing in the future.

What you left out is the #1 change Theo “Inept�-stein needs to make this offseason. He needs to change this “go with youth/play for the future� philosophy he succeeded in getting John Henry to agree to. Unless that happens, we’re doomed to another year of close but no cigar.

Listen, youth is wonderful and building the farm system is a great idea. What you can’t lose sight of, and what I think Theo did lose sight of, is that youth generally doesn’t prevail when the pressure is on. In fact, when young players go through the normal growing pains of becoming a major leaguer in a high-strung environment like Boston or New York, they not only fail, they tend to regress.

Young players improve when surrounded by star veterans who take the pressure off them and teach them to play the right way. For all the propaganda we’ve been fed over the years about the Yankees system being bone dry and how it will cripple them at the trade deadline, it’s the Evil Empire that was able to go get Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle, not the Red Sox. They were the ones able to trade Alfonso Soriano, yet still produce Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera and Chien-Ming Wang. They’re young and they’re good. Other than Papelbon, where’s our heralded farm system been?

And it’s not just young players. Look at Edgar Renteria and Coco Crisp. It takes a special kind of player to make his living here. For all their faults, Pedro Martinez, Johnny Damon, Derek Lowe and even Kevin Millar, not only thrived in this environment, they welcomed it. You think D-Lowe would ever disappear into the witness protection program, a la Matt Clement?

This is not Atlanta where Braves fans tolerated Tom Glavine’s 17-losses in 1988 so they could finally see some reward in 1991. Here, a guy like that gets chewed up and spit out. Unfair? Maybe, but that’s what happens when you charge people $100 to sit in a bleacher seat. (Yes, the Monster Seats are considered bleachers in any other ballpark known to mankind!) If you want to act like the Braves, start charging Braves prices. Then you’ll end up with a half-empty stadium and a fan base that doesn’t give a damn. Is that what you really want?

What Theo and John Henry need to do first and foremost is admit this new philosophy is flawed and change it, just like they did with that stupid bullpen by committee crap they tried feeding us in 2003. Then they need to search for players, young or old, that can handle this town and the rivalry with the Yankees. If it means you pay the luxury tax, so be it. Trust me, they’re making enough money from all their other ventures.

For Theo to say we don’t worry about New York until October is an amazingly ignorant statement by a very intelligent man. You’d better worry about them my friend, because they’re in your division and you’re going to see them 19-times a year. If you can’t beat them, your playoff chances become a crapshoot, and we’ve gotten the crap end of the shoot every year but 2004.

Finally, Epstein needs to get off his high horse. I can understand why rival execs might not like him and why there might be a sense of jealousy there. That’s the nature of doing business. However, a very wise person with some know-how about the front office told me there’s an ever-growing belief within the Sox organization that Theo has become quite arrogant since 2004 and that a lot of people, not just Larry Lucchino, resent it. I believe you know this person, too, Legend Killer.

Theo needs to get back to being the brilliant GM of 2004, the guy not afraid to take risks and the guy who wanted to win at any cost…the future be damned! Just because they won a World Series doesn’t give them a right to fall back into a comfort zone where they can sit back and watch the team fall apart while printing money. When you have a chance to win, GO FOR IT!

There…I feel better now! Your thoughts?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

According to a sports wire story appearing in Tuesday's Lowell Sun, Willie McGinest is angry at the Patriots for allowing Junior Seau to wear number-55, the number McGinest wore for 12-years with New England and Seau has worn his entire 16-year career.

McGinest acknowledges he received phone calls from both Seau and Bill Belichick to ask permission. He agreed, but said he felt awkward doing so, feeling the Pats should have stepped in before it even got to that point. Says Big Willie;

“What if I had went to San Diego? I don’t even think that would have been an option for me to ask for 55. I think they would have said you know what, you’re a great player but we’ve got to put this number to the side because of Junior. And out of respect I wouldn’t have asked for that number.�

Two thoughts here; One, if McGinest really had a problem, he should have said so at the time. I think Seau and Belichick showed a tremendous amount of respect even calling to ask permission for something they’re well within their right to do without asking.

