April 2007 Archives

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

While flicking through the channels in search of something worthwhile to watch on TV one night, I discovered two things; 1) I really miss ESPN Classic (thanks for taking it away Comcast!) and 2) a taped Democratic Presidential debate.

Now the concept of a debate taking place a full ten months before the first primary is ridiculous enough, but the brief time my clicker finger froze on C-Span provided an even more surreal moment. One of the candidates (I won’t say who, but she’s the one with as many name changes as favorite baseball teams) uttered the following; “If I knew then what I know now about Iraq, I wouldn’t have voted in favor of the war.”

Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t the point of being a “leader” to know then what you know now? Isn’t that what made George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and the rest of history’s great visionaries stand apart from the rest?

Before getting too far off track (and before alienating any more people than I already have), let’s get to the point; why do we hold our political leaders to a lower standard than our sports leaders? Mike O’Connell makes a bad decision trading Joe Thornton and he’s sent packing. Presidential candidates make bad decisions on matters of life and death and begin packing for Pennsylvania Avenue.

Which got me thinking; if our sports figures used similar logic, would we cut them the same slack voters cut their political figures? For example;

If he knew then that Roger Clemens would get better as his head grew to “Bondsian” proportions, would Dan Duquette still be Red Sox General Manager now?

If he knew then that starting rookie lefty Bobby Sprowl over Yankee killer Bill Lee in the middle of the Boston Massacre wouldn’t stop the slide, would Don Zimmer be the most beloved bald-headed manager in Red Sox history now?

If they knew then that Alex Rodriguez is the only Yanks veteran whose skills aren’t in decline, would those fraudulent New York fans have stopped booing him sooner so he wouldn’t be counting down the days till he can tell them what to do with their curtain calls now?

If he knew then that cotton uniforms shrink in the rain, would George Costanza be George Steinbrenner’s right-hand man now?

If he knew then that Chris Canty was a better dancer than cornerback, would Bobby Grier still be calling the shots for the Patriots now?

If he knew then that jury acquittals don’t necessarily allow a return to a celebrity lifestyle, would O.J. Simpson have just gone straight to the airport that night and not be such a public pariah now?

If Sebastian Telfair knew then that 3rd string point guards don’t get more than three strikes, would he possess a license to carry a gun now?

If he knew then that the NBA draft lottery wouldn’t produce Tim Duncan, would Rick Pitino have stayed at Kentucky and still be considered a coaching genius now?

If he knew then that Vin Baker hit the bottle harder than he hit the defensive glass, would Chris Wallace be running the Celtics now?

If Jim Campanini and Dennis Whitton knew then how sarcastic and abrasive my writing style was, would they allow me to pollute their newspaper and internet sites now?

What are some other bad judgment calls from the world of sports? Seeing as how they survived incompetence for what seems an eternity, should Matt Millen and Harry Sinden run for political office?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

A little role reversal this weekend as, for once, the Patriots steal the spotlight from the Red Sox…in the middle of a Yankees series, no less.

The Pats draft day maneuverings and trade for Randy Moss top the agenda on this week’s SunTalk Live. Lowell Sun Patriots writer David Pevear is my co-host for what promises to be an exciting hour of SportsTalk. Here’s your chance to sound off on the Moss acquisition and the rest of New England’s draft day dealings.

Do you like the trade? Should they start engraving the Lombardi Trophy now? Tell us what you think by dialing (978)364-TALK (8255) a little before 7pm.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

The world of fun and games takes a step back to reality this afternoon with news that Josh Hancock was killed in a car accident.

The St. Louis Cardinals pitcher died when the automobile he was driving struck a tow truck a little after 12:35am. The tow truck had stopped to assist another vehicle involved in a prior accident. The 29-year old Hancock was pronounced dead at the scene.

The death hits home around these parts, as Hancock began his minor league career with the Lowell Spinners in 1998. "The news is upsetting to me and a lot of people in baseball," said Spinners owner Drew Weber. "Josh was part of the Spinners family."

Hancock made his major league debut with Boston in September of 2002. Two months later, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for Jeremy Giambi. He also had a stop in Cincinnati before landing in St. Louis as a member of the Cards 2006 World Series champions. Hancock pitched 3-innings Saturday against Chicago, just hours before the tragic accident.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

When some people are wrong, they’re wrong. Boy was I ever WRONG about Randy Moss coming to the Patriots. Consider this hurried post your opportunity to remind me how WRONG I was.

If you missed it, the Pats gave up a 4th round pick (#110 overall) to the Raiders for the mercurial wide receiver. Left unsaid right now is whether New England renegotiated Moss’ very expensive contract, but I’m guessing that’s coming somewhere along the line.

Now then, you all know what I’ve said about Moss before...a malcontent, a quitter, the kind of guy Bill Belichick would never have on his roster. And with all that, I absolutely, positively love the deal, because it basically cost the Patriots nothing. They gave up a 4th round pick they didn’t even posses heading into the draft for one of the top talents in the history of the position, who may still have something left in the tank.

If he continues to be a problem child, he’ll be gone faster than you can say Terry Glenn. If his skills have completely deteriorated, then they basically have another lousy receiver, something Tom Brady is used to anyway.

But if there’s anything there at all, even 75% of what Moss used to be, Brady and the Patriots have a weapon the likes of which they’ve never seen. Think about it…if Tom Terrific can make competent contributors out of Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney, just imagine what he can do with a healthy, motivated Randy Moss.

This non-believer, for one, can’t wait to see!

OK folks…let’s hear the I told you so’s! Can you believe they got Moss so cheaply? Can he be rejuvenated in Foxboro? Will the Patriots lose a game this year?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

A loooooooooooooong afternoon finally ticks toward the moment we've all been waiting for. Here's how it unfolded for the local gridiron gang:

4:32pm NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell steps to the podium and announces; “With the 23rd pick in the first round, the Kansas City Chiefs select Dwayne Bowe, Wide Receiver, LSU.” And with that, the New England Patriots are on the clock.

The Brady Quinn saga has dominated the draft up to this point, but the Pats, the only team with two first rounders, take center stage now with two of the next five selections. As stated earlier, I’ll keel over in shock if they keep both.

4:35pm The ESPN crew begins what will soon become an intolerable discussion on what the Patriots need/want/should do. Don’t get me wrong. I love the draft. But this thing seems to get longer every year…no reason on god’s green earth why the first round should take so long.

4:38pm Conversation switches to Browns GM Phil Savage. Romeo Crennel’s boss had a good day today, snaring a stud O-Lineman at #3 and still getting Quinn at #22. Yes, they gave up a lot to the Cowboys, but they also saved a ton of money on what the Notre Dame QB would have cost them at the top of the draft. Still waiting for some serious discussion on names the Pats should consider at this point.

4:45pm Finally, a list of names to consider. So why do I get the feeling none of them is on the Belichick/Pioli board? Either that or I vote for the Miami TE.

4:47pm P.S. Jets fans booed the Commish as he walked to the podium to announce the Pats pick. Don’t hate on us folks. You know you want to be like us!

Brandon Meriweather, Safety, Miami: the fourth safety selected so far today. (Meriweather's profile on NFL.com)

The position is no surprise. The player perhaps is. To the non-draftknicks, Meriweather is best remembered for his role in the famous Miami-East Carolina brawl. He also has a gun issue in his background (oh no, not another Sebastian Telfair), though that had something to do with firing at a guy who killed his roommate.

I like Chris Mortenson’s point that the Bengals couldn’t have gotten away with that selection, but the Patriots could. That’s what happens when a strong leader builds a great environment. You can take a chance on a talent that’s slipped a bit in the draft because your veterans can probably keep him in line.

5:16pm Almost forgot the Sox-Yankees game is going on. Too lazy to change the channel, so a quick glance at StatTracker shows me a scoreless game in the 4th. My fantasy team, on the other hand, has a 7-3 advantage. Did I mention I love the internet?

5:21pm The Saints make their choice at #27, putting New England back on the clock. In the interim, I noticed Posada just homered. 2-0 Yanks. Did I mention how much I hate the internet? LOL!

5:30pm Restaurant is getting busy a bit earlier than usual. Either that, or this damn draft is really dragging. Gonna have to say buh-bye as soon as the Pats pick. Anyone expecting detailed analysis of what they do should tune elsewhere. Then again, they probably already have.

5:32pm There’s a shock! A trade. San Francisco gets the pick. Just as I (and everyone else) suspected, New England will not draft twice in the first round.

Pats get Niners first rounder in 2008, plus a 4th rounder this year. I think San Fran is on the right track, but I’m willing to bet next year’s pick will be better than #28, so it’s an apparent improvement for the locals, whose own pick next year could very well be #32. For you slow pokes out there, that’s the pick the Super Bowl winner is awarded.

Have a good night!

What are your thoughts on what the Patriots have done so far? Can Meriweather be kept under control? Was there a different player out there you'd rather have seen them grab? Should they have kept the second pick and grabbed more immediate help?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

You ever hear the saying; never miss an opportunity to keep your mouth shut? Doug Mirabelli might want to consider that next time he gets the urge to talk to Gary Thorne.

We don’t yet know exactly what Mirabelli told Thorne. I’m not sure we’ll ever really know. I’m willing to go out on a limb however and guess that the Red Sox backup catcher said SOMETHING to the Orioles play-by-play guy about the bloody sock, whether it was intended seriously, jokingly, or sarcastically. I can’t imagine a broadcaster of any reputation, let alone a national voice like Thorne’s, pulling a total lie out of you know where.

A lot of people have made sarcastic comments about Schilling faking the bloody sock thing to enhance his legend, including some former teammates with Arizona. So I’m not going to get on Thorne too much for going in that direction unless it was totally fabricated. However, for a teammate to say it, no matter what the intent, is capital S-T-U-P-I-D. We haven’t heard from Schilling yet (monitoring his blog constantly though), but he can’t be too pleased about Mirabelli engaging in such a discussion. Was it said as a joke or was it said out of jealousy/dislike for a teammate who tends to soak up the spotlight and might be rubbing some other folks in the clubhouse the wrong way because of it? I doubt we’ll ever know, but you can bet Curt Schilling and Doug Mirabelli do. And that’s an unnecessary dynamic to introduce into the clubhouse of a team with World Series aspirations.

To paraphrase Schilling’s WEEI comments to Butch Stearns: Doug, that’s a stupid, idiotic thing to say!

