Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Are the Hanson Brothers available? Because something needs to be done with the lack of protection and passion the Bs have been showing as of late.

The Bruins that were on the ice last night must not care about their teammates very much...

First, David Krecji received a cheap hit from Adam Mair, which resulted in a charging call, but not one Bruin went after Mair.

Then Paul Gaustad laid out Marc Savard with boarding penalty and again no retaliation.

Noone, not Captain Zdeno Chara, not Brad Stuart (who's play of late says "get me outta here"), not Paul Mara, not any of the forwards looked to settle the score - and I don't mean on the scoreboard.

That's what was embarrassing about the Black and Gold last night, not that they lost 7-1 to the Sabres, but the fact that there was no passion and no protection of those that wear the spoked-B on their chest.

Wayne Primeau finally stepped up to the task, but it was too little, too late by the time he dropped the gloves; he waited until less than 10 minutes to play in the game when the cheap shots came in the first and second periods.

No offense, but when your best player, Savard, takes a cheap shot from an opposing player - you - Chara, Stuart, Mara etc.. make your presence known and drop the gloves, who cares what the penalties are that you recieve show your teammates that you have their back.

I'm sure there were guys and gals in the bars last night looking at their buddies saying, "I hope you make a better wingman than that."

It makes fans say, "I miss PJ Stock."

I was willing to accept a three-game losing streak as long as they bounced back like they had previously done this year, but this is getting down right disgusting to watch. The team seems to be skating with no passion, no drive; no pride and that is completely unacceptable.

But how do they fix it? If GM Peter Chiarelli does make a trade, without giving up too much, who do the Bruins get in return? If the rumors are true and defensemen Stuart and Milan Jurcina are whose heads seem to be on the trading block - then what would they get in return?

If I were Chiarelli I would be looking for a goaltender. Seriously, either send Hannu Toivonen back down to Providence and then showcase him at the end of the season - if he ever gets his confidence back or trade him now and allow Tim Thomas to be what he is - a back-up goaltender.

If you go back and look at my posts at the beginning of the season; I have said all along, the tandem the Bruins have in net is not going to get them far and guess what - it hasn't.

Can someone please explain to me why the owners, GM and coach all feel the team is fine with the goaltending? And yes, I know I have asked that question before, just waiting for the answer.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Usually, when Red Sox fans talk about Manny needing to come through, they’re talking about Manny Ramirez. But with the Todd Helton trade talks apparently dead, the pressure on Manny Delcarmen to be a bullpen stud just increased ten-fold.

By most accounts, the Red Sox unwillingness to part with a top-level prospect is what killed the deal. As we were told by the Denver Post’s Troy Renck last night on SportsTalk Live, the Rockies insisted on one player from the group of Delcarmen, Craig Hansen, Clay Buchholz or Jacoby Ellsbury to make the deal happen. The Sox wouldn’t do that unless Colorado was willing to pick up more of Helton’s contract.

I am absolutely apoplectic (how’s that for a big word?) over this right now. With what the Rockies agreed to pay, Boston would have owed the sweet-swinging first baseman $55-million over 5-years. In this market place where J.D. Drew gets $14-million a year, that’s a bargain. Hell, they were going to take Mike Lowell and Julian Tavarez off our hands, too.

And why did Theo Epstein not pull the trigger? Because of Manny Delcarmen, a soon to be (on February 16th) 25-year old middle reliever. Awful…just awful!

I’m willing to buy drawing a line in the sand about Jacoby Ellsbury and Clay Buchholz. Heck, I’ll even give you that Craig Hansen could still become the stud closer we thought he’d be. But Manny Delcarmen? I don’t get it. I simply don’t get it.

The only thing that would make sense to me, and it is pure speculation, is that the Red Sox believe Helton is done or that he has some kind of steroid history. But if that’s the case, why explore a trade in the first place?

Let’s face it; Theo Epstein, who’s had a very good offseason in my eyes, blew this one big time. And the person who’s going to feel the wrath of the Fenway faithful if he flops, is Manny Delcarmen. I’d hate to be in the kid’s shoes right now.

What do you think of the deal falling apart? Would you have pulled the trigger? Is there a chance this one gets re-visited later on?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

If you missed last night’s SunTalk Live, you missed out on a lot. Besides a visit from Troy Renck, the Denver Post writer who broke the Todd Helton trade rumors, we unveiled a bit of big news about the future of the show.

SportsTalk Live has a new home base, at least for the first Monday of every month. Hookslide Kelly’s, Lowell’s newest and best sports bar, is now the official sponsor of the program. As part of the partnership, we’ll be doing our show from Hookslide Kelly’s once a month, beginning next Monday night. The webcam is coming along, too, and we’re working on ways of synching it up with a few of the 22-TV’s that surround the room.

You’re invited to stop on by and visit the Merrimack Street location in Downtown Lowell. Besides callers, we’ll be taking questions and comments from guests at the bar. We’ll also give away a pair of tickets to the following night’s Golden Gloves boxing card at Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

So come down to Hookslide Kelly’s this coming Monday night. Lowell’s hottest place to watch the game just got a whole lot hotter!

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

No...we don't mean the Aussie rock band. We're talking about the computer and internet folks working hard to update TheSunBlog site and the machinery behind it. That's why you've been getting error messages from time to time while you try to post comments.

As mentioned last week, we're also having a few issues on our end as we try to bring you the latest and greatest sports news. The problems should be ironed out by mid-February. In the meantime, keep plugging away and your comments will eventually get through to us.

We appreciate your patronage. Thank you for shopping TheSunBlog.com!

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

The Bruins dropped their third straight last night for the fourth time in this year's campaign, but the Black and Gold have not had a losing streak extend farther than that. Can they turn it around against Buffalo tonight?

The last time the Rangers handed the Bs their third straight loss, the Bs came out and beat the Sabres in a shootout - maybe it can happen again tonight.

What needs to change? Who needs to step up? The answers are simple, everything and everyone.

Offensively the Bruins have had one player to be the most consistent: Marc Savard; Defensively the Bruins have had one player to be the most consistent: Zdeno Chara; On the power play the Bruins have had one unit which has been the most consistent: Savard, Chara, Patrice Bergeron, Glen Murray and Marco Sturm. In fact, out of the 47 ppg the Bs have Savvy, Muzz and Bergy have 9 apiece, Chara has 7 and Sturm 4 - that's 38 of the 47.

Goaltending still seems to be a major question in hand - ironically Hannu Toivonen had one of his best games of the season in the 3-0 loss to Ottawa the Saturday before the All Star break and Tim Thomas has been shakey lately and I have to agree with Dale Arnold, one thing that is completely annoying with Thomas' game is that one shot on goal becomes three shots on goal- "He is horrible at controling rebounds."

Brad Boyes has been basically non-existant this season, Paul Mara has also had a disappointing season... who else is on that list - trust me it goes on and on...