Secondly, Willie’s dreaming if he wants to put himself on a level playing field with Seau. McGinest was a very good player for the Pats, and a key leader on and off the field. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and what he accomplished. That said, Seau is a Hall of Famer (Willie far from it). The situations are not equal.

I think the Patriots handled the situation just right. McGinest needs to move on and stop ripping his former team. I understand he’s bitter that a 12-year run ended the way it did. (Hey, I think the Pats should have paid him…he’s not breaking the bank in Cleveland) But it’s time to let it go, Willie. Constantly shooting your mouth off (this isn’t the first time he’s taken shots at his former employer) is only hurting your image.

If you’re listening (why wouldn’t he be? LOL!), I still love you. I appreciate all you did while here. I found you nothing but a class act. I wish you nothing but the best in Cleveland. So please move on and stop embarrassing yourself.

What do you think of the “controversy� surrounding number 55? Much ado about nothing? A slap in the face to a loyal soldier? Or time for Willie to put a muzzle on it and focus on football?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Along with the local coverage, a lot of national sites and writers are checking in with their “what went wrong with the Red Sox� theories. In general, I enjoy reading and hearing what outsiders think of the area teams (all of them, not just the Sox). In fact, if one of our teams is on national TV at the same time they’re televised locally, I’ll go with the national announcers just to get a fresh perspective.

Anyway, what stood out to me in reading the “obituaries� of the 2006 Red Sox is a growing sense that all is not well in the front office. Along with offering their thoughts on roster mistakes, Tom Verducci and Jon Heyman hint at continued problems between Theo Epstein and Larry Lucchino. If those articles aren’t enough to convince you, how about the following quote given to the New York Times Murray Chass, courtesy of one Mr. Lucchino;

“One observation one could make without a need for any additional perspective,� he said, “is the Yankees are a formidable ball team at this time. They have depth and talent and balance and an approach and philosophy that are to be admired.�

“An approach and philosophy that are to be admired.� You don’t think that’s a shot across the bow at his wonder-boy GM, do you? Now, I’m not a big fan of Lucchino, but I have to say he’s right in his belief the Sox, as a very rich franchise, need to be run more like the Yankees and less like the A’s and Braves.

I think we’re in for another interesting off-season!

What do you think? Are we in for another winter of front office infighting?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Final Score
Red Sox 3
Angels 4

Enjoying the show?

This is what you get when you play for the future...a box score with names that would make minor league fans proud, particularly under the pitching section. We've kind of been spoiled around these parts with the 3-consecutive playoff appearances. So the feeling of playing out the string and watching a team sink is a bit more jolting than it used to be in the past.

Personally, I find it revolting that a team that led it's division for so long has gotten to this point. Maybe you're fine with it, but I'm not and never will be! I'm a Red Sox fan...if I want to see this, I'll root for the Royals or Pirates.

So here's what I want to know...now that the reality is setting in to even the most optimistic of you out there (Rick, T2, Legend Killer, Greek Thunder), how do YOU feel? Is the "promise" of the future enough to ease the embarrassment of losing 5-in a row at home to the Yankees and the carnage that's sure to follow? Was it worth the 4 months you invested in this team with your heart and with your wallet?

And while we're on the subject...you're welcome! (This is exactly how I told you it would play out, isn't it? You could have saved a lot of heartache if you just listened...LOL!)

Posted By Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

The years and mulah of Bergy's contract have been released ....

Bergy signed for a 5 year, $23.75 million contract - that's $4.75 mil a year; good for third on the club behind Chara ($7.5) and Savard ($5).

That brings the Bs up to $42.58 million for salaries this year - still about $1.4 mil under the cap and add Zhamnov to that list 10 games into the season and the Bs are looking pretty good cap wise.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun staff

Monday night marked the first time the pitchers Kris Johnson and Justin Masterson go beyond their two-inning limits. Spinners manager Bruce Crabbe said both players have been moved up to a limit of 50 pitches or three innings (whichever comes first).