What do you think of the Thorne-Mirabelli-Schilling-bloody sock brouhaha? Will
it lead to clubhouse tension? Will Theo Epstein move quickly to get Mirabelli out of town?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Try saying that three times fast!

It’s time for our annual contest to see who can correctly predict the Patriots first selection in the 2007 NFL draft. This time, the winner(s) will get a pair of tickets to a Lowell Spinners game this summer. We tried this last year (with Lock Monsters tix as a prize), but to no one’s surprise, Bill Belichick outfoxed us all by taking Laurence Maroney with the first pick.

This time around, most people are guessing the Pats will select a LB or DB. Some think a WR, TE or RB to add depth. Perhaps even an OL or DL to groom for the future. It’s really not that complicated, to be honest. I may not know the player’s name, but I know exactly what position the Patriots will draft: BAP.

For those who haven’t figured it out yet, that’s Best Available Player, the one constant in Belichick and Scott Pioli’s draft strategy. They simply draft the best football player on their board when they decide it’s the right time/value to select him, regardless of how much depth they seemingly have at that particular position. That’s why, year after year, New England manages to survive and thrive despite a rash of injuries that cripple most other teams. They draft good players and find a role for them.

So hop to it all you Mel Kiper wannabes. Tell us who will be the first name called out by the Pats on draft day. To help us out, please include a college and position, and be sure to leave some way for me to identify you and contact you should your guess be correct. (If you don’t want that info public, drop me a note at tpanos@lowellsun.com)

Good luck!

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

If last year’s process that led to Houston drafting Mario Williams instead of presumed #1 pick Reggie Bush taught us anything, it’s that anything can happen at the top of the NFL draft.

Most people (including this fool) believed the Williams flirtation was just a way for the Texans to lower the cost of signing Bush. Then Houston went ahead and stunned everyone the day before the draft by announcing that they’d signed a contract agreement with the Defensive End. The Heisman Trophy winner went second to a very pleasantly surprised New Orleans team.

This year, the dynamic is even more intriguing, because there are now three guys in the mix. The belief over the past few months is that the Raiders would select LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell. However, Al Davis and crew are reportedly negotiating with Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson and Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn as well. ProFootballTalk.com is even reporting the Silver and Black have gone so far as to make a lowball offer to Quinn.

Most every scout and analyst believes Johnson is the safest bet, the one player in this draft sure to be a stud. Can the Raiders, with such an obvious need at QB, afford to draft a WR at #1 and pay him #1 money? Then again, there’s also a belief they’ll be trading Randy Moss to Green Bay, opening up a slot at receiver, so who knows.

Smart money still says Oakland goes with Russell, but as we saw in ’06, teams sometimes aren’t very smart with the top overall pick.

What do you think the Raiders will do with the #1 pick…Russell, Quinn, Johnson or trade it? What should they do? How do you see the rest of the top-5 playing out? (We’ll get to the Patriots a little later)

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

OK all you aspiring Idols, the time is drawing near.

The Lowell Spinners, the team that brought you the “Yankees Elimination” uniform swap and “Kerouac Bobblehead Doll” giveaway, are hosting “Spinners Idol,” an opportunity for aspiring singers to belt out the national anthem at the June home opener and Futures at Fenway game in August. Open auditions take place Thursday May 3rd at Hookslide Kelly’s (sponsor of SportsTalk Live) in Lowell and Thursday May 10th at The Skybox Restaurant in Tewksbury. Deserving vocalists will get to sing the national anthem at LeLacheur Park during the 2007 season, but the grand prize winner gets the opener plus the August 11th game at Fenway Park, not to mention studio time to record a demo tape with MusicBall Entertainment in Boston. (More details and sign up sheets can be found at www.lowellspinners.com)

No word yet on whether Sanjaya Malakar participates in the contest, but I wouldn’t be at all shocked to see Taylor Hicks enter the fray. It’s not like last year’s “Idol” winner is doing much these days, and right now, even that Carnival Cruise Lines gig I was predicting looks mighty iffy for the glorified karaoke performer!

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

I know practically, if not everyone in New England was watching the Red Sox sweep the Yankees this weekend; but as a true hockey fan I was glued to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Here are some exerpts from the column I wrote in Sunday's Sun:

While the rest of New England was waiting to see if the Red Sox could come back from a four-run deficit in the eighth inning (which they did), I was watching Ryan Miller, the Buffalo Sabres netminder, stand on his head as the New York Islanders were throwing anything and everything at the net; desperately trying to keep themselves from being eliminated from the playoffs in game five (which they didn’t).

To this hockey fan, there is simply nothing better than the Stanley Cup playoffs, even without my favorite team (hint, they wear a spoked B on their jersey front).
And so far I have not been disappointed.
The hits are fiercer, the speed and tempo are at a max and suddenly goalies turn themselves into brick walls and are all over the nightly highlight reels.

I would rather watch hockey every night of the week and twice on Sunday than watch a pitcher stare at his catcher waiting for the right sign before delivering the actual pitch nearly two minutes later.
I would rather sit through two 20-minute intermissions watching highlights of the games than having stoppage in play after every pitch and a commercial break after every three outs.
I want the speed. I want the hits. I want the saves and I want the goals.
I know I’m greedy, but what other sport gives you all of that and then some?
Finally, you know you’re a hockey fan when you only consider two seasons throughout the year — hockey season and three months of bad skating.

Here are two of the emails I received in response to my column:

Hi Gayle,
Loved your article on hockey yesterday. Like you, I also love hockey, no matter who's playing. Especially during playoffs. Around here I am hardly satisfied with the attention/coverage given it. You're lucky if you get the scores, never mind any highlights or conversation about it.
I like it when the Sun gives the box scores, the easiest way to follow what's going on. I don't have cable or direct TV, so I sure am thankful for weekend games on channel 7.
I used to follow baseball, until big business sucked the fun out of it. Unlike you, that was always my favorite. Hockey was second. Basketball is boring to me. Football I like, but that doesn't conflict with playoff hockey.
My picks are Buffalo, with Ottawa the other major contender.
In the west I like Detroit. Like Edmonton last year, I thought Vancouver would be the sleeper in the west this year. But the Sedin guys so far aren't doing that voodoo that they do so well.
Keep up the good work!
Mark, Lowell

Hi Gayle,
My name is Al and I am a Dracut resident and I am thrilled when I can find some one else who agrees that there is no better sport to witness than PLAYOFF HOCKEY!!!!! The hits, the goals, the saves and yes the fights as well, there is nothing more exciting in sports.
Like you I like Buffalo in the East but think that the Senators should be watched closely. In the West I like the Sharks but think the Redwings are going to be tough to beat.
Anyway, just wanted to say I loved the article in Sunday's Sun.

So, Sports Talk readers, do you agree with me, Mark and Al? And for the record, yes I did see the four-straight home runs Manny, Drew, Lowell and Varitek hit - only because I was having dinner with my parents. As soon as I got home, I put on the deciding game between the Red Wings and Calgary. While most of you will be watching the Sox host Toronto tonight, I'll be watching the first Game 7 (Dallas/Vancouver) of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Drafting some blue-chip thoughts while wondering which windbag will be the first to burst; Chris Berman or Mel Kiper, Jr.:

I’d be shocked if the Patriots kept both the 24th and 28th picks Saturday. The pre-draft buzz has the bottom of the first round being second round quality. Translation; a lot of guys are going to be guaranteed salaries they may not deserve. That doesn’t sound like the Belichick/Pioli business plan, does it?

There’s an old gambling adage about never betting against a streak, so I’m still sticking with the Yankees as 2007 AL East champs. But Joe Torre having to use Andy Pettitte (the same Andy Pettitte with a history of elbow problems) in relief just two nights after the Yanks lefty tossed 100-pitches in a starting role has to be worrisome to the Evil Empire’s Stormtroopers. The pitching force is no longer with them.

Speaking of troubled New Yorkers, Sebastian Telfair is Exhibit A why forcing high schoolers to spend at least one year in college is a great idea. For every Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett, there are at least ten Telfairs jumping to the NBA before they’re ready physically, or more importantly, emotionally. Placing millions of dollars in one’s bank account before they can properly handle it doesn’t help the growing up process, either.

On the other hand, I’m 100% behind Telfair’s request for a year of leniency on his promise of the Celtics making the playoffs. SunBloggers might recall a certain idiot blogger vowing to run through downtown Lowell in nothing but boxer shorts if the C’s finished with a worse record than the Knicks.

In a show of support for Bassy, I’m requesting a year of leniency, too. Plus, I think we’re doing enough to scare off new downtown residents as is!

Kudos to David Stern, who’s been knocked in this space before, for his tough stand with referee Joey Crawford. When an official gets to the point of ejecting quiet superstars like Tim Duncan simply for laughing, it’s time for the ref to say night-night.

Not just that, but he also challenged the 7-foot center to a fight. I’m not sure who wins megalomaniac of the week, Crawford or Alec Baldwin. Though I’m guessing the man in stripes at least knows how old Duncan is.

Hey Alec…didn’t you say you’d leave the country about 8-years ago? Now might be a good time to dig out the passport, don’t you think?

You can’t help but be happy for Micky Ward. Training old foe Arturo Gatti earns Irish Micky a pretty good payday and will soon lead him to the corner of more national fighters. The local legend has been trying to find a niche since his fight days ended, but more than a few folks who made promises when they wanted to bask in his spotlight seemed to disappear when it came time to return the favor.

The timing of the new gig works out pretty well, too. Filming for the Ward-Ecklund movie “The Fighter” has been delayed until at least September while the script is re-worked. Gatti fights July 14th, at which point Ward will return to the Mill City. That’s perfect timing for Mark Wahlberg, who plans a move to Lowell a couple of months before shooting begins, to follow The Mick and get into character. Yes, you read that correctly. Wahlberg will be spending time in the Mill City, shadowing Ward.

Ladies, start your engines!

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

OK all you media bashers out there. Here’s your chance to tell us what you think of us and how we do our jobs.

Bruce Allen joins us for this Monday night’s edition of SportsTalk. Bruce is a self-described “tech guy” who five years ago created the wildly popular web site Boston Sports Media Watch. The site provides comprehensive links to articles from all of New England’s major newspapers on a daily basis.

But the best part of the site is Allen’s willingness to tackle all aspects of the local media, particularly the way they cover the teams, calling out writers and broadcasters for inconsistencies in their stories and opinions, or in the “agendas” they promote. His no holds bar style has often earned him snide criticism on the WEEI airwaves.