One thing is for sure GM Peter Chiarelli is not sitting still, the Bruins have recalled David Krecji from Providence and waived Jeff Hoggan ; wonder if he's done or if the new GM wants to make a move. But a move for who and who is he willing to give up?

With Sturm, Wayne Primeau and Brad Stuart all free agents at the end of the season, will one of them be the one to be moved? Is there a package in the works?

From what I've heard and read, Stuart is not happy in Boston and has said he will test the free agency market at the end of the season anyways, so why wait and get nothing for him.

Who would you put on the trading block? Is there a player you would try and go after? Chiarelli said he's looking for depth on defense and a gritty forward... can they get one of the two or both? Why does the club seem happy with the goaltending?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Need a quick fix to help overcome Patriots withdrawal? Here are a couple of items we’ve been kicking around TheSunBlog and SportsTalk Live the last few days, plus a few more sure to become habit for you sports junkies;

Sure didn’t take long after the Patriots demise for the Red Sox to jump back into the spotlight, did it? More Fenway expansion…finally reaching the finish line of the J.D. Drew marathon negotiations…Todd Helton trade talks…Curt Schilling’s non-retirement announcement; is it any wonder Bob Kraft and company feel like the Jan Brady of Boston pro sports? Red Sox, Red Sox, Red Sox!

Let me get this straight; The Rockies are willing to pay almost half Helton’s salary, and all they want in return is Mike Lowell, Julian Tavarez, and either Manny Delcarmen or Craig Hansen? There has to be a catch, right? Otherwise, Theo Epstein himself would be riding them out to Denver on a moped, a la Lloyd and Harry in Dumb & Dumber.

Middle relievers, a level I’m not sure Hansen or Delcarmen will ever rise above, are less reliable than online shopping deliveries around the holidays.

I’m happy for Adam Vinatieri. It’s nice to see good things happen to good people. Besides being a Hall of Fame kicker, Vinatieri is nothing if not good people. Quick prediction; Colts in a romp!

I hear Kevin Federline is appearing in a Super Bowl commercial where he plays a fast-food worker, and that the National Restaurant Association is livid because they say the ad belittles restaurant employees. You know your career has hit rock bottom when even Johnny from Burger King doesn’t want to be associated with you.

Hang tough, K-Fed. Keith Foulke feels your pain.

As if football season winding down isn’t bad enough, try this one on for size; Coming Sunday, February 18, 2007, the Daytona 500.

Gentlemen, crash your engines!

Trade Al Jefferson for Pau Gasol? Play to win or play for the top of the lottery? One gets the sense the next five months will determine Danny Ainge’s front office legacy.

I still think the C’s are on the right track. But if a brief stop along the way brings Greg Oden or Kevin Durant aboard the train, this conductor is willing to delay the journey another few months.

Yes, I remember the Tim Duncan disaster. But I also remember the sight of Kevin Durant dropping 34-points on Baylor this weekend. 26 of them came in the second half. It was the fourth time this year the Texas freshman has topped the 30-point mark in Big-12 play. We don’t have to win the lottery. A place showing works just fine, too.

It’s bad enough the NHL All-Star Game was televised by a network most of America doesn’t know exists, but did they have to schedule it on a Wednesday night opposite American Idol? What up with that Commissioner Bettman…Super Bowl Sunday wasn’t available?

Tiger Woods’ and Roger Federer’s dominance of their respective sports is breathtaking. Serena Williams took my breath away for another reason. That girl scares me! Here’s hoping Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli check out the women’s tennis tour when scouting linebackers.

Who would have thought a racehorse’s fight for survival and ultimate demise would be both the most courageous and touching sports story of the past 8-months? Even a cold-hearted jerk like me felt like a friend was lost Monday. Rest in peace, Barbaro.

That’s my take…what’s yours?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The National Pro Fastpitch Championship Series will be making it's home in the Kimberly, Wisconsin, according a story posted on the NPF website this past week.

Cardinal Youth Softball, Inc., has reportedly reached an agreement to host the NPF in 2007, 2008 and 2009. This year's championship series, which features the top four teams in the league, will be played on Aug. 24-26 at Sunset Park.

The 2006 NPF Championship Series was held at DeLuca Field in Stratford, Connecticut, with the Lowell-based New England Riptide bringing home the Cawles Cup thanks in large part to a pair of seven-inning shutouts from series MVP Jocelyn Forest.

More information may come out today as a press conference has been scheduled in Wisconsin for this afternoon.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Curt Schilling is not the retiring type…at least not yet.

The Red Sox righty told WEEI this morning he’s negotiating an extension for 2008 with Boston. Curt on the Car Phone had originally indicated 2007, his final contract year, would also be his final year, period. Schilling said his first choice is to stay in Beantown, though he would search for a new home if a deal isn’t worked out by the end of spring training.

Schilling also says the Yankees would not be an option. Yeah, right! Don’t get me wrong…I believe an agreement will be reached to keep him in Boston. However, if and when he gets to free agency, you can bet the 40-year old would go to the highest bidder with a chance to compete for a World Series, a category the Evil Empire always falls into.

Remember, Schilling’s first choice was to go to the Yankees from Arizona, but the Diamondbacks wouldn’t deal with George Steinbrenner because he stole David Wells from them after they’d reached agreement with the lefty. In fact, there was a funny scene during the Sox on-field World Series celebration. Curt’s wife Shonda was being interviewed live with her husband by one of the local TV stations and let it slip that they originally wanted to go to New York, prompting her hubby to shush her and laugh it off.

Bottom line; Curt Schilling wants to pitch beyond 2007. I say it would be great to let him finish out his career here, and an agreement will most likely be worked out soon. But if he does get to free agency, all bets are off!

That’s my take…what’s yours? Are you glad Schilling wants to pitch another year or should he ride off into the sunset before father time catches up to him?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

The Patriots season may be over, but there’s no shortage of topics for us to discuss during this week’s SunTalk Live program.

Dennis Whitton and David Pevear join me Monday night from 7-8pm for an open forum SportsTalk. With the rumor mill floating names like Todd Helton and Pau Gasol, you can be sure Red Sox and Celtics will be part of the dialogue. But no subject is off limits; Patriots, Bruins, Spinners, Devils, Lowell High…any and all sports news is on the table. The number to participate; (978)364-TALK (8255)

Also, stay with us till the end of the program for an exciting announcement about the future of SportsTalk. The only hint I’ll give right now is it will open up a whole new avenue for you to be a part of the show.

Talk to you soon!

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

A day after reporting the Todd Helton-to-the-Red Sox talks, the Denver Post says the Celtics are the leading contenders in the Pau Gasol trade derby. The news appears as a brief snippet in Mark Spears’ NBA Report.

In return, Boston would send Al Jefferson and a package of draft picks to Memphis. There isn’t any word on which big contract player the C’s would have to include to make the number work under the salary cap, but Theo Ratliff’s name is sure to pop up should such a deal be consummated.