Johnson, a left-hander out of Wichita State, is 0-2 on the season with an ERA of 0.79. He has made 11 appearances (10 starts) and given up 17 hits and recorded 21 strikeouts in 22.2 innings.

The 40th pick overall in this year’s draft (Sox‘ third pick), Johnson started his college career 14-0, the second-best start for a pitcher in Wichita State history. After Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow in 2005, he worked right back into form going 6-2 this spring with an earned-run average (ERA) of 4.86, recording 45 strikeouts in 53 2/3 innings.

The 6-foot-6 Masterson, the 71st overall pick this spring and the Sox’ fifth pick out of San Diego State University, had his streak of seven straight appearances without an earned run snapped in Monday’s game at LeLacheur Park.

Masterson played for the Wareham of the Cape Cod League in 2005 and was third in the league with ten saves, he also had an ERA of 1.15 and struck out 39 batters in 31.1 innings.

This season in Lowell, Masterson has a record of 1-1 with an ERA of 1.14 racking up 28 strikeouts in 23.2 innings while allowing just 13 hits.

Both are set to pitch this weekend at the “Futures at Fenway� doubleheader at Fenway Park. Lowell will take on the Oneonta Tigers at 2 p.m. and the Pawtucket Red Sox will take on the Rochester Red Wings in the second game.

North of the border…
Relief pitcher T. J. Large made a relief appearance for the triple-A PawSox Monday night in Ottawa. Large held the Lynx to two hits and one unearned run in two innings. Large, a 2005 Red Sox draft pick, spent last season with the Spinners and has also made appearances in Lowell and Greenville this season.

Bobbing around .500
With last night’s loss on Luis Alicea Bobblehead Night, the Spinners fell to 5-4 on bobblehead giveaway night’s at LeLacheur Park.

Alicea took over as manager of the Single-A Greenville Drive after spending the previous two seasons with the Lowell Spinners. He made his managerial debut in 2004 with the Spinners after concluding his 13-year major league career in 2002. During the 2005 season he lead Lowell to a 42-33 record, good for a second place finish in the Stedler Division.

Posted By Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

According to BostonBruins.com, Patrice Bergeron has signed a multi-year deal with the Bs...

That is music to my ears!!!! I am so freaking happy they finally got the deal done!!!!

Now, the way I loook at it- the lines are pretty much set with the exception of the 4th line - which when the games on the line they don't play much any way!!!!

Terms of the deal or length of the deal have not been disclosed at this time - but I'll keep you posted; a great way to keep track of team salaries is on the TSN-Canada web site http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=8125&hubname=

Before signing Bergy, the BS were at $37.83 mil(salary cap is $44 mil) - which would go down another $4.1 mil if Zhamnov does not play like suspected because of his ankle injury - no offense, I hate to see any athlete's career ended due to injury - but it would not break my heart to see Zhamnov go, he was a major disappointment last year for us Bruins fans.

So, Bruins and hockey fans - do you think the Bs should enter camp with this team or sign any one else?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Have you caught wind of the big story at the Little League World Series?

New England partisans are jumping for joy watching Portsmouth, New Hampshire advance to the American semi-finals. However, the real eye catcher is what they might see when they get to the top of their leap.

The story of the LLWS so far is Saudi Arabia first baseman Aaron Durley…all 6-foot-8, 256-pounds of him. The photo on the left is not taken from a deceiving angle that distorts his size. This is what the 13-year old first baseman actually looks like in comparison to most little leaguers, many of whom take pictures with their jumbo-sized opponent whenever the opportunity arises.

Durley, who lists Big Papi as his favorite baseball player, is no stranger to the LLWS. He appeared in last year’s tournament as a mere 6-foot-4 12-year old. I guess the growth spurt is to be expected. His manager is his father James, who can look his son eye-to-eye.

Now, I don’t want to come off as a cynic here, but perhaps tournament officials might want to inspect this kid’s birth certificate a little more closely. At the very least, chop him down and count the rings on that Redwood…something!