Barry Scanlon of the Lowell Sun also joins in the discussion, and we’ll be having a guest from one of the local television stations with us as well to talk about all aspects of the media and how the added dynamic of the internet is changing the way we gather information about our favorite teams and athletes.

As always, showtime is 7-8pm. The number to participate or listen in is (978)364-TALK (8255). We hope to hear from you Monday night!

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The Boston Celtics did post a statement on the team website in response to the arrest of 21-year-old point guard Sebastian Telfair around 4 a.m. on Friday. He was pulled over for speeding in Yonkers, N.Y., and was found to have a loaded .45-caliber handgun in his car.

Telfair, who just completed his first season with the Celtics after two years in Portland, faces charges or second-degree possession of a weapon (a felony) and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Statement from Celtics Managing Partner and CEO Wyc Grousbeck:
We're very disappointed that Sebastian Telfair has put himself in this position. We are taking this situation very seriously and are continuing to gather information on the matter. Our players have been explicitly warned this season about the consequences of violating the law, as well as league and team policies regarding hand guns. There will be significant consequences for of any violation of these policies. We will closely monitor developments and take the appropriate action once we have all the facts.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Ohio State big man Greg Oden is expected to finally announce his entry into the NBA Draft through a statement to be released today. The freshman is expected by many to be one of the top two picks in the June 28 draft.

Oden, a 7-foot tall 280-pound center from Indianapolis, Indiana, was an Associated Press First Team All-American. He led the Buckeyes in scoring (15.4 ppg), rebounding (9.5 rpg) and blocks (3.33 bpg). The freshman big man was also a finalist for the John R. Wooden Award.

A right wrist injury kept Oden out for an early portion of Ohio State’s season, but he still managed to be named the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year, the league's Defensive Player of the Year and a first team All-Big Ten selection.

He set the Buckeyes' freshman record for blocks (100) and is second all-time among Ohio State rookies in rebounding average (9.5 rpg.), and field goal percentage (.616).

Telfair pulled over with a gun
According to the The Journal News out of New York, Boston Celtics guard Sebastian Telfair was pulled over for speeding early this morning in Yonkers, N.Y., and subsequently charged with second-degree possession of a weapon (a felony) and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Westchester County police spokesman Kieran O’Leary was quoted in the story as saying of Telfair, "He was very polite and cooperative with our officer.”

Telfair, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., was the subject or a robbery during the Celtics preseason visit to New York. He was the subject of much attention during that time period.

Keeping eyes and ears open
Don't get fired up behind those trade possibilities just yet. You never know what the off-season might bring.

Despite the dreadful performance of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kevin Garnett may not be up for grabs this off-season. Kevin McHale is apparently ready to take another crack at building around the nine-time NBA All-Star.

Click here for Minneapolis Star Tribune story (registration required).

Elsewhere, Memphis Grizzlies forward Pau Gasol, who reportedly requested a trade during the season, sounds to have softened his position at the end of the Grizzlies season. He spoke of being optimistic and chances of being a good team next year.

Click here to read the Memphis Commercial Appeal story.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

With all due respect to the Royals, Rangers, Mariners, Angels and Blue Jays, the first “real” game of the 2007 Red Sox season takes place tonight at Fenway Park.

The Evil Empire invades Beantown for a 3-game series which shapes up as a very important weekend for Boston’s Boys of Summer. Rest assured, the division won’t be decided over the next three days, but a tone might be set. The Yankees come to town beat up, especially in the starting rotation, while the Sox used a couple of rain days to perfectly set up their 3-aces…Shilling, Beckett and Dice-K for this series.

Can the Bronx Bombers survive losing 2-out-of-3 or even getting swept? Of course they can. They usually don’t make their move till August, anyway. Can the Red Sox survive a lost weekend? Mathematically, yes. Psychologically? Let’s just say the Yanks slapping around Schilling, Matsuzaka or the new and improved Beckett wouldn’t be a very good sign long-term. (P.S. Tell me you’re not at least getting some satisfaction out of watching A-Rod tear it up, knowing full well that just when those fraud Yankees fans start to love him, he’ll tell them where to stick it and walk at the end of the season!)

I agree with you patience preachers; it’s just three games, in April no less. But we all know any game against the Yankees is never just a game, is it?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Micky Ward is taking a major step up in class as a boxing trainer.

The former Lowell fighter has been tabbed to replace Buddy McGirt as Arturo Gatti’s head trainer for his upcoming bout. Gatti is scheduled to enter the ring July 14th in Atlantic City against a yet unnamed opponent.

“This came totally out of the blue” said Ward, who received a call from his one-time adversary a little after noon Thursday. “I’m surprised, but excited at the opportunity to train a 3-time World Champion.”

The legendary warriors became close friends after their epic three fight trilogy beginning in May of 2002. Ward retired after their last bout in June of 2003 and has been in the corner for all six of Gatti’s fights since, but in a largely ceremonial role. This marks the first time Ward will be calling all the shots at ringside and leading up to the fight. Besides studying tape and helping put together a game plan during training camp, Ward will also take an active role in sparring sessions.

Lowell’s 41-year old favorite son leaves April 29th for Gatti’s training camp in Vero Beach, Florida, where he’ll stay for the next nine weeks. “I was never gone that long even when I was fighting,” said Ward. “But I can’t wait. This could open up opportunities for me with other big name fighters.”

Ward also reports plans are progressing on the movie chronicling his and half-brother Dickie Ecklund’s lives. The original plan called for filming of “The Fighter” to begin this summer, but the time frame has been pushed back to the fall while the script is being re-worked.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

And so the 2006-07 season comes to an end with the Celtics finishing 24-58 (12-29 at home, 12-29 on the road). That was good enough for fifth place in the Atlantic Division, last in the Eastern Conference and second-worst in the NBA.

A two-year total of 57 wins is less than sparkling.

To put that in perspective, The Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs each won more than 57 games this season alone.

The 1987-88 Celtics won 57 games in that season alone. Back in the 1985-86 season, The Green won 40 home games. That's just home games mind you.

As far as bouncing back from a lackluster season like this one...

The example of the Chicago Bulls shows us that it’s not necessarily a one-year makeover from cellar to playoff contender.

The Bulls finished the 2001-02 season with a record of 21-61, worst in the Eastern Conference and tied with Golden State for the worst in the NBA.

They jumped up to 30 wins in 2002-03, but were back down to 23 wins in 2003-04 (second worst in the NBA).

In 2004-05 they improved to 47-35 despite losing their first nine game and finished with the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. Ben Gordon was sixth man of the year. Luol Deng and Gordon were on the All-Rookie team.

The only carryovers from 2003-04 to 2004-05 were Jannero Pargo, Antonio Davis, Tyson Chandler, Eddy Curry, and Kirk Hinrich.

Among the players who did not return was Jamal Crawford, a former eighth overall draft pick who had provided 17 points per game for Chicago and duplicated that output the following season in New York.

The Celtics can control the contracts of 14 players heading into the 2007-08 season. Vin Baker’s contract ($5.33 million in 2006-07) finally comes off the books and Michael Olowokandi played this season on a one-year deal.

The largest contracts, other than Paul Pierce’s, that could possibly be used in trade scenarios are Theo Ratliff’s ($11.66 million) and Wally Szczerbiak’s ($12 million).

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Don't cue up the music for Hail to the Chief. There's only one "Chief" as far as the Boston Celtics go, but RIch Gotham will be the President.

The Celtics announced today that Gotham has been promoted from Chief Operating Officer (COO) to team President. In his new role, Gotham will be responsible for all aspects of the Celtics business operations, reporting to CEO and Managing Partner Wyc Grousbeck. In addition, he will continue to work closely with Celtics Basketball Operations and the NBA on strategic initiatives and team-related matters.

Previous Boston Celtics Presidents include Arnold “Red” Auerbach and Rick Pitino.

“Under Rich’s guidance, the Boston Celtics organization has achieved great success in growing our business,” Grousbeck said in a press release. “This promotion recognizes Rich’s leadership in organizing and driving our business efforts and his commitment to excellence in all of the Celtics’ off-court charitable and community activities. I am very pleased that Rich will continue to lead the organization into the future.”

Gotham, a resident of Medfield, Mass., and Providence College alum, joined the Celtics as the Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Corporate Development in April 2003 and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in June of 2006.

Prior to working for the Celtics, he had a successful career in the online media and internet technology industries. He spent five years holding senior management positions with the global internet media company Lycos Inc, most recently as Vice President of Sales and Corporate Development. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Channel Sales and Market Development with FTP Software Inc.

Scal's surgery a success
The Boston Celtics announced today that forward Brian Scalabrine underwent successful right hand surgery this morning at New England Baptist Hospital. The surgery was performed by Dr. Hervey Kimball and was assisted by Celtics Team Physician, Dr. Brian McKeon.

Scalabrine appeared in 54 games this season for the Celtics, starting a career high 17. The sixth-year man averaged 4.0 points and 1.9 rebounds in 19.0 minutes per game this season.

Gomes garners an honor
The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation announced today that Celtics forward Ryan Gomes is the recipient of the First Annual Shamrock Foundation Community All-Star Award. Gomes will be presented the award at a pregame ceremony prior to tonight's Celtics game.

The Shamrock Foundation Community All-Star Award will be given annually at the end of each season to the player that best displays Celtic Pride through their work in the community.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Heard an interesting discussion on WEEI the other morning;

Dale and Holley were talking about the switch from Alex Gonzalez to Julio Lugo, and both were in agreement that the defensive downgrade wasn’t such a big deal. The question was asked (can’t remember by whom); how many games will be lost on plays Lugo failed to make that Gonzalez would have? The answer by both guys was; not many, if any at all.

Well, I’m counting one after Tuesday night in Toronto.

Daisuke Matsuzaka had one bad inning in his start against the Blue Jays (the 4th). Unfortunately, it cost the Red Sox the game as the offense couldn’t muster much against Gustavo “Cy Young against Boston” Chacin. But if Lugo makes a play I’m fairly certain Gonzalez does, the Sox very likely win 1-0 instead of losing 2-1.

If you don’t remember the situation, with men on first and second, Lyle Overbay lined a ball towards short that went right by the shortstop’s glove on a bounce. Granted, it was a very hard hit ball, but it took a true hop on the artificial turf. A very good (Gonzo was awesome) SS makes that play and turns it into a 6-4-3 double play, end of inning. Lugo didn’t make it, scoring one run and helping lead to the other when Matsuzaka temporarily lost his control. Not to mention, Dice-K threw 38-pitches in that one inning, leading to his removal after 6-frames.