I’m torn about this one. I’ve always liked Al Jefferson. I’ve liked him even more since Doc Rivers was forced to play him 35+ minutes after the injury bug destroyed the C’s. The kid is a guaranteed double-double, with a career as a 20-10 contributor a distinct possibility. He’s only 21-years old and just finding himself as a player in this, his 3rd NBA season out of high school.

I’ve always been of the opinion Jefferson should be untouchable unless Kevin Garnett could be had for him. I wouldn’t have traded him straight up for Allen Iverson, Shawn Marion, or any of the other names mentioned as likely trade bait over the last year. Gasol was always someone I flip-flopped about.

The Grizzlies forward was huge during Spain’s World Championship over the summer, even though he missed the title game with a broken foot that’s held him to only 22-games this season. The 7-footer’s career averages of 18.6-points, 8.4-rebounds, and nearly 2-blocks per game are impressive enough, without factoring in the 3-point range and more than 3-assists per game. And he’s only 26-years old. A lineup featuring Pierce and Gasol would instantly vault Boston into the Eastern Conference’s upper echelon, with a legit shot at the Finals.

My bottom line; I think I do the trade if it involves Jefferson, Ratliff and draft picks in 2008 or beyond. I don’t do it if would cost Danny Ainge the 2007 first-rounder. Here’s why;

Even with Gasol and a healthy Pierce, that 2007 pick will still likely be in the mid-teens, an area Ainge has had decent success with. Give those two a full season together, and the C’s first rounders for 2008 and the foreseeable future aren’t likely to produce major impact players, so the damage isn’t as great. But if Pierce’s stress fracture and Gasol’s foot injury cause them to miss any more time in ’07, you could be looking at a lineup next year featuring Pierce, Gasol and either Greg Oden or Kevin Durant.

Then again, a lineup of Pierce, the rapidly improving Jefferson and one of the college studs wouldn’t look bad either. Plus, Jefferson’s game is exclusively in the post, whereas Gasol is more of an outside threat. Let’s not forget the presence of Gerald Green, another perimeter player. Is there enough space on the outside for all three of them? Think Memphis would settle for Green instead of Jefferson? If they did, I’d definitely give them the 2007 first-rounder. The possibilities are making me downright dizzy!

So as you can see, I’m still very torn about the potential trade, even though I think I’d do it. But as Bill Parcells famously said; I reserve the right to change my mind!

That’s my fence-sitting take…what’s yours? What would you trade for Pau Gasol? Is Al Jefferson becoming an untouchable? Can you believe I wrote this many words and still sound indecisive?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Well, it's past time for us in this particular blogger to delve a little more into the world of basketball. The Patriots tapped out early, and pitchers and catchers haven't even reported yet.

After all, basketball was invented in Massachusetts. We've got the Hall of Fame. Boston still has more NBA titles than any other franchise. Plus, a group of youngsters got basketball officially recognized as the state sport this past summer. So it is definitely time to start busting out the basketball notes. We'll start with those fellas streaking through the NBA like Will Ferrell in Old School.

How good are those runnin’ and gunnin’ Phoenix Suns this year?

Well, a franchise record 16-game win streak does wonders for a team’s standings. In the case of the Phoenix Suns, it has catapulted them to the best record in the NBA (35-8 coming into Sunday‘s game with the Cleveland Cavaliers), their winning percentage slightly better than the Dallas Mavericks.

Two separate 15-game win streaks is the sort of thing you expected from the Celtics during the Bill Russell era or the Bulls during the Jordan years, but Phoenix?

At the end of last year the Suns were only the third best team in the Western Conference. They reached the conference finals, but they were taken to game seven in the first two rounds of the playoffs.

So far this season they appear determined to show the doubters that their free wheeling and up-tempo style can make a run at the NBA championship.

Steve Nash told reporters in Phoenix last Monday that while streaks are “meaningless� to the guys on the court, he hopes it is a sign that the Suns are building something special.

“I hope it’s fun for the fans and the media, but for us it’s all about trying to prepare and get ready for the playoffs,� he said (the video of his comments can be viewed via the Suns website).

He also reiterated his belief that this squad is the best he has ever played on because of the talent, depth, versatility and chemistry.

This year the Suns are benefiting from the return of big man Amare Stoudemire after microfracture surgery on his left knee in October of 2005 and arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last April.

By the numbers
Stoudemire is one of six Phoenix players averaging 10 points per game or more this season. Two-time defending MVP Steve Nash leads the way with 19.5 points per game. Shawn Marion and Stoudemire both toss in 18.7 per game, followed by Leandro Barbosa (16.1), Raja Bell (15.2) and Boris Diaw (10.3).

Stoudemire (9.1 rpg) and Shawn Marion (10.1 rpg) are both among the top 25 in the NBA in rebounding and both also rank in the top 30 in blocked shots. Meanwhile Nash’s 11.7 assists per game are a full two assists per game higher than the next man on the list, Utah’s Deron Williams (9.2).

As a team the Suns lead the league in scoring, averaging 111.5 points per game, which is no surprise considering their offensive approach. However, they’re also holding opponent to just 45 percent shooting from the field (tenth-best in the NBA).

They’ve got Company at the top
While they haven’t put together the same sort of streaks, the Mavericks (36-9) have been on a ridiculous run. Head coach Avery Johnson’s team has won 36 of 41 games since losing their first four of the season.

The Lakers currently trail the Suns by 8.0 games in the Pacific Division ,while Dallas’ edge over the San Antonio Spurs in 5.0 games.

The way the Suns and Mavs are rolling towards the All-Star break will keep the pressure on everyone else in the West.

“I think it reflects more on them than it does on us,� Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said on Monday when his team visited the TD Banknorth Garden. “People seem sometimes reticent to give credit. They would rather decide this player is playing better or that player is playing badly. I kind of turn it the other way. Phoenix and Dallas are doing a great job and just kicking butt.�

Now, I pose the question to you the legions of basketball fans who I know are out there. Do the Suns have a chance at the title? Who does have the best chance from what you've seen this far? As always, feel free to weigh in with your thoughts on those struggling Celtics.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

The Denver Post (a sister paper to the Lowell Sun) reports the Colorado Rockies are discussing a deal that would send Todd Helton to the Red Sox.

It’s still not known exactly what the Rockies are seeking in return, but the names Manny Delcarmen and Craig Hansen are mentioned in the article, which you can read here. It’s also believed Colorado is willing to eat a portion of the 6-years, $91-million remaining on the 33-year old 1st Baseman’s contract, and that Helton would consider waiving his no-trade clause. Reports out of Boston have Sox management downplaying the possibility of a deal.

Initially, thought of the sweet-swinging Helton added to a lineup already featuring David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez and J.D. Drew is intriguing. In a perfect world, I’d do the deal in a heartbeat. (Hey…it’s not my money!) However, the career .333-hitter has struggled with injuries the last few seasons, particularly a bad back that has caused a major decline in production.

If the price is Delcarmen and Hansen, with the Rockies willing to pay a good chunk of the tab, I say; go for it! If it’s one of those guys with another top minor league prospect not named Jacoby Ellsbury, I say; go for it again! Throw in Kevin Youkilis as well who, though not mentioned, I’m willing to bet is already part of the discussion.