Aside from the obvious size jokes (by the way, they say another famous Saudi, Osama Bin Laden, is 6-5), I’m curious to know what they’re feeding kids in Saudi Arabia nowadays. One of Durley’s teammates is listed at 6-3, 190lbs, while another stands only 5-8, but at a whopping 226lbs.

Imagine what the McDonald’s tab must come up to when that team bus strolls in! Cha-ching!!!

Have any of you seen this kid play? Am I the only one who thinks there’s something fishy here? What about the rest of the tournament? Can Portsmouth give New England baseball fans something to celebrate this summer?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Final Score
Yankees 2
Red Sox 1

Sweeping Changes in Order: The Yankees 5-game sweep pretty much puts a fork in the Red Sox playoff chances. Sure, there’s some bravado coming out of the clubhouse about fighting back and how anything can happen, but I bet if you inject them with truth serum, even the feistiest Sox players will admit they’re done.

David Wells has reportedly cleared waivers, meaning he could be traded. (Too bad he’s finally coming around at the same time the team’s coming undone) The Dustin Pedroia era is about to commence thanks to Alex Gonzalez’ injury. The natives are getting restless…players are turning on each other and I have a hunch on management…and if rumors are to be believed, Manny is about to embark on his annual drama episode. Sounds more like a team playing for next year as opposed to September.

Not to beat a dead horse, but you can trace this all back to the deadline. The day the Yankees dealt for Bobby Abreu, David Ortiz was reportedly heard going through the clubhouse asking the media if the Sox had done anything yet. You can bet he wasn’t alone among the veterans wondering what the front office would do to help the guys busting their humps on the field. Then you had Mike Timlin openly questioning the offense…surprising when you consider how bad Timlin and bullpen have been.

And now Manny is said to be so upset about an official scorer’s call going back to Friday night that he didn’t want to play Saturday. That he left yesterday with hamstring “cramps� is not a good sign. You get the feeling he’s about to disappear for a while with one of those “nagging� hamstring issues he’s notorious for.

If that’s the case, Manny’s actions can’t be excused. I love him as a player and will defend him to the end against any baseball related charges. However, I draw the line at tanking it and crying over an official scorer’s call. Get over it and get tough! It’s the least you can do for the money!

What are your thoughts on getting swept by the Yankees? How about Manny being Manny? Is this team about to implode on the field and in the clubhouse?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Question for the golf world; now what?

What can be done to stop Tiger Woods? Which hot young golfer looms on the horizon? What potentially life-altering event remains that could derail Tiger’s ride to immortality?

The challengers come and go, like so many downtown Lowell shops. There one day, out of business the next. David Duval. Sergio Garcia. Vijay Singh. Ernie Els. Phil Mickelson. Especially Phil Mickelson.

I have to admit to being a Phil guy. Not because I dislike Tiger, mind you, but because competition is so much more interesting when there’s a legitimate contender to the king’s throne. The Celtics had the Lakers. Ali had Frazier. Athens had Sparta. Christina Aguilera had Britney Spears.

Lefty almost pulled it off. Tiger never seemed more vulnerable than that April day at Augusta when he held the green jacket while Mickelson tried it on for size. Then came the U.S. Open at Winged Foot, and Woods missing the cut at a major for the first time in his career. Fan favorite Phil had the tournament and the crowd in the palm of his hand. The question no longer was “could Phil challenge Tiger?� We had moved on to “would Phil win the Grand Slam?�

That all seems like ages ago, doesn’t it? Michelson temporarily turned nuttier than John Mark Karr, refusing to put the driver away and snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Then came Tiger’s romp at the British Open, followed by this past weekend’s stroll through the PGA field at Medinah. Just like that, talk turned back from Woods vs. Mickelson to Woods vs. history.

The count now stands at a dozen major titles. In all twelve, he’s either held the lead or been tied coming into Sunday. With all due respect to Mariano Rivera and Kyra Sedgwick, Tiger Woods is the greatest closer in history.