Ultimately, it’s a forgettable play in a long season. However, it bears watching. Too many similar plays could come back to haunt the pitching staff and the team down the line.

Does anyone remember the play I’m talking about? Was it one Lugo should have made? Would A-Gone have made it? Did it cost the Sox the game or am I making a bigger deal out of it than I should have because it cost me the Dice-K win in my fantasy league? LOL!!!

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

*This is an extension of the end of season story I wrote for the Sun, these are some quotes that didn't make it in the paper* http://www.lowellsun.com/sports/ci_5695055

Goaltender Frank Doyle on not making the playoffs: "Obviously we're disappointed because we fell a few points shy for where we wanted to be. But, if you look aorund the league, our 88 points would have gotten us in the playoffs I think in every other division. We had a great year."

Veteran defenseman Dan McGillis on what it was like to be a leader on the team: "That's really nice for me to be able to help some guys because I was in the same situation as those guys a couple of years ago, (laughing) a few years ago. It's certainly nice to share some experiences that I've had in the NHL and with different leagues. I always tell the guys I've learned stuff from the young guys too and it's been a pleasure workign with a lot of the guys and playing with them. We just had a great group of guys here. There was always a big mixture of guys but I think everyone sincerely got along on our team which was great. We all came together as a team and that's very important. I'm sure that will carry on through into next year even if there are some personnel changing, they'll be a core of guys here that were here last year and they'll make sure it runs the same way."

Rookie goaltender Jordan Parise on his brother Zach's play in the playoffs: "He's playing well. This is a big year for him. He had a very good season and he seemed to carry it over into the playoffs. I think that's awesome. He's having a lot more fun. He's a lot more comfortable, a lot more confident in his game and it's definitely showing."

Coach Kurt Kleinendorst basically wrapping it up: "One of the reasons that we came here (to Lowell) is because this is such a promising place to play for an American Hockey League team. The location, the facility, the location versus travel; there's a lot of things here conducive to developing young players and I think we see the benefit of that."

"Keep in mind, we feel winning is important - but no question development comes first. How much of a gap is there between developing and winning, well in our eyes this really is a developmental issue but in our eyes you can do both. I think we've proven this year that you can do both."

"One of the words that we throw around here is entitlement and I just love that word because I really do believe whether you're a young kid or an older veteran or somebody in between, you should have to earn your ice time and you shouldn't be entitled to anything and I think that was one of the things that we were pretty good about this year. Guys had to earn their playing time and they weren't entitled to ice time whether they were a vet, whether they were a rookie."

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

The last time we heard from Robert Cheruiyot, he’d knocked himself silly after slipping and falling while crossing the finish line at the Chicago Marathon. Today, the Kenyan runner avoided any pratfalls while besting the field at a rain-soaked Boston Marathon.

Instead of emergency care for a concussion, Cheruiyot received the traditional victory wreath and the $100,000 check that goes with it at the post-race ceremony. It was the third time he’d won Boston. Joining Cheruiyot on the winner’s stand was Russia’s Lydia Grigoryeva.

Generally, I like to poke fun at marathoners for what they do, but I’ll try to be good about the fact thousands of people saw the need to run in such lousy weather conditions. I can see why the top runners do it. After all, 100-G’s is 100-G’s. And those running for charity are at least doing it for a noble cause. But what about the rest of them? What are they thinking?

Simply put, I don’t see the need to run 26-miles in this day and age of cars and bicycles. Please don’t hit me with the argument that it was my ancestors who are responsible for the whole concept of a marathon. I can assure you, Pheiddipides would have hitched a ride or hailed a cab had one been available from Marathon to Athens.

As it is, I think it was a very poor strategic decision by the Greek army general not to supply his warrior a horse for the long trek back. Sending someone on a 26-mile jaunt, immediately after a tough battle no less, can’t be good for troop morale. Spare a pony, for Pete’s sake! Show the boys some love for risking their lives and winning!

(Then again, a general dumb enough to make a guy hoof it all that distance probably had all the horses on the front lines where they’d be killed anyway.)

Robert Cheruiyot and Lydia Grigoryeva received international acclaim and a 6-figure paycheck for their troubles. Legend has it Pheiddipides dropped dead immediately after his journey to declare “Niki” (victory) to the queen. (I told you a horse would have helped!)

When you look at it that way, running through a Nor'Easter or Cheruiyot’s concussion in the Windy City doesn’t seem so bad now, does it?

By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Greg Oden still isn't ready to say he's declaring for the NBA Draft, according to The Indianapolis Star website today.

The Star is the same paper that reported yesterday that Oden's father, Greg Oden Sr., said his son had decided to enter the NBA Draft.

According to the story on the website, Mike Conley Sr. (family friend, father of Ohio State freshman Mike Conley Jr., and aspiring sports agent) says a decision has not been made and that Oden will meet with Ohio State coach Thad Motta on Monday.

Story link - Oden staying mum on plans for the NBA

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

It looks like we’ll see if Celtics basketball operations man Danny Ainge can do what Bryan Colangelo has done in Toronto since taking over last February.

The Toronto Raptors enter play today with a record of 46-33 and with the Atlantic Division crown wrapped up. They also currently hold the third playoff position in the Eastern Conference.

Last year, the Raptors finished with a record of 27-55 which translates into a robust winning percentage of .329. In fact, they’ve had just one .500 season in their last five.

2004-05 season: 33-49 (.402)
2003-04: 33-49 (.402)
2002-03: 24-58 (.293)
2001-02: 42-40 (.512)

Before making the assumption that the Toronto roster was probably barren of legit talent, it should also be noted that Vince Carter didn’t get traded until during the 2004-05 season, and Chris Bosh was selected as a All-Star in 2005-06.

Still, Colangelo didn’t waste time shaking up the roster. Three of last year’s top five scorer’s no longer with the team (Mike James, Charlie Villanueva, and Matt Bonner).

Despite this fact, Toronto is the third-best scoring team in the Eastern Conference.

Colangelo’s off-season additions included signing Rasho Nesterovic, Jorge Garbojosa and Anthony Parker, acquiring point guard T.J. Ford, and drafting 7-foot tall Italian Andrea Bargnani with the first overall pick. Raptors guard Juan Dixon was added in February.

Ford, Bargnani, and Dixon have all averaged 10 points per game or more since joining the team. Ford has also dished out a career-high 8.0 assists per game (sixth-best in the NBA).

This year it will be Ainge’s turn to engineer a similar turnaround.

Click the comments link below to share your thoughts, questions, or just sound off on the Celtics?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

A quick program reminder;

Lowell High Athletic Director Brian Martin joins us on SunTalk Live Monday night. Dennis Whitton and I will have the pleasure of questioning Martin on everything involving the school’s athletic program, but we want to hear from you as well. A lot of issues have come to the forefront in the last year, and there has been no shortage of opinions expressed about the direction Lowell High’s teams are heading in.

So here’s your chance to have your voice heard and your questions answered. Dial (978)364-TALK (8255) to participate or listen in. Showtime is 7-8pm…we recommend you dial in a few minutes early.

Talk to you soon!

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Mark the date on your calendar. Check it off. Circle it. Put a star on it. Highlight it. Whatever it is you do to mark a monumental day, do it for May 22, 2007.

That’s the date the future of the Boston Celtics will be decided.

On that Tuesday night, the NBA holds its annual draft lottery in New Jersey. As of Friday April 13, 2007, the ducks are all lined up in a row. Concluding a week that saw Freshman Kevin Durant declare for the draft, the C’s officially clinched the second worst record in the league and Greg Oden’s father announced his son will follow Durant’s lead on a very fortunate Friday the 13th for Lucky the Leprechaun.

There are two franchise players available in the draft held June 28, 2007…Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. The Celtics have a 40% chance of landing one of the top two picks. If the ping-pong balls bounce the right way, the C’s will be an instant contender with Oden or a contender in waiting with Durant. A Tim Duncan-type lottery bounce and Danny Ainge will have his work cut out for him turning the third pick (or lower) into a valuable enough veteran to return the Green to their glory days.

April 13, 2007 helped set up May 22, 2007…which will determine what the C’s do June 28, 2007…which will set in motion the future of the Boston Celtics. The numbers on the calendar are now in place.

Let’s hope the lottery numbers cooperate.

What about it gang…can the Celtics recover if they end up missing out on one of the top two picks? Will a bad bounce on lottery day doom the franchise to another decade of rebuilding, just like the Duncan disaster did? Can even an Oden or Durant be enough to transform them into a contender?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

I’ve been debating exactly how to weigh in on the Don Imus controversy all week. Like most everyone in the country, I certainly have my share of opinions, many of them conflicted. Was the matter overblown? Did he deserve to get fired? Will any good ultimately come from the episode?

I guess that all depends on which direction you approach it from. From my perspective and background, Imus’ words are stupid and totally inexcusable, especially for a radio host. Yes, I understand such talk goes on every day in society and generally goes unpunished. But those of us who’ve worked on the airwaves and in print understand the ground rules the second we get into the business; you say something so inflammatory and insensitive on TV, radio or in print, you pay with your job more often than not. When large corporations and big money are involved, the glare of the spotlight is intensified exponentially.

Which brings us to the use of such language in other forums, be it comedy, film or music. For some strange reason, the same people who express outrage over Imus’ idiocy remain silent when others become millionaires glorifying the exact same words. Sure, some lip service gets paid to using this incident to clean up society as a whole, but I’ll guarantee you the furor will die down in a few days without a single national protest against others profiting from using such words.

Because I doubt there are many out there willing to defend Imus’ words, this is the direction I was hoping to lead the discussion into. But as a white Greek-American, I was afraid my thoughts would seem hollow and self-serving. Besides, with a tendency to put my foot in my mouth, what I meant to say and what would end up on these pages might not be the same thing…or make any sense.

And that’s where Jason Whitlock, a columnist for the Kansas City Star, comes in with a piece eloquently stating exactly what I would have penned had I possessed his skill as a writer or his credibility as an African-American. I urge you to read Whitlock’s column and come back to tell us what you think.

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

... everyone else in New England was watching Dice-K's home debut and you were watching opening night of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Versus.
And that's exactly what I was doing. As a hockey fan first there is no better playoffs than the quest for the Cup.

And so far I have not been disappointed.