In my mind, the dialogue ends when the names Papelbon and Lester are brought up. Not that I wouldn’t trade Lester for an established player in his prime, but not for a 33-year old 1^st baseman with a history of back issues.

What do you think of a prospective Helton trade? You as intrigued as I am by the possibility, especially if the price is a couple of unproven middle-relievers? Who would you consider including in the deal? Would Helton’s acquisition make the Red Sox clear-cut favorites to win the World Series?

Let’s hear from you Red Sox nation…less than a month till spring training!

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Thursday, The National Basketball Association announced the starters for the league all-star game in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sunday, Feb. 18.

Eastern Conference starters will be LeBron Games (F) from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chris Bosh (F) of the Toronto Raptors, Gilbert Arenas (G) of the Washington Wizards, Shaquille O’Neal (C) and Dwyane Wade (G) of the Miami Heat.

Western Conference starters will be Kevin Garnett (F) from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tim Duncan (F) of the San Antonio Spurs, Kobe Bryant (G) of the Los Angeles Lakers, Tracy McGrady (G) and Yao Ming (C) of the Houston Rockets.

Phoenix Suns head coach Mike D’Antoni will coach the Western Conference team. The Eastern Conference coach has yet to be determined.

James’ 2,516,049 votes is the second-highest largest total ever, second only to Yao Ming’s 2,558,278 in 2005.

Eastern Conference voting breakdown
Forwards: LeBron James (Clev) 2,516,049; Chris Bosh (Tor) 1,091,263; Jermaine O’Neal (Ind) 934,749; Grant Hill (Orl) 677,423; Paul Pierce (Bos) 615,911; Rasheed Wallace (Det) 549,693; Andre Iguodala (Phi) 459,139; Tayshaun Prince (Det) 408,936; Caron Butler (Was) 404,489; Emeka Okafor (Char) 388,170.

Guards: Dwyane Wade (Mia) 2,029,591; Gilbert Arenas (Wash) 1,454,166; Vince Carter (NJ) 1,451,156; Jason Kidd (NJ) 838,486; Chauncey Billups (Det) 499,670; Stephon Marbury (NY) 458,181; Michael Redd (Mil) 351,277; Ben Gordon (Chi) 316,428; Steve Francis (NY) 307,287; Richard Hamilton (Det) 306,547.

Centers: Shaquille O'Neal (Mia) 1,622,446; Dwight Howard (Orl) 1,464,613; Ben Wallace (Chi) 788,950; Alonzo Mourning (Mia) 338,904; Andrew Bogut (Mil) 256,579; Zaza Pachulia (Atl) 244,507; Nazr Mohammed (Det) 217,067; Eddy Curry (NY) 202,010; Zydrunas Ilgauskas (Clev) 196,000; Primoz Brezec (Char) 164,734.

Western Conference voting breakdown
Forwards: Kevin Garnett (Minn) 1,616,575; Tim Duncan (SA) 1,436,584; Carmelo Anthony (Den) 1,309,945; Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 1,276,304; Shane Battier (Hou) 1,025,643; Shawn Marion (Pho) 551,173; Lamar Odom (LAL) 438,824; Josh Howard (Dal) 412,102; Pau Gasol (Mem) 237,828; Carlos Boozer (Utah) 359,882.

Guards: Kobe Bryant (LAL) 2,138,777; Tracy McGrady (Hou) 1,942,796; Allen Iverson (Den) 1,813,638; Steve Nash (Pho) 1,504,826; Manu Ginobili (SA) 541,341; Tony Parker (SA) 501,429; Chris Paul (NOK) 462,206; Ray Allen (Sea) 444,443; Jason Terry (Dal) 421,924; Baron Davis (GS) 354,412.

Centers: Yao Ming (Hou) 2,451,718; Amaré Stoudemire (Pho) 1,209,333; Erick Dampier (Dal) 385,179; Marcus Camby (Den) 373,382; Mehmet Okur (Utah) 339,247; Francisco Elson (SA) 252,622; Tyson Chandler (NOK) 202,531; Brad Miller (Sac) 186,230; Mark Blount (Minn) 175,322; Chris Kaman (LAC) 160,234.

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

After reading all the comments added to Teddy's post, I had to change what I was going to write and by the way Teddy, my foot still hurts, LOL.

OK, first of all Bettman is not the only problem, what most people forget is there is a Board of Governors that vote on every change that happens in the NHL.

But, anyway, the problem with the NHL is not the game itself, it truly is the worst marketable sport for TV and the only reason for it is the speed.

Whenever I talk to anyone about hockey they say, "I love watching the game live in person, but I can't follow it on TV."

And even though I watch every game I can on TV, I agree. Even when the games were televised on ESPN the cameras could not follow the puck and the action of the game and even when they could they always seem to switch to the worst camera angle at the wrong time.

Most of the time fans were denied seeing the big hit or the great poke check because the camera was somewhere else. There were many occassions I've even seen them miss the great pass that led to a goal - very frustrating. And the casual fan can not handle that.

Networks tried to fix it by adding streaking colors to follow the puck and that was just plain and simply annoying.

The only good thing about ESPN covering the NHL was NHL Tonight, I still have the theme as a ring tone on my phone.

In keeping with dboisver comments on Teddy's post ... I agree the NHL could drop eight teams and the league would be better for it. I'd start with Atlanta, Columbus, Carolina, Florida, Nashville, Phoenix, Tampa Bay and LA.

As far as attendance goes, I can only speak for the hockey fans I know in and around New England.

The problem with the Bruins is the owners - they were not putting the product on the ice to compete at the level of some of the other teams and that caused a drop in attendance. They made a step in the right direction by firing MOC and hiring Peter Chiarelli and then signing Zdeno Chara and Marc Savard on the first day of free agency.

New England has the most fair weather - band wagon fans and please try and disagree.

When the Patriots weren't winning - prior to Drew Bledsoe and Bill Parcels - the stadium was constantly not sold out and more than half of the home games weren't even televised. Once the team put a good product on the field people started buying tickets and low and behold they have a tremendous fan base. I would like to see what would happen if the team started dropping games left and right.

The Bruins owned the city of Boston in the 70s, 80s, all the way up into the early 90s and then they just weren't winning - so people stopped paying attention - it's funny how since the Patriots have won 3 Super Bowls they all of a sudden have the most news coverage but prior to the drafting of Bledsoe they weren't even on the map, much like the Bruins and Celtics now.

Time for you guys to tell me what you think about my thoughts...

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

I’m going to step on Gayle’s toes a little here and delve into a subject I’ve been wondering about for a couple of years now; Is the current Commissioner of the National Hockey League the best man for the job?

“Dale and Holleyâ€? got a discussion going on WEEI this morning, using a column that blasted Gary Bettman for the state of the NHL as the jumping off point. (I missed the beginning of the segment, so I don’t know where the article they were talking about is…if you know, please pass that info along). The gist of it; when Chicago is sometimes drawing only 6,000,  Boston often gets only 9,000 and hockey crazed Philadelphia has more no-shows a nun’s hemline, perhaps it’s time for a change at the top.