It’s popular to say other golfers cower when face to face with Tiger, but that argument in some ways takes away from the man’s greatness. The challengers didn’t blow the final round of the PGA championship. Woods simply took it away, draining a birdie on the first hole and playing nearly flawless golf in carding a four under par. He shot 18-under for the tournament. Does it make you a choker if you can’t beat that score? No, it just makes you a victim.

What also has to be disheartening to the rest of the field is how Tiger overcomes obstacles. Rather than slow him down, his father’s death appears to be driving him to even greater heights. Remember when some theorized marriage would do to Woods what it’s done to Whitney Houston? Yeah, right! I can’t wait to see how fatherhood affects him. Bet daddy dedicates more than a few trophies to Eldrick Junior.

Ideally, an article like this would end with a flourish. A quote for the ages. A touching anecdote. A clever analogy. Or perhaps a funny joke. It shouldn’t end with the writer flailing away for over an hour, searching for a fitting finale, only to give up in shame.

Unfortunately, I’m not as good a closer as Tiger Woods.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Final Score
Yankees 8
Red Sox 5

Fiddling While Rome Burns: I’m just going to throw out a few quick topics for you to discuss if you wish. In case you couldn’t tell, I now have a “don’t give a crap� attitude about the 2006 Red Sox. Judging by the silence of the lambs in Red Sox Nation, I think you do, too!

I still get the urge to puke every time I see Jason Giambi, let alone have him contribute to a New York win. I know Yankee fans have no scruples. His continued presence continues to show the rest of major league baseball doesn’t, either.

How you enjoying Boston’s bullpen these days? Stick a fork in Mike Timlin, he’s done. While you’re at it, see if you can figure out exactly when Craig Hansen will start living up to his “untradeable� status. Must have been that Big East baseball pedigree of his. All I’m going to say is; Delcarmen and Hansen better be real good next year, or else the Fenway Faithful will make them the scapegoats.

Of course, the real scapegoat came out yesterday and cautioned Sox fans not to panic. How reassuring to hear those words from Theo “Inept-stein.� (Credit for that one goes to an ‘EEI caller) Now I definitely won’t panic. He’s been right about everything else this year…he’s probably right on the money about this, too.

On a related note, I heard young mister Inept-stein is looking to hire the band from the Titanic to play Fenway in September...something about them showing an uncanny ability to perform while the ship sinks.

Your turn gang!

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun staff

Left-handed pitcher Kason Gabbard threw his second side session in the past two days in Lowell. In his Red Sox debut on July 22, Gabbard pitched 5.1 innings and allowed three runs (two earned) in a spot start against the Seattle Mariners. He is currently on the Triple-A Pawtucket roster. He has stayed behind as the PawSox play in Ottawa.

The Red Sox have not said yet who will pitch on Tuesday in Anaheim.

It’s all about the pitching
Last night Boston Red Sox 13th round pick Jordan Craft made his Lowell Spinners debut, pitching two scoreless innings, giving up one hit, and recording three strikeouts. The right-handed California native was originally assigned to Lowell after being drafted this spring, but was sent to the Gulf Coast League at the beginning of the season to rehab a leg injury.

The Tri-City ValleyCats come into Lowell tonight as the Stedler Division leaders. Among their pitching staff are David Qualben and Brian Hallberg, two Northeast-10 Conference products out of Pace University. Qualben has a record of 4-4 and and ERA of 2.01 (4th in NY-Penn League), while Hallberg’s record stands at 4-1 and his ERA is 2.37 (8th in NY-Penn League).

Spinners grab awards
The Red Sox released their minor league awards for the month of July. Bubba Bell, who was with the Spinners between July 3 and July 30, received the honor for Top Quality Plate Appearance %, and former Spinners Jacoby Ellsbury (Base-Stealer of the Month), Chris Turner (Base-Runner of the Month), and Mike James (Pitcher of the Month) all garnered awards.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Reports indicate that New York Mets left-hander and Billerica native Tom Glavine could miss the rest of the season due to what may be a blood clot in his pitching shoulder.