First up was Ottawa and Pittsburg - what could be better than watching three of the best young players in the league (Crosby, Malkin and J. Staal) against some of the more seasoned players (Redden, Spezza, Alfredsson and Heatley). Even though the Sens blew out Pittsburg, the hitting alone was enough to get the blood pumping in this hockey fan. Do any Bruins fans remember when Sergei Gonchar played for the home team?

Then of course there was the game I fell asleep watching - it did go into four overtimes! Roberto Luongo made 72 saves for the Canucks win over the Dallas Stars - completely amazing! Can you imagine facing 76 shots in one game? Talk about getting your ice time.

Let's not forget Boston fans do have a team they can hope make it to the finals - Bruins-West; the San Jose Sharks...
With Jumbo Joe, Big Mac and Guerin in the line-up the Sharks took their first game against, Nashville, the team most think will come out of the west, in the second extra frame.

Even the Ducks had a hard time beating Minnesota in their first game - with another former Bruin - Brian Rolston - wearing a Wild uniform. I still wish the Bruins didn't let him walk before the lockout - they could've used him the past couple of seasons. Oh and for those keeping score, Anaheim's Sean O'Donnell also played for the Spoked-Bs at one point.

Tonight, my Stanley Cup pick, the Buffalo Sabres, dismantled the Islanders. Yes, yes I know Rick DiPietro wasn't in net - but I just think Buffalo is that good. By the way did you know that Chris Drury is a UFA at the end of the season? How good would he look in a Bruins sweater? He did play college hockey at BU, maybe he wants to come back... one can only hope. Let's not forget former Bs prospects Shawn Bates and Andy Hilbert are now in Isles sweaters.

The Devils also won their opening game against the Lightning, with Zach Parise, brother of Lowell Devil Jordan Parise, leading the way with two goals. What do you expect when you have a goaltender like Martin Brodeur in your net? Maybe Lou Lamoriello was right when he fired Claude Julien. For those keeping score, Lowell Devil Stephen Gionta's brother Brian also scored a goal in the Devils 5-3 win.

Detroit played to true fashion as they defeated Calgary 4-1 in their opening tilt. Again, Bruins fans should be rooting for the Flames with former Bs Brad Stuart and Wayne Primeau in the line-up.

Yet another former Bruin's team won their opening game, Paul Mara and the NY Rangers beat Atlanta 4-3. Let's not forget Michael Nylander, another one to wear the hometown sweater at one point is also playing for the Broadway Blueshirts and he scored a goal in the win. Tough guy Colton Orr is also a Ranger.

Do we see a pattern here? A lot of former Bruins are playing in the post season... Hopefully Peter Chiarelli takes note. Anyone out there watching the playoffs? Who's your pick to win Lord Stanley? Let it be known I'm still not changing my pick from the beginning of the season - I still think the Sabres are going to hoist the Cup

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.

Drew Bledsoe was supposed to be the center of attention that glorious February Sunday in New Orleans, the one getting mobbed by teammates, the one about to accept the MVP trophy on the podium, the one every media member wanted a piece of.

Instead, the player who helped save the Patriots a decade earlier was walking away from the celebration, heading to the sidelines to grab his son from the stands. At what was supposed to be the crowning moment of his career, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound man might as well have been invisible.

The only people who seemed to notice, or care, were a television reporter and cameraman looking for a player to talk to about the joyous celebration Adam Vinatieri’s 48-yard field goal had just unleashed. It didn’t matter who the player was. Any player would do, so long as he wasn’t surrounded by a mass of humanity that would block the camera and microphone.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.

Bledsoe kept walking and answering questions. He wasn’t talking to one of the national network names. He wasn’t talking to any of the big city Boston media that had covered him since his Foxboro debut in 1992. His interviewers were a lowly TV reporter and his cameraman from a tiny station in Derry, New Hampshire.

It’s not that Bledsoe wasn’t eventually sought out by the big boys. He ended up doing more than his share of interviews, answering more than his share of questions. But instead of inquiries about this play or that play, the former number one overall draft pick was asked about his bittersweet plight.

Yes, he was finally a Super Bowl champion. But Drew Bledsoe was a backup quarterback on a Super Bowl champion, a backup who’d been stripped of his job and his day in the sun, first by injury, then by a superstar in the making named Tom Brady. If you looked above the forced smile, you could see the disappointment in this proud man’s eyes.

This was where he was supposed to be. But this wasn’t how it was supposed to be.

How things ended up this way was already the stuff of legend. The partnership of Parcells-Bledsoe-Kraft saving football in New England. The meteoric rise to record-setting quarterback. The steady regression after the Super Bowl loss to Green Bay. The toughness and leadership displayed while playing with pins sticking out of his fingers. The life-threatening hit delivered by Mo Lewis. The franchise’s rebirth during his absence. The anger at being denied his spot under center when he returned.

History has since vindicated Bill Belichick for that controversial decision. Though some stubbornly refused to admit the obvious at the time, the guess here is that had more to do with admiration for the man than faith in the football player. Regardless of his standing as quarterback, Bledsoe was always the person you hoped your son would grow up to be.

Drew Bledsoe politely answered every question I asked on the Superdome turf that February 3, 2002. His son even said a few words to the camera. I kept waiting for some other media type to cut in and “ruin” my one-on-one, but no one ever came. The New England Patriots had just won their first ever Super Bowl, and the quarterback expected to lead them there was walking back toward the celebration, son in arms, talking to a complete nobody.

This wasn't how it was supposed to be.

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Lowell goaltender Jordan Parise does more than put on the pads and stop pucks; he has a musical talent.

"This is my fourth or fifth year (playing guitar)," Parise said. "Me and one of my buddies, we just decided that we were going to try to develop a band and we did.

"We were quite a hit in college. Never actaully played a live show but the word was out there that we were making an album and stuff, it was pretty funny."

Don't get too excited, Parise is not the Bronson Arroyo of the Lowell Devils.

"No, not at all. I just play guitar and I'm not even that good at that," Parise said when asked if he could sing as well. "But we did have a band. Me and Drew Stafford, he plays for the Buffalo Sabres, we had a band that the name in college was Red Seal Peach and then we decided we were going to change the name to Invisible Children so that's what it is right now."

Even with Stafford in Buffalo, Parise is still close with him.

"I talk to him quite a bit, maybe two to three times a week," Parise said of his bandmate. "We stay pretty close and he comes back to Faribault (Minnesota) in the summer. Where we are, we have quite a few guys in the general area of where we grew up and where we went to high school. We have a real close knit group of guys."

Along with Stafford, Parise said he maintains a strong relationship with his brother, especially in the offseason.

"Everyday we spend together either playing golf or working out or getting on the ice," Parise said. "We have a great relationship. We're brothers so obviously we're going to have our disagreements but the end result is we're best friends so it's awesome."

Parise has several tattoos including the one on his back. Sorry, no pictures of the tattoos.

"I remember when we were growing up my dad used to always have us draw this stupid thing like all the time and I didn't know what it was," Parise said with a laugh. "It was like two chain links together and he would show us how to draw it and we just thought it was the greatest thing ever. It's kind of like a family thing and I modified it a little bit to make it a little bit more tough I guess. But it's a family tattoo."

Parise also has a goalie tattoo on the inside of his bicep, paw prints on his leg and his high school crest on his arm.

"All of my tattoos that I have or will have in the future too, they all have some sort of special meaning," Parise explained. "I've heard some peopel say 'stay with a common theme' but I don't really agree with that, because the way I see tattoos is it's sort of a reflection of a certain point in your life.

"So, all of my tattoos have some sort of meaning. I can look at them and it was either a real low point in my life and I was able to persevere through it or that it was an awesome time in my life I never want to forget. Either way I don't want to forget either moment because it's help me kind of become a stronger person and a better person. It's sort of a reflection of what to do differently or what I can do the same. It's a very spiritual answer."

back to being one of the goalies for the Devils; Parise has a hard time pointing his finger at his best game.

"It's tough to say, there are some excellent games where I'll go in there and let in three or four goals and say 'I thought I played an excellent game.'," Parise explained. "There's one game we played against Hartford in Hartford that I think we won 2-1 or something like that and I didn't feel that I had to do all that much. I think I had maybe 26 saves or something like that and the goal that I let in wasn't a good goal and after the game I wasn't like; I mean we won the game and I was happy but personally I thought I could have done better.

"For example, the game we lost against Manchester in overtime 4-3, I thought I played an excellent game. I mean you look at the stats and I let in 4 goals on 27 shots and we lose in overtime so there's a lot of negatives there too, but I though I played well.

"I don't know, I can't really say there was one game that I felt was really complete or I felt was the best game I played even though I had a shutout in one."

Parise said he is looking forward to his next training camp.

"I'll know what to expect," Parise said. "When I came to this organization they didn't know me as a person and they just said 'this is a goalie.' But now, working with Chris Terreri everyday I think he's been able to give some feed back. I think coming here my first couple of days of training camp that I was just like everyother goalie and I kind of feel myself that I'm a little unique in a couple certain degrees.

"So, I think they'll know how to handle me a little bit better and I'll know how to handle them a little bit better. I think this coming training camp is going to be much more effective."

Parise said since he is not taking classes he tends to watch television shows that will teach him something.

"I watch a lot of Discovery Channel and National Geographic," Parise said. "I'm always trying to learn."

I had a blast talking with Parise about his life on and off the ice. I hope everyone enjoyed getting to know Parise through this blog.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

It was reported earlier this week that a deal is close to extend Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers beyond the 2007-08 season. Rivers’ contract is due to run out at the end of the 2007-08 season and he has stated that he would prefer not to go into next season as a so-called “lame duck” coach.

Danny Ainge, the Celtics executive director of basketball operations, said on sports radio WEEI this afternoon that he is happy with Rivers and that he thinks something will probably get done after the season.

While, he has had critics this season--at one point the fans at the TD Banknorth Garden started chanting “Fire Doc”--Ainge expressed confidence in his head coach's performance since taking the helm with the Celtics.

“I think Doc has done a good job,” Ainge said.

Ainge also credited Rivers with doing a good job developing players. He cited several examples including Al Jefferson, Delonte West, and Ryan Gomes.

The Celtics enter tonight’s game with the second-worst record in the NBA, and this year has gone a lot differently than hoped heading into the season.

“I think our team is much better than our record,” said Ainge who added that he feels that they have a chance to turn things around.

Injured swingman Tony Allen is on track to be playing basketball again by July and be ready for training camp, according to Ainge. Allen is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery.