I couldn’t agree more! The fact the All-Star game is on a Wednesday night on a network most of America doesn’t even know exists (another topic of discussion on ‘EEI) is a sad indictment of where Bettman has led the league. You can debate style of play or lack of fighting all you want. Bottom line is the business decisions made by the people getting paid good money to make them have been atrocious.

Taking games off ESPN was a disastrous move. Doing it the year following a season-killing strike was suicide. Sports owners in the 50’s and 60’s mistakenly thought television would hurt the live gate. On the contrary, they found television exposure was the greatest advertisement any league or franchise could get.

It’s a basic rule of any sport, and yet the Commissioner of the NHL, a man who learned at the feet of David Stern, thought it was a great idea to take miniscule money from a no-name network instead of getting whatever he could from the most visible cable sports outlet in the world. He should have known better. After 13-years in charge, the league he runs should be in much better shape.

It’s time for Gary Bettman to step aside for the good of a great sport!

What do you think? Should Bettman hand the reins over to someone else? Is there even anything that can be done to save the NHL? Notice, I said the NHL, not hockey?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

You may have noticed some technical difficulties while trying to post your comments lately. You may have even noticed more sporadic postings on our part. Well, do not adjust your settings…the problem is not in your computer.

We’ve been undergoing some system upgrades the past few weeks, upgrades which should be finished in the near future. The construction makes it difficult for us to get our “hard� work posted at times. And since we all have lives (well, not lives…but other jobs), we aren’t always free to upload our work when the system comes back online.

So please pardon our appearance while we fix these issues. Your continued understanding and loyalty is much appreciated. Thank you for using TheSunBlog.com.

This is a recording!

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Looking for a clue as to where Roger Clemens will pitch next year? (I think we’re all smart enough to realize he’s not going away anytime soon, right?)

Well, Yankees 2nd baseman Robinson Cano has changed his uniform number to 24. Cano’s old number? 22…the same digits worn by Clemens in his previous stint with the Yankees.

I’m sure we’ll be subjected to weeks of breathless speculation about where The Rocket will touch down in 2007. And no doubt, a few Red Sox fans will get all giddy and nostalgic after the Texas Con Man waxes poetic about how much he loves the Sox and how serious he is about returning to his first major league home, while Boston management does the obligatory P.R. gesture of fawning over the former icon. Of course, he’ll either end up back in Houston (where he can get away with anything he wants) or New York (where he’ll make the most money and shower next to Andy Pettitte).

Me? I pray he signs with the Yanks. I’d love nothing better than for the Evil Empire to tie up a ridiculous sum of money on a guy who wasn’t that good his first go-around in Gotham. There was nothing more satisfying than watching the Red Sox slap that has-been around in the 2003 playoffs. Too bad he jumped to the safety net of the National League before they could get another crack at him in 2004.

Please Roger, come back…to the Yankees!

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

It may not mean anything and it may not matter to anyone other than a hockey fan, but watching the SuperSkills competition last night was fun.

Sidney Crosby, who is 0-for-5 in shootouts on the season, beat Roberto Luongo twice to give the East the 15-11 victory. (For the record Crosby also scored against Mikka Kiprusoff earlier in the 2nd round of the Shootout.

Anytime you can see Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, Eric Staal, Joe Thornton, Daniel Briere, Jonathan Cheechoo, Martin Havlat, Martin St. Louis, Vinny Lecavalier and so many others - it's just fun, plain and simple fun.

It is amazing to watch these guys and see their individual skills during the Puck Control Relay and In the Zone (where three players must make at least two passes before shooting), along with Shot Accuracy and obviously the shootout.

I don't think anyone was shocked when Bruins Captain Zdeno Chara registered 100.4 MPH in the Hardest Shot and won the event for the East.

Before the SuperSkills took the ice in Dallas, the YoungStars played their game, where another Bruin shined through.

Phil Kessel scored a hat trick and ironically Evgeni Malkin did not even register a sinlge point in the East's 9-8 victory.
Again the game does not matter and neither do the points, but it sure was nice to see Kessel participate after returning from testicular cancer.

On a side note it was absolutely hilarious to see Chara standing next to Cristobal Huet during the player introductions. Chara really is a monster compared to everyone.

The All Stars take the ice tonight, and even though it doesn't count and it doesn't mean anything - I'm thinking with the line combinations available for both sides, the game is simply going to be fun to watch.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

UMass Lowell guard Dashon Harper, a junior from Columbus, OH (Bishop Ready H.S.), was named the Northeast-10 Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week, the Conference announced Monday.

In a 1-1 week, Harper averaged 30.5 points while shooting .528 from the field (19 for 36), .579 from 3-point range (11 for 19) and .857 from the free throw line (12 for 14).

Harper opened the week with a career-high 33 points in last Wednesday’s 69-68 victory at Assumption as he converted 9 of 16 field goals – 6 of 10 from 3-point territory – and 9 of 11 free throws. He scored seven of his points in a key 13-2 run midway through the second half.

In Saturday’s 69-65 loss to Saint Michael’s, Harper scored 28 points, hitting 10 of 20 field goals – 5 of 9 from 3-point range – and all three free throw attempts.

For the season, Harper leads all UML scorers with 17.5 points and 2.44 three-pointers per game.

Also notable last week was the play of junior F Jerreh Saidybah (Montreal, QUE), who posted averages of 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting .500 from the field (8 for 16) and .750 from the free throw line (9 for 12).

The UMass Lowell men's and women's teams host American International tonight, Assumption Thursday and visit Bryant Saturday.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

It was October 19, 2004. Alert Red Sox fans recognize the date as Game-6 of the 2004 ALCS.

I was working in television, having just sat in front of a tape deck and video monitor to scan the post-game reaction. That’s when I got my first look at him…him being the biggest loser I’d ever seen. (No, I wasn’t looking at my own reflection!)

He called himself “The Sheff,� in honor of Gary Sheffield. He wore a white chef coat and hat. (Probably a dishwasher who’d borrowed the uniform from work, I thought) It was kind of a clever schtick, to tell the truth. At least until he opened his mouth.

In TV news, one of the cardinal rules of reporting is; turn on the camera, and seemingly normal people evolve into complete lunatics. Think of it as American Idol auditions, only worse.

“The Sheff� didn’t disappoint. You had to see it to believe it, really. Picture a ‘roided up wrestling villain, flailing his arms and spitting as he spoke into the camera, with his New York nincompoops egging him on.

“The Sox are going down! Tomorrow night, we’re gonna eat you up and spit you out! Take it from The Sheff! Take it from The Sheeeeefffff!� he screamed, in a voice reminiscent of the Seinfeld episode where Puddy goes crazy after a Devils victory.

Never mind that Boston had just erased a 3-nothing series lead. Never mind that every reasonable observer knew what was going to happen the next night. Deep down, even the Yankees players themselves knew they’d blown the series.