Glavine spoke to reporters in New York prior to the Mets game this afternoon against the Rockies, saying that he felt coldness in the ring finger on his left hand after a start on Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies.

"You get scared. You start wondering about the rest of your career, if there's going to be one," the AP quoted Glavine as saying. "I had a wonderful career, and I've stayed healthy for the most part. I've envisioned my retirement, but I never envisioned it through an injury. So from that standpoint, it's uneasy."

Glavine, 40, had several tests done over the weekend to find out more, and will have a CT Scan and an angiogram this week according to MLB.com.

He reportedly said he is not experiencing pain and that the best-case scenario would involve the doctors deciding that his sensation Wednesday was just an "isolated incident" and that the clot could clear on its own, which Glavine suggested could have him back on the mound by the weekend. He also told reporters his left middle finger and index finger were diagnosed in 1990 with Raynaud's, a condition caused by poor circulation that leads to numbness and coldness.

Glavine, who made his MLB debut in 1987, has compiled 287 victories (third among active pitchers behind Roger Clemens and Greg Maddux ). He was also the World Series MVP in 1995 for the Atlanta Braves against the Cleveland Indians.

So far this season Glavine is 12-6 with a 3.92 ERA for the NL East-leading Mets.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Final Score
Cardinals 3
Patriots 30

Teddy’s Take: Once again, I caution you; don’t read too much into any preseason games. They mean nothing in the long run. A lot of the guys making big plays and the guys they’re making them against may never see the gridiron come September.

That said…WOW! The Patriots look ready…they look deep…and they look damn good!

I don’t care if it’s preseason, regular season or playoffs. When the final stats read; first downs 27-9…total yards 486-151…and time of possession 42:16-17:44…that’s impressive. Oh, here’s my other favorite stat of the night; 16-different players caught at least one pass.

Starring Roles: Stars on the forehead go to Tom Brady; 15-20, 149-yards, 0-Int’s…Matt Cassel; 14-20, 192-yards, 2 TD’s, 0-Int’s...Team defense; leading tacklers Tully Banta-Cain and rookie Pierre Woods (Michigan) only had three...and Stephen Gostkowski; 3-3 FG’s (37,33,37).

It was probably Gostkowski’s job to lose anyway (you don’t use a 4th round pick on a kicker to cut him), but I think he cemented it with his performance. Perhaps Bill Belichick will dance around the decision for another week, maybe even giving Martin Gramatica a chance to respond in the next game. My hunch is the competition is over.

Quality Quote: “Well that’s the idea, is to sometimes make those decision early with the younger players and give them a chance to experience everything they’re going to have to experience with their teammates, the media, their own psychological preparation for the game. That’s all part of it. It’s something that he got to experience this week.�—Bill Belichick on how Stephen Gostkowski handled the pressure and the days leading up to the game.

What did you think of the Pats-Cards game? Which players stood out in your mind? Are you encouraged after two weeks of exhibition play?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Final Score
Yankees 13
Red Sox 5

Song of the Day: Frank Sinatra, belting out My Way. “And now, the end is near, and so I face, the final curtain…�

Other than that, I’ll stay silent and let you guys comment on Josh Beckett’s walk on the wild side, when exactly when did Manny Delcarmen become untradeable, and why has Coco Crisp suddenly gone from leadoff hitter (Game 1) to bottom third of the order (Game 2) to the bench (Game 3).

The microphone is all yours, folks!

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

So am I an addict or what?

I get home from a 14-hour work shift (granted, it’s not exactly hard labor at the restaurant) Friday night/Saturday morning and instead of going to sleep, I stay up and watch Team USA vs. Puerto Rico at the World Basketball championships. Perhaps this makes me more loser than addict, but I was already stewing from the Red Sox doubleheader disgrace. Sleep was the last thing on my mind.

Anyway, it looks like more of the same old-same ol