Sound off with your thoughts and/or questions by clicking the comments link below.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Lowell High School’s athletic programs seem to be generating more headlines than Dannielynne Smith and Don Imus combined, so we thought this might be a nice time for SunTalk Live to catch up with the BMOC.

Athletic Director Brian Martin joins us this coming Monday for what promises to be a very interesting hour of SportsTalk. Lowell Sun Sports Editor Dennis Whitton and I will be sure to touch on all the important topics, but we’re really hoping to hear from you as well. Don’t miss out on your chance to question Martin and hear the reasoning behind some of the changes taking place in the athletic department.

As always, showtime is 7-8pm. Dial the phone early to get in line. The number: (978)364-TALK (8255).

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Here is the Patriots 2007 regular season schedule. Obviously all eyes are on the Colts matchup later in the year, but the one that really jumps out at me is the second week, when San Diego comes to town for a Sunday night rematch of a great playoff game. Tell me emotions won't be riding high in that one:

Sunday, Sept. 9 at New York Jets Giants Stadium 1:00 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Sept. 16 San Diego Chargers Gillette Stadium 8:15 p.m. NBC
Sunday, Sept. 23 Buffalo Bills Gillette Stadium 1:00 p.m. CBS
Monday, Oct. 1 at Cincinnati Bengals Paul Brown Stadium 8:30 p.m. ESPN
Sunday, Oct. 7 Cleveland Browns Gillette Stadium 1:00 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Oct. 14 at Dallas Cowboys Texas Stadium 4:15 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Oct. 21 at Miami Dolphins Dolphin Stadium 1:00 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Oct. 28 Washington Redskins Gillette Stadium 4:15 p.m. FOX
Sunday, Nov. 4 at Indianapolis Colts RCA Dome 4:15 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Nov. 11 BYE WEEK
Sunday, Nov. 18 at Buffalo Bills R. Wilson Stadium 1:00 p.m.* CBS*
Sunday, Nov. 25 Philadelphia Eagles Gillette Stadium 8:15 p.m.* NBC*
Monday, Dec. 3 at Baltimore Ravens M&T Bank Stadium 8:30 p.m. ESPN
Sunday, Dec. 9 Pittsburgh Steelers Gillette Stadium 1:00 p.m.* CBS*
Sunday, Dec. 16 New York Jets Gillette Stadium 1:00 p.m.* CBS*
Sunday, Dec. 23 Miami Dolphins Gillette Stadium 1:00 p.m.* CBS*
Saturday, Dec. 29 at New York Giants Giants Stadium 8:15 p.m. NFL Network

Bold indicates nationally televised game
* indicates game subject to time change

Posted By Lynn Worthy

University of Texas freshman swingman Kevin Durant officially announced on Tuesday that he will enter this June's NBA Draft.

"I just thought it was time to go," said the 6'9" 225-pound Durant.at a press conference to announce his decision. "It's been my dream for a while. I felt I was ready."

Durant was the 2007 John R. Wooden Award winner, the first freshman to win the honor since it was first presented in 1977. He joins T.J. Ford as the only Longhorns players ever to have win the award. He received 4,351 points in the voting to beat out Greg Oden of Ohio State (2,858 points).

He also captured the Naismith Trophy, the Oscar Robertson Trophy (U.S. Basketball Writers Association), the Adolph Rupp Trophy and was named Player of the Year by The Associated Press as well as the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

The freshman from Suitland, Maryland, led the Longhorns in scoring (25.8 ppg), rebounding (11.1 rpg), blocked shots (67), steals (66) and double-doubles (20). He was the only player to rank in the Top 10 nationally in both scoring (fourth) and rebounding (fourth).

Durant shared University of Texas MVP honors with freshmen D.J. Augustin.

Local basketball fans should note that the Boston Celtics currently have the secon-worst record in the NBA, and they would have the second-best chance at getting the top selection in the NBA Draft Lottery.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

News Flash: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspends Titans Cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones for the entire 2007 season. Goodell also suspends Bengals Wide Receiver Chris Henry for the first 8-games of the season.

Teddy’s Take: The most business savvy league in American sports is at it again.

Make no mistake. The suspensions were definitely warranted. Pacman has been involved in 10-incidents in which he was interviewed by police. The most recent involved an altercation with a stripper that resulted in a man getting shot and paralyzed. Henry has been arrested 4-times in the last 14-months. In a letter to both players, the Commish writes:

"Your conduct has brought embarrassment and ridicule upon yourself, your club, and the NFL, and has damaged the reputation of players throughout the league. You have put in jeopardy an otherwise promising NFL career, and have risked both your own safety and the safety of others through your off-field actions. In each of these respects, you have engaged in conduct detrimental to the NFL and failed to live up to the standards expected of NFL players. Taken as a whole, this conduct warrants significant sanction."

Bravo to Goodell and the rest of the league for supporting him in this action. It should help the league’s image with corporate America, which we all know has made NFL owners and players very wealthy people. Now if only they’d only get as serious with the steroid problem.

It’s funny how Major League Baseball gets hammered for its record on steroids, but the NFL manages to avoid it for the most part. From the 4-members of Carolina’s Super Bowl squad getting off basically scott-free, to Shawne Merriman earning a chemically aided Pro Bowl trip, the league has been far too lax on its cheaters.

Then again, the speed and strength that steroids help provide are a major selling point of the NFL, aren’t they?

What’s your take on the suspensions to Jones and Henry? Will the league ever get as tough on the steroid cheats?

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Parise doesn't remember exactly how he started playing goalie.

"I was about 7-years-old, it was my first year playing and the coach, I think actually it was my dad," Parise explained. "At that time everbody gets to play goalie, it's not really a big deal because nobody's really good at that age. So, my dad - that was the last thing he wanted me to do was play goalie. So, he put me out against the best team - this is the story he tells, I don't remember this obviously; but he put me out against what was supposed to be the best team and I ended up getting a shutout or letting in one goal. My dad says that he went back to my mom and said, 'I think we have a problem.' So, ever since that day I never took the pads off and the rest is history I guess."

Parise doesn't consider himself to have a certain style.

"When I was growing up, up until the point I was 19 or 20-years-old I just got by on the basis of just go out there and stop the puck, I had no style at all," Parise explained. "It was more of just playing off my athletic ability and doing whatever I could. I was introduced to a guy named Ian Clark, whose the goalie coach for the Vancouver Canucks right now, he put together a lot of technical aspects of my game and one of the things that I learned while I was developing with him was if you can use your athletic ability and then add a technical aspect of the game you can make an excellent goalie.

"There are some of these goalies that start developing their technical aspect too young and they get to the point where their game is like a goalie school where they're meant to shoot at your pads and everything is perfect but when you get in a game and you get in practice nothing's perfect anymore. So, that's where you have to let your hockey sense and your athletic ability take over, but you have to have some sort of technical structure in addition to your athletic ability."

Parise said contrary to popular belief, goalies can be taught new tricks so to speak.

"I'm still trying to learn, I'm still trying to develop," Parise said. "I feel that I have an excellent base, btu this is my first year pro and there's still a lot of things that I think that I have to learn although I feel that this is one of my most developmental years that I've had playing hockey.

"Going back to being able to read plays and being able to read players, picking up on tendencies, it helps a lot. When you first get here you don't really know your defensive structure. You don't really know what your defensemen are going to do on plays like 2-on-1s for example. So, as the year progresses you start to get a feel of what the pro game is like and what a pro defenseman will do. Their main responsibility is to block the pass, where as in college it's more pressuring the player, pressuring the puck carrier. I think subconsciuosly I somehow developed into being able to read and play either scenerio whether it's a pass across or the guy taking the shot as opposed to staying back in my crease and hoping that, that guy makes the pass because he's pressured. So, that's a long winded answer."

Parise's experience in training camp was anything but perfect.

"I was actually terrified," Parise explained. I didn't know what to expect and I had a lot of people telling me to 'do this, do that,' and I just got very flustered. I don't think I had a very good training camp at all. Granted it was my first time ever being in this situation, but it was difficult in the sense that I was inexperienced and I think that next year it will be much better.

"I kind of got my feet wet, I kind of got somewhat of a name for myself in this organization now and I think next year I'll feel much more comfortable coming in. This year I don't think I was really prepared for what was going to come because I had no idea what was going to come."

Parise didn't have the opportunity to spend camp with New Jersey goalies Martin Brodeur or Scott Clemmensen.

"I was never on the ice with them. One of the first days that I got here I was put down in what's called Group C and Group C doesn't really get to hang out with Marty Brodeur," Parise explained. "But I had a couple of chances to talk to him. I got the chance to talk with him once away from the rink and I think that was more productive than when we were on the ice. I had one chance to talk to him away from the rink and I got to talk to him for about a half hour, 45 minutes and it was very informational."

Parise is always the first guy on the ice before practice begins, something he takes pride in. He gets on the ice and does stretching along with crease movements and other drills.

"First half of the year I was having struggles, that's to say the least. I mean you can look at my numbers," Parise said. "I wasn't playing to what I felt I could do and what the organization was feeling that I was going to be able to do and that's what I did everyday in college. I just fell back on that.

"I said, 'you know things aren't working for me right now, I've got to do something, fall back on something that worked for me before.' And that worked for me in college so I just fell back on that. And one of the things that my family, my brother and myself; we kind of pride ourselves on is being the hardest worker everyday on the ice and so for me it's going out there and working extra, doing stuff before practice."

The crease movements Parise does is all part of his routine.

"Everything I do is based on repetition," Parise explained. "I have to do things over and over and over again. I was once told, by Ian Clark, 'Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.' So, everything I do is repetition of the same thing over and over and over again until it's perfect and then I can start building on that and then all of a sudden when it comes to games, I just have it."

Stay tuned for Part Three. Parise is yet to talk about playing guitar, his tattoos and what to look forward to next training camp...

A few fatigue-induced ramblings while trying to get the smell of Easter lamb out of my system:

A bunch of our sports blog readers think I’ve jumped on the Dice-K bandwagon a tad too early. I have news for you folks; I’m not just on the bandwagon. I’m volunteering to drive it!

Go ahead and sit on the fence if you’d like. Take the “wait and see, let’s not put him in the Hall of Fame yet” approach if you so choose. I’ll be the one saying “I told you so” when he wins the American League Cy Young this year. And you know how much I hate to say “I told you so!”