Still, this clown raged on. “The Sheff,� intoxicated by years of Yankees dominance (if not a little too much cooking wine), had convinced himself the Red Sox were dead meat because…well, because they’d always been dead meat when entering New York’s kitchen.

Why am I telling you this story? Because I witnessed a few too many “Sheffsâ€? last week, only the ones I saw were wearing Patriots blue instead of chef whites.  

“You’re out of your mind! Brady and Belichick don’t lose in the playoffs� was the common refrain. “Manning is a choker, and he’ll never beat the Pats or win a Super Bowl.�

Never mind that the Colts QB had shredded the Pats defense the last two times they met, in Foxboro no less. Never mind that Rodney Harrison was out. Never mind that these Patriots weren’t the back-to-back, 14-2 title winners. If you picked Indy, you were in for it. “I’ll see you online. Better yet, I’ll be sure to call you Sunday night.�

Needless to say, the phone stopped ringing sometime after 8:30pm.

The point isn’t to gloat. (Well, maybe just a little) I’d much rather be making travel plans to Miami. Like most of Patriots Nation, I didn’t sleep very much Sunday night, the pulse still racing hours after a heartbreaking finish to a classic game.

But as mentioned in the past, the day eventually came when Larry Bird stopped making buzzer-beaters, when Red Auerbach was no longer a step ahead of everyone in identifying talent and creating a team. The good news: I don’t think Brady and Belichick are quite there yet. The bad news: they’re going to get there. It’s the nature of dynasties. Eventually, they all come to an end.

In the meantime, Patriots fans would be wise to take a long look in the mirror. Many of you have come dangerously close to resembling those obnoxious Yankees fans, taking winning for granted and refusing to be gracious about it. A heaping helping of humble pie is exactly what’s needed.

Perhaps “The Sheff� can cook you up some.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The day after Bill Belichick bowed out of the playoffs, the man he earned his stripes under as a coordinator has announced his retirement. Former New England Patriots, New York Jets and New York Giants head coach Bill Parcells will not be back for another season with the Dallas Cowboys.

"I am retiring from coaching football. I want to thank Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones for their tremendous support over the last four years," Parcells, 65, said in a statement. "Also, the players, my coaching staff and others in the support group who have done so much to help. Dallas is a great city and the Cowboys are an integral part of it. I am hopeful that they are able to go forward from here."

Dallas, who finished the regular season second in the NFC East with a 9-7 record, was knocked out of the playoffs by the Seattle Seahawks in the opening round.

Parcells was 34-30 in four years with the Cowboys. In 19 NFL season he compiled a record of 183-137-1 and won two Super Bowls with the Giants and took the Patriots to Super Bowl XXXI.

He and former Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe were reunited in Dallas in 2005, but Bledsoe was benched this season in favor of Tony Romo.

"I am in good health and feel lucky to have been able to coach in the NFL for an extended period of time," Parcells said. "I leave the game and the NFL with nothing but good feelings and gratitude to all the players, coaches and other people that have assisted me in that regard."

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Tell me you’re not suffering a hangover from that football game. I feel like I tied on a good one and am now paying the consequences the morning after. Come to think of it, I bet a lot of you are suffering both types of hangovers.

Well, snap out of it. It’s time to put yesterday’s game and the 2006 season in perspective, which is exactly what we’ll be doing on tonight’s SunTalk Live program. Joining me in studio this week are Lowell Sun Sports Editor Dennis Whitton and columnist Barry Scanlon. But the big star of the show will be Garin Veris. The former Patriots defensive end won’t be with us in person, but he will be on the phone lines to give us his take on the AFC Championship as well as to discuss his new role as an athletic fundraiser for the University of New Hampshire.

The number is (978)364-TALK. Be sure to dial in early…showtime is 7pm. And if you have a computer handy, check out the SunTalk Live webcam at LowellSun.com.

Talk to you soon!

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

5:55 Wanted to check in a little early as this NFC Championship winds down and the clock ticks toward the game we really care about.

I’m watching Reggie Bush catch a dump pass and then turtle before Brian Urlacher can get to him in the 4th quarter of a game his team trails 32-14. You see, a bit earlier, Mr. Bush-League thought he was the cat’s meow when he scored a touchdown that ended with him taunting the pursuing Urlacher, somersaulting into the endzone and doing a little dance he'd no doubt rehearsed just for a special occassion like this one. You’d think he’d save the stupid stunts for when he scored a game-winning TD, not when his team is still trailing in a game they’re eventually going to get blown out of. But hey, I don’t know much about being a star athlete.

What I do know is I’m hoping Urlacher or someone on the Bears “D� gets one more shot at Bush.

 
6:28 Boomer Esiason looks even worse in that gray hoodie than Bill Belichick does. Plus, you gotta cut off the sleeves, Norman.

6:32 Yolanda Adams starts, stops, then starts the national anthem again. Is this the singing equivalent of Drew Bledsoe patting the ball before throwing it?

6:50 Oh-oh! Richard Seymour is already hurt on the Colts first play from scrimmage.

7:02 First big-play of the game…Corey Dillon busts a 4th and inches for a 35-yd gain giving New England 1st down on the Indy 13-yard line.

7:05 Sometimes, ‘tis better to be lucky than good.

Laurence Maroney fumble a handoff...the ball squirts into a pile of about 37-Colts defenders…and somehow, none of them recover it…it rolls into the endzone where Logan Mankins falls on it for a touchdown. 7-0 Pats

My first opportunity to post a Gisele Bundchen picture (you know I couldn't pass it up)…they’ve been kissed by an angel!

7:20 Know how you can tell this is a different Colts team? 3rd and 19, and they hand it off, content to settle for a field goal. Nice to have Mr. Reliable on your side, isn’t it? 7-3 Pats

7:33 4th and 6 just inside the Colts 35…New England is going for it instead of attempting a 52-yard field goal…they call timeout to discuss it.

This seems like as good a time as any to see what Stephen Gostkowski’s got today, doesn’t it?

7:36 They’re going for it! Bad decision I say.

Great decision it turns out…Brady finds a wide open Troy Brown…1st and goal at the Indy 7.

7:37 Dillon knows how to find the endzone, doesn’t he? 11-plays, 72-yards…14-3 Pats

Looks good, don’t you think?

7:42 Cha-Ching!

Ring up another couple of million for Asante Samuel. Meanwhile, Peyton Manning looks like the same old Peyton Manning against the Patriots in the playoffs…21-3

What kind of a moron would pick against Belichick and Brady? (Don’t answer that!)

7:46 The crowd’s already booing the Colts offense…LOL!

7:56 Tony Dungy accepts an illegal motion penalty even though it would have been 4th and 11. To me, it’s a dumb decision because the way things are going for the Colts so far, New England is likely to get the 1st down on 3rd and 21 anyway. As it turns out, Brady gets sacked, taking the Patriots completely out of field goal range.