Speaking of which, would everyone please squish in a little to make more room on the “get Coco Crisp out of town” bandwagon. Seem to be much more crowded this year, doesn’t it?

The few remaining cereal lovers out there still want to blame that darn broken finger last April for turning the next Willie Mays into a switch-hitting Darren Lewis. I must have missed the medical reports at the time, because I never once heard anyone say the injury was a career killer.

Fun stat of the week: So far in 2007, Crisp is 3-for-20 with 1-RBI. Jim Abbott was 3-for-21 with 3-RBI in his career. Abbott had one arm. See where I’m headed with this?

Lowell High baseball coach Dan Graham displayed terrible judgment. He’s going to get a second chance, but not before paying a heavy price, having something he loves taken away from him for a year. Inadvertently, Graham may have taught his players something much more valuable than any baseball skill.

I really think the Bruins…You know what? I’ve been told if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. So never mind.

Love to see Fred Smerlas go through with plans to run for Marty Meehan’s vacant seat, even though he probably doesn’t stand a chance. The former NFL star has a shoot from the hip style and is pretty intelligent, but as sports radio WEEI listeners can tell you, what he intends to say and the actual words that come out of his mouth aren’t always the same thing. They could sell tickets to the debates and the entertainment value alone would be worth the price of admission.

First Ted Sarandis runs for Governor’s council, now Smerlas. What’s with Greek sports guys running for elected office, anyway? I hereby declare my candidacy for Lowell City Council. The banging you hear is “For Sale” signs going up all over the Mill City.

Phil Mickelson hasn’t been able to do it. Neither has Vijay Singh, Ernie Els or anyone else who’s had Tiger Woods on his tail during the final round of a major. Zach Johnson pulled it off, however. The 31-year old with only one prior tour victory on the resume never blinked.

If you picked Johnson in your Masters pool, congratulations. You have far more insight than any person in the known world. Oh, and one more thing. Call me. I’d love to go to Vegas with you.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

It’s a free-for-all on this week’s SunTalk Live, as the “Double D’s” visit Sports Talk.

 Lowell Sun Sports Director Dennis Whitton and Dave Pevear return for an hour of sports discussion. The Red Sox open at Fenway Tuesday…the Patriots are preparing for the draft while trying to figure out what to do about Asante Samuel…and closer to home, Lowell High baseball heads into 2007 without first year head coach Dan Graham, who was recently suspended a year after a DUI arrest.

Showtime is 7-8pm. As always, we advise you to call in a few minutes early so as not to miss any of the fun. The number: (978)364-TALK (8255).

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Gary Payton, now with the defending champion Miami Heat, was with the Celtics when they last won the Atlantic Division crown in 2004-05.

Prior to last night’s 88-85 win against Boston, he identified the Celtics problem as not having enough of a veteran presence to go with Pierce. He contends the experienced players, not draft picks, are what the Celtics should be focused on this off-season.

On getting Ohio State’s Greg Oden: “What do you think. If they get Oden what is he going to do? All he’s going to do is bring fans in here. If that’s all they want, but we ain’t talking about no playoffs."

On how the Celtics get better: “You get some veterans in here to play with Paul and you’ll have a team. A basketball team. You can’t have seven young players on a team and expect to win. It don’t happen.”

On shaping the Celtics team: “You got to go up in there and make the right deal, but I’m just saying you can’t have eight young guys and try to win. You’re not going to do that. It’s not going to happen. Because eight young guys, you know, you get in crucial basketball games, they don’t know how to finish games. Now, if you brought them together for six or seven years, it’s a different story. They grow together, but not right now. You have to have at least three or four veterans in here to play basketball to compliment with Paul. It’s just like when we were here. He had veterans here and we won the Division and we went to the playoffs. You’ve got to have at least some kind of veterans on the team. It’s not knocking the young guys, that’s just the way basketball is.”

On the Celtics current situation: “You got to understand that you got to do that (stick with the young guys). In two or three years they’re going to know how to compete because they’re going to start knowing each other. Don’t just give up on nobody. I mean, you put them together. In another case, you have to understand you’ve got to get some teachers. You got get a veteran to teach them. You can’t have a young guy teach a young guy. What’s a young guy going to teach a young guy? He ain’t been in this NBA. He ain’t been in the league. He ain’t been in no playoff games."

On guys wanting to stay/not wanting to stay in Boston: “That’s just the way it is. This is Boston. Some people want to go to a different city. They hate the weather. That’s a big part of that too, the city. It doesn’t matter. A young guy who has just been here, and if you’re winning and going to the playoffs and going deep into the playoffs, I don’t think nobody going to leave. Even with the weather. I wouldn’t care. If you got a good team and you've got an opportunity to win championships, then you ain’t going nowhere. You’re only going to be here for six or seven months. So what’s the difference. But if you have the opportunity to win or lose, where would you go?"

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Former Celtics forward Antoine Walker and the Miami Heat visited the TD Banknorth Garden last night. Boston’s first round draft pick (6th overall) in 1996, he averaged 20.6 point per game in 552 games with the Celtics from 1996-97 to 2004-05.

Walker spoke to a few writers prior to the game in the Heat dressing room. He tackled everything from coming back to Boston to Paul Pierce’s frustrations and whether or not the Celtics captain could ask out of Beantown.

On coming back to Boston: “It’s good to see people. I have good friends here. Friends outside of basketball. It’s always good to see them. Come back. It’s a different circumstance. It’s a meaningful game for us, not so meaningful for them. So it’s a different circumstance as far as playoff basketball. It’s always good to come back and play.”

On inviting Paul Pierce to the Heat’s playoff games: “He’ll probably be down. Watch the games. He told me he’s going to come down in the first round."

Comparing the 15-win 1996-97 season to this year: “I think expectations were a little higher then, for us. We had a veteran team that year, played a lot of veteran guys that year. Once we got our bad streak we just kind of played for that, you know, we had two great picks that coming up. That’s from being in the lottery. This year, it just kind of went to that. After you feel like you can’t win, you obviously have to focus on the draft. You have some good young players out there in the draft that could probably be impact players that come into the league with Oden and Durant. You try to play for one of those guys and hope that one of them is a diamond in the rough. I think that’s what they’re really looking at."

On the Celtics tanking: “The one thing about them is you see this team, they’re still playing to win. They’ve won the last three out of four. They got good young talent. They’re not just necessarily just trying to tank it. They’re still playing to win."

On Paul Pierce’s frustrations: “He’s not at the point in his career where he’s going to rebuild. I think they got to take that in consideration when they’re dealing with Paul. He can say he wants to rebuild and everything, but it’s tough when you’re at that point of his career. You’ve been in the league nine years. You want to win and be in the playoffs and be competitive. He’s one of the top 20 players to play in this league. So I’m sure he want to get in the playoffs and be able to do that, but right now they’ve got a long haul to get back up to the top.”

On if he thinks Paul would asking out of Boston: “It’s a possibility. It depends. It probably all depends on the direction of the team, which way they decide to go, you know, whether or not he decides to ask out or not.”

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

WOW, after chatting with Lowell Devil goaltender Jordan Parise, I have eight pages of transcribed notes ... so that is the reason for the delay - sorry to the Devils fans that requested Parise. Without any further ado - here's Jordan....

Even though Boston College beat North Dakota last night in the NCAA Frozen Four Semifinal Parise isn't feeling regret for leaving the Fighting Sioux (this quote is from last week).

"There's still pieces of me that thinks this is their year to win a national championship or it would be nice to be in this situation again," Parise said. "But, I had three pretty good runs at it and it wasn't meant to be for me. So, I look back and say 'congratulations' to those guys. I thought our best year to win a national championship was probably the year my brother (Zach) was there, Brandon Bochenski was there, Brady Murray was there and we ended up first in the league, first in the country for probably like 14 straight weeks and we ended up losing to Denver. We lost to them with two and a half minutes left one-nothing and then they went on to win it."

So no regrets?

"It was time for me to move on with my progress and my career," Parise explained. "I look back and I say 'congratulations' to those guys, but I wasn't part of a championship team and I can live with that."

Unlike his teammate Stephen Gionta, Parise was able to play with his brother in college, whose now a forward with the New Jersey Devils.

"I played one year with Zach, it was awesome," Parise said. "That's the reason I came out here. It's not why I signed here, but it was definitely a bonus knowing that I could get in another organization, have another chance to play on the same team as him or at least in the same organization, but it was awesome."

Even though Jordan and Zach play different positions, they're still competitive with each other.

"We were very competitve growing up," Parise said. "I think that particular year (that we played together) helped me a lot and helped him a lot because even though we were teammates we were still competing all the time. It was a lot of fun."

Competitive or not, Parise has hopes of being called up to the big club at some point and play with his brother again.

"Hopefully I will get a chance to get up there and play with him again," the 24-year-old netminder said. "That would kind of be a dream come true for myself and I think for him and also my family."

Being a Minnesota native, Parise grew up following the North Stars.

"My father (Jean-Paul) was a big part of that organization," Parise said. "The North Stars was always a team that I tried to follow. We used to go to games all the time when they played at the Met Center."

If he had to pick a favorite team, Parise would pick the team from Motown.

"It was probably Detroit," Parise said after asking if he should say New Jersey. "They've always been good. They've always had good teams; usually brought in the best players - the most flashy players. They were a lot of fun to watch, I remember that growing up but that wasn't really a team I was die hard about."

Thinking about old teammates from North Dakota, Parise said Bruins fans should be happy with the acquisition of Bochenski.

"His whole life he scored goals," Parise said. "He's from Blaine, Minnesota and I remember jsut constantly hearing about this kid and then he went and played juniors, I think I was in high school at that point. Every level he has played at he's always been the leading scorer on his team and I don't know how he does it. He's got an excellent shot for some reason. He can shoot the puck when he's off balance, when goalies aren't really anticipating where a normal person would be taking a shot. He's definitely the real deal."

Parise feels the biggest difference he has seen between college and professional hockey is the structure.

"I think that college is not as structured," Parise explained. "When you get up here, it's a lot more systems and the players are better. The players are smarter and going off players being smarter, they read plays and they try to make plays that a normal college student wouldn't do.
"A college player would look for a shot and take that shot where as you play against some of these players - the elite players in this league that are always looking to make a play, trying to wait me out; see if I'm going to do something before they do something."

In addition to that, Parise has his own personal differences between college and the AHL.

"For me personally, it is still about positioning," Parise said. "It's more reading plays and being able to read different players' tendencies. We go over a lot of tape and i try to specifically watch guys on the power play and what they might do, what they'll definitely not do normally that gives me a good read on how to watch a play develop or how I can personally read the play."

Think Parise has a lot to say here? Wait 'til you read what he has to say about how he became a goalie, his first training camp, differences in goalie styles, his band and so much more. Like I said - eight pages of transcribed notes... stay tuned Part Two comes tomorrow.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Defending NBA champions the Miami Heat pay a visit to the TD Banknorth Garden tonight, playing for possible home court advantage in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Heat are currently in the fourth position (eight teams make the playoffs) and are just a game behind Toronto and 3.5 games behind Chicago.

Miami's roster features former Celtics in Gary Payton and Antoine Walker.

Get in line for the trainer

Boston Celtics Al Jefferson, Paul Pierce, Brian Scalabrine, and Delonte West will all be watching tonight’s game.

Scalabrine (sprained left hamstring) is likely done for the season, according to head coach Doc Rivers and executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge. Jefferson (bruised left knee) will not make the team’s next road trip. The Celtics travel to Indiana to take on the Pacers on Saturday, and then travel to Atlanta for a game against he Hawks on Tuesday. Pierce will travel and could work out during the trip, but is not expected to play right away. West is day-to-day.

Rivers did say West could return by the Atlanta game, and Pierce could return shortly after.

Riles tops in March

Miami Heat head coach Pat Riley was named the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for March. The Heat went 11-4 in March without Dwyane Wade with Jason Kapono missing 13 of 15 games. Miami tied the Cleveland Cavs for the most wins in the Eastern Conference.

Other coaches nominated in the Eastern Conference were Doc Rivers of the Celtics, Scott Skiles of the Chicago Bulls, the Cavs Mike Brown, and Detroit’s Flip Saunders.

D-Wade works out

Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade did work out during pre-game tonight at the TD Banknorth Garden, but Riley confirmed that he will not play tonight and that no date has been set for his return as of yet, saying, “he’s still got a long way to go.”

Wade has missed 29 games this season, he is still rehabbing a left shoulder injury. He elected to rehab the injury and return this season instead of having surgery.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

I guess he could have matched fellow countryman Hideo Nomo by throwing a no-hitter, but as far as first impressions go, Daisuke Matsuzaka certainly made a favorable one on Red Sox Nation.

The prize of the free agent pitching market (sorry Barry Zito fans) showed why the $100+ million invested in him might turn out to be a bargain. The Dice Man baffled Kansas City with a dazzling array of pitches in a 7-inning, 1-run, 10-K masterpiece. Granted, those were the Royals he was facing, but by the time he was through, Matsuzaka conjured up images of another 26-year old who took Boston by storm 9-years ago.

In my main fantasy league (10-teams, 1-keeper), I drafted Dice-K with the #2 pick of the second round, early by most standards. At the time, I said he was the Japanese Pedro Martinez, a #1 overall quality fantasy player. (Those who know what I think of Pedro understand just how high that praise is) I also predicted a Cy Young this year in my baseball preview post. It’s still early, but he’s capable of living up to the hype.

If you didn’t see the game, you have to catch it in its entirety. The highlights on news programs won’t do the performance justice. After a shaky first inning, K.C.’s batters were baffled by Matsuzaka’s variety of pitches, the changing speeds at which he throws them, and the mound presence he displays. It was like watching vintage-Pedro toy with bit-league batters, and gave the impression this kid will still dominate a lineup even when he doesn’t have his “A” game, simply because he has so many weapons at his disposal.

Fasten your seatbelts Sox fans…this is going to be a fun ride!

What did you think of Matsuzaka’s debut? Better than expected? About what you expected? Am I getting too far ahead of myself here with the Pedro comparisons?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

An offseason of nothing but goodwill for the Patriots finally struck a note of discord. Cornerback Asante Samuel told the NFL Network he’s unhappy with the way contract negotiations are progressing.

We should have known everything wouldn’t come up all roses. It rarely does. The Pats have been very active in free agency, filling virtually every hole on the roster by throwing money around like a drunken sailor at a brothel. It's only natural Samuel would look at that spending spree and say “hey, where’s mine?”

Originally, Samuel didn’t seem displeased about the franchise tag placed on him, even indicating through his agent he saw it as a positive first step in negotiations. Now, those negotiations have hit a snag and the player is throwing around the “T” and “H” words…trade or holdout. You can’t really blame him. The 26-year old has been playing, and playing quite well, for peanuts. This is his big chance to cash in, and you can bet one way or another, he will.

Much like the Deion Branch situation last year, this one has the potential to derail the season. For all the positives since January, an unhappy shutdown corner (which Samuel had become by season’s end) leaves a gaping hole in an already thin secondary. It would behoove Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli to resolve this issue, one way or another, before the draft. That way, they can move accordingly to replace Samuel before he disrupts a team shaping up as the Super Bowl favorite.

What’s your view of Samuel’s status? Should the Patriots up the offer to get this guy signed? Should they call his bluff? Or should they unload him before this becomes another Branch situation?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

UMass Lowell’s game against Bentley, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Riverview Field, has been postponed. No make-up date has been announced.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The Boston Celtics announced today that they have signed forward Kevinn Pinkney to a ten-day contract. Pinkney, who was playing for the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League.

Pinkney, a 6’10”, 245 pound forward from the University of Nevada was an NBA Development League All-Star this season and a member of the All-NBA Development League Second Team. Pinkney averaged 18.6 points per game, which tied him for seventh in the NBA Development League, while averaging 7.2 rebounds per game. Undrafted in the 2005 NBA Draft, Pinkney averaged a 12.5 points and 7.7 rebounds as a senior for Nevada.

Pinkney will be available to play for the Celtics tonight when they take on the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center and he will wear number 51.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Dan Graham’s first season as Lowell High Baseball coach has been a disaster, without his team even taking the field under his command. If it’s any consolation, things could have been much worse.

Heidi Smith reports in today’s Lowell Sun that Graham has been suspended without pay for the year as a result of his DUI arrest on St. Patrick’s Day. Bill Martel will coach the Red Raiders for the remainder of the season. The assistant coach has held the head job on an interim basis while Graham’s fate was being decided.

I think this was the best Graham could have hoped for. Yes, the punishment is tough, but he could just as easily have been fired outright. The 30-year old is not only a coach at the high school, but a teacher as well. (He’s allowed back to work immediately in the classroom) A DUI on a day when everyone knows police are out in full force cracking down on drunken driving shows an alarming lack of common sense for someone in those positions.

On the other hand, people do make mistakes and everyone deserves a second chance, particularly in a case where, fortunately, there weren’t any injuries. A stern but fair penalty was called for. I believe a stern but fair penalty was ultimately handed out.

In the end, the kids at Lowell High School may learn more from this episode than anything Graham could have taught them on the field or in the classroom.

What’s your take? Does the punishment fit the crime? Can Graham return from this and be an effective coach/teacher?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The Boston Celtics announced that rock band Augustana will perform a special concert featuring their hit single, Boston, immediately following the Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons game on Wednesday, April 18, at the TD Banknorth Garden. This is the final of three post game concerts presented this season by Verizon Wireless.

For anyone keeping count, Boston is 1-1 this season in games followed by a concert.

The Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 105-96 prior to a Paula DeAnda and Baby Bash performance on March 28, but Boston fell to the New Jersey Nets, 106-103, on November 29 with Akon performing after the game.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Like a hacker on the first tee, the Red Sox shanked their opening drive Monday. Unfortunately, you don’t get any mulligans in the standings, so Boston’s Boys of Summer begin the ’07 season 0-1.

There were a lot of negatives to come out of the opener, Curt Schilling’s performance being the most obvious. Schill talked before the game about “pitching to contact” more than trying for strikeouts. That didn’t exactly sound like good strategy even before he took the mound in Kansas City. At his best, Schilling gives up a lot of homers because he’s generally a fly ball pitcher. He never was Derek Lowe, so I’m not quite sure old age is the time to start trying to be him.

That said, even a 100-win team will lose 62-times during the year. Too bad it happened on a day when they should have been pumped, but it happens. Barring a rash of key injuries, I fully expect the Sox to compete late into October. And I still think #38 is going to have a good year.

So on this off day, relax and stay away from the panic button. There’ll be plenty of time to push it if they lose tomorrow!

What did you think of Opening Day? Did anyone see that disaster coming? Is this a hint of what the future holds in store? Is there something wrong with Schilling, or was this just an off day at a bad time?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

I’m not sure how well Al Pare’s team will perform on the gridiron, but I’ll tell you this; Lowell High couldn’t have a better salesman for its football program.

The Red Raiders new coach was our guest on SunTalk Live…and boy can the man talk. Pare went all-out to sell Red Raiders football, enthusiastically discussing his dream job, how he finally got it after years of trying, and what direction he’s going to take the program in. From style of play, to building from the grass roots on up, Pare is a man with a plan, and he promises not to stop until the glory days return to Lowell High football.

No subject was off limits, so listen to the show when you get a chance and tell us what you think!

Did you catch the show? How do you think Pare’s teams will perform? What did you think of the process which landed him the job? Seeing as he’s working under a one year contract, has Pare been set up to fail? How distracting is that repeating video? LOL!

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The New England Riptide softball team has added one of the top offensive players in all of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF).

Jessica Merchant, the 2006 Offensive Player of the Year and the first round pick of the Riptide in 2005, will be returning after playing for of the Connecticut Brakettes last season (the franchise is now the Washington Glory based out of Washington,D.C.).

Last season was the Brakettes first season running as both a professional team and an amateur organization.

Merchant had won an ASA title as a member of the Brakettes amateur team prior to being drafted by the Riptide.

The Riptide acquired Merchant, a shortstop, in exchange for their second and third round draft picks in 2008. Merchant led the NPF in home runs last season with 12 and was among the leaders in RBI (second with 31) and batting average (third, hitting .354).

As a rookie with the Riptide in 2005, Merchant’s hit .254 with just three home runs while splitting time between the Riptide and the U.S. National Team.

"We never got the full benefit of her," Riptide owner/general manager Joe Adlman said.

New England’s lineup will now feature Merchant, the 2006 Offensive Player of the Year, and the 2006 Player of the Year in Leominster native Lyndsey Angus who was fourth in the league in batting average (.345) and tied for fifth in runs batted in with 23.

Tarrah Beyster also drove in 23 runs last season, and the Riptide drafted Northwestern