Again, I’m wrong. Perhaps I should hold off from second-guessing strategy.

8:09 Manning finally gets the ball moving. The Colts really need a touchdown here before the half to have any chance (they get the ball back to start the 2nd half).

8:12 Wow! The refs just take back a flag on what looked like an obvious pass interference call. They say Reggie Wayne and Ellis Hobbs got their feet tangled. Sure enough, replay shows Wayne tripped over his own feet.

Good call, but how many times do you see that happen? Let the crying begin from the Indy front office!

8:14 Automatic Adam strikes again, but a big hold for New England…21-6 Pats

8:21 Let me just make this quick halftime observation:

A lot of people (including the CBS studio crew) point to the Maroney fumble/Mankins TD recovery and talk about how “lucky� the Patriots are. Here’s the thing, though:

There were three Colts all over the ball, and you can clearly see one of them on his knees trying to stand up. I still haven’t seen a good replay, but my hunch is he had the ball, tried to get up and run with it, and one of his teammates knocked it out accidentally, leading to the touchdown.

That, my friends, might be luck on the Patriots part, but its bad football on the Colts part. And more often than not, that’s the kind of stuff you see the opposition do. Notice how the Pats don’t do those kinds of things? Can you say C-O-A-C-H-I-N-G?

8:37 You know what? These aren’t the same old Colts. They aren’t folding. They’re hanging tough...running the ball…being patient…and converting 3rd downs.

8:41 Manning QB sneak for a TD…21-13 Pats

We have a game again.

8:56 Face guarding on Ellis Hobbs. 1st and goal for Indianapolis at the one.

8:57 There’s a play…and a player…from the Patriots old playbook. Manning play-action TD pass to Dan Klecko...throw in an answered prayer of a 2-pt. conversion to Marvin Harrison…and we have a brand new game…21-21

More troubling…the Colts are really controlling this thing now. Time for some Brady magic.

9:02 Forget Brady magic. How about Ellis Hobbs magic…conjuring up the ghost of Bethel Johnson on the kickoff return. How’s that for answering the call!

9:04 A wide open Reche Caldwell drops a ball that hit him right in the bread basket in the endzone. OUCH!

9:05 Jabar Gaffney TD…refs rule he was pushed out of bounds, but an initial replay shows the Patriots receiver might have already stepped out of bounds before he caught it. Haven’t seen a clean look at it yet.

9:07 Just did…he’s inbounds all the way. This better not be overturned!

9:09 TOUCHDOWN NEW ENGLAND! 28-21 Pats

I'm already emotionally exhausted...and this one isn't even in the 4th quarter yet!

9:20 Back come the Colts. Pats defense looks exhausted right now.

9:22 Dominic Rhodes fumbles at the goal line. Jeff Saturday recovers in the end zone…touchdown Indy…28-28

OK…we’re all even now in the freak play department. 3 Offensive Lineman have scored touchdowns. This is really turning into a fantastic game, but I don't know how much more of it I can take!

9:26 The broadcast crew keeps telling us about tired Patriots and showing guys getting treatment on the sidelines. If ever we needed a long drive, the time is now.

9:28 Three and out. The defense must come back on the field right away.

Right now, the Pats remind me of those ’87 Celtics…beaten up and running on fumes.

9:32 Manning trips and falls with nobody around him. Who conjured up the leprechauns?

9:40 Brady makes a rare error…never recognizing an uncovered Reche Caldwell. By the time he did, Caldwell’s sure TD turned into a nice gain…EXCEPT HE DROPS THE BALL AGAIN!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!

9:43 Gostkowski is true from 31-yards out…31-28 Pats

This is like watching a tennis match…back and forth, back and forth. Let’s see what kind of shape Manning’s thumb is in.

9:46 Peyton’s thumb is apparently OK…long completion to Dallas Clark (the tight end is really starting to bug me!) has Indy back in scoring range.

9:48 Vinatieri time…good from 36-yards out, despite another shaky snap. 31-31

Folks, we are watching a classic! I don’t know the ending, but I know they’ll be talking about this game decades from now!

9:50 Ellis Hobbs another big kickoff return. Throw in a completion to Ben Watson, and New England’s back in scoring range.

9:53 Gostkowski trots back out…43-yd attempt this time…again, the rookie hits. 34-31 Pats

Pressure? What pressure! I love this kid!

9:58 The Pats defense holds with 3:34 remaining. Indy only has 2-timeouts remaining. One first down could end this thing.

10:02 New England dodges a bullet. Bob Sanders jumps in front of Troy Brown and almost has a TD going the other way. Luckily, Brady had enough mustard on the ball to make it a tough play, and Sanders couldn’t come up with it.

The Colts and Peyton Manning will get one more chance to prove they’re champions.

10:05 Fletcher is wide open…1st down in Pats territory.

10:06 Wayne coughs it up in mid-air, but it comes back into his arms and he somehow holds on. Throw in a roughing the passer penalty and Indy is in serious business.

Suddenly, the Colts are the team getting all the breaks. Is the magic ride done?

10:10 Indy is content to run the ball, hoping for either a TD or a game-tying FG with no time left for New England to answer. Smart strategy, which forces the Pats to use a timeout.

10:11 Addai walks in untouched from 3-yards out. Colts have the lead for the first time all day. Vinatieri tacks on the extra point…38-34 Colts…the Pats are going to need a touchdown to win.

10:14 Brady has to take them 81-yards in under a minute, with 2-timeouts left. Not impossible.

10:15 Brady to Watson for 19-yards…Brady to Evans for another 14…1st down at the Indy 45 with 24-seconds to go, but they let too much time run off the clock after the Watson pass, opting to take the timeout after the second reception. It’s gonna take a miracle to go 45-yards in 24-seconds.

10:16 Not today. Marlin Jackson interception…learning from the Chargers, he just goes down, content to have the ball and the victory.

All the monkeys are now officially off Peyton Manning’s back. He engineered the largest comeback in Championship game history against his chief tormentors. The Colts are AFC Champions, and soon to be Super Bowl Champions.

The Patriots have absolutely nothing to hang their heads about. They played their hearts out just a week after leaving it all on the field in San Diego. They had their chances to win, but ultimately lost to a better team on the road. Next year, they’ll have to make sure these games are played in Foxboro.

They’re young enough, and good enough, to make that happen.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Tick...tick…tick…

6:30 can’t come soon enough. Don’t know about you, but this Bears-Saints game isn’t doing it for me. I’m ready for Patriots-Colts and I’m ready now. Let’s just skip this entire game and the Super Bowl all-together and just award the Lombardi Trophy at the RCA Dome sometime around 9:30. What do you say?

For those who are interested, I’ll be attempting a live blog of the AFC Championship. I say attempting, because as we found out last week, technology sometimes gets in the way of best intentions. Even if it doesn’t work, I promise to jot down my thoughts as they happen and post-it in “tape delay� form as soon as possible.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

What does the picture have to do with a gambling entry, you ask?

Absolutely nothing! But would you rather look at another photo of a guy with a paper bag on his head or Gisele Bundchen one more time? I thought so!

Now then…3-games remaining in the NFL gambling season (4 if you count the Pro Bowl, but that’s for the serious addicts only!)…The Victim rebounded from a rough first week of post-season prognostication to post a 75% winning percentage last weekend, putting him back at even money for the playoffs.

How will the chips fall from here on out? Let’s gaze into the crystal ball:

Chicago (-2 ½) over New Orleans
New England (+3) over Indianapolis

***As an added bonus for you over/under and money line players, The Victim has even gone so far as to predict a final score and comfortable victory for the Patriots…35-17

Last week: 3-1
Playoff record: 4-4
Regular season record: 54-35
Overall record: 58-39

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

One of the best things about covering the Patriots at this time of year (besides free access to Conference Championships, Super Bowls, and food…LOL!) is how the same old boring routines change a bit.

First of all, only during the national press conference before the AFC title game or the Super Bowl does Bill Belichick discard the frumpy sweats and break out the business suits. Remember how during the 2001 playoffs, Lawyer Milloy kept referring to the trip to Pittsburgh for the Conference Championship as "a business trip." Well, you can bet that started from the top, and the attitude continues to this day.

The coach also speaks differently than he does to the regular media horde that covers the team in Foxboro. The tone is different, the responses even more humble than usual, and you almost get a sense of accomplishment at his team even being there.

Not that the coach gives out any more info than at other times, but with more national writers there that aren’t familiar with what he’ll talk about and what he’ll deflect, you often times get interesting questions and funny exchanges. Like this one:

Q: Coach, if you were preparing a defense to oppose Tom Brady, what would you most be concerned about?
COACH BILL BELICHICK: "You think I want to answer that question? (Laughter) I'm glad I don't have to play against Tom Brady."

Amen! I think we're all with the coach on that one!

Then there was this discovery by Tom Brady in the midst of a question about Colts safety Bob Sanders, which led to the surprised look in the picture:

TOM BRADY: "Yes, I think he's one of their best play makers. I just found a few bucks in my pocket, isn't that nice (chuckling). That's a good feeling, isn't it? About 40 bucks."
Q. It might not be your suit? (Laughter)
TOM BRADY: "Might not be. Lucky day."

When you’re Tom Brady, it seems like every day’s a lucky day, doesn’t it?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Well…time for my Conference Championship predictions. The Victim’s picks will follow sometime tomorrow, and judging by his success rate this year, you’d be wise to pay attention. But allow a brief moment of back-patting on this end.

You’ll notice I didn’t post any predictions last week. No need to…a 4-for-4 opening round left the Divisional Playoff matchups intact. Why mess with success? A 3-1 mark followed, with only the Colts upset of the Ravens (who happened to be my Super Bowl pick) keeping playoff perfection out of reach. The good news is, it made my pre-season selection of a New England @ Indianapolis AFC title tilt a reality. (Amazing how I can always spin things my way, isn’t it?)

Anyway, I’m going to pull a “Kerry� here, flip-flopping the NFC pick. I originally had the Bears beating the Saints, but after what I’ve seen the first two weeks of the playoffs, I’m going to go with the national darlings from New Orleans to make their first ever trip to the Super Bowl, despite the fact the city has hosted more than any other. I simply have no faith in Rex Grossman, and that banged-up Chicago defense is not the same unit that terrorized the league in September and October.

Which brings us to the real Super Bowl…Patriots vs. Colts. I can see an argument either way. I won’t keel over in shock if Indy wins, and I damn well won’t be stunned by another Belichick-Brady playoff conquest. (How’s that for straddling the fence!) But if you point a gun to my head (please don’t)…

27-24 Colts in a nail-biter…my September guess comes true. They’ve been the better team twice in a row, and the fear factor is gone. Give Adam Vinatieri the winning points and Peyton Manning his first trip to the big game.

O.K…Let me have it! Tell me I’m not loyal. Tell me I’m stupid for picking against the Killer-B’s! But do me a favor…give me your final score. If this monkey is going out on that limb, it wants some company!

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

News Flash: ESPN reports Trot Nixon has agreed to a 1-year deal with the Cleveland Indians. The 10-year veteran, whose entire career was spent in the Red Sox organization, will be paid $3-million dollars.

Teddy’s Take: I can’t think of a single reason why the Red Sox should have brought Nixon back. And yet, it’s going to be very strange watching him in any uniform other than Boston’s

Nixon’s career stats aren’t overly impressive, especially when you consider how well he’s been paid the last few years. His production, most notably in the power department, dropped off considerably, and he was always a nagging injury waiting to happen.

But boy, did the former high school quarterback give it his all every time he wore that uniform. Nixon was the ultimate “Dirt Dog,� the first to jump into a skirmish, and the last to demand the spotlight. My favorite memory of the right-fielder was how he owned Roger Clemens.

Nixon used to tattoo the Texas con man, especially after Clemens tried busting him inside a couple of times in that memorable Sunday Night Baseball pitching duel against Pedro Martinez. Trot belted the two-run home run that won the game for the Sox at Yankees Stadium. He also blasted a homer during Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS to help chase Rocket from the mound early. And let’s not forget that .357 average in the World Series. As with every member of that magical team, Nixon will always hold a special place in this Red Sox fan's heart.

So long Trot and thanks for the memories!

With the price tag so low, should the Sox have brought Nixon back? Won’t it be weird seeing him wear and Indians cap? And what are they going to do with that disgusting batting helmet of his?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

No, we didn’t get John Travolta or Kirstie Alley, but SunTalk Live’s guest list continues to impress.

Former Patriots Defensive End, Garin Veris, joins us this coming Monday to discuss the Patriots-Colts matchup and hopefully preview a New England Super Bowl appearance. Veris, a member of the ’86 Patriots who took it on the chin against Chicago, is rooting hard for a Pats-Bears rematch in Miami. Veris currently works at the University of New Hampshire as Co-Director of Athletic Fundraising for the Wildcats Athletic Council.

To listen in on the program or to participate, dial (978)364-TALK between 7-8pm. I suggest you call in a few minutes early so as not to miss anything. You can also peek in on the festivities by visiting SunTalk Live at LowellSun.com. Our webcam made its debut last Monday and was a smashing hit, despite the fact my face was featured prominently in the video.

Talk to you soon…and GO PATS!

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Much is made of the Patriots-Colts rivalry. As fans, we like to think our team works up the same hatred of the opposition that we do. You can hear it in the way most New Englanders detest the Colts and root against them at every opportunity.

Perhaps this is true with some of the position players, the guys who are banging heads for 60-minutes. But when it comes to the two quarterbacks, you won’t find a bigger mutual admiration society than the one created by Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

At this point, the friendship between the two is pretty well apparent, the complete opposite to Pats fans, who tend to look upon Manning as the devil in a horseshoe helmet. Even worse, he’s widely regarded as a terrible field general and a choker.

Q: What’s your relationship with Peyton [Manning], and is it fun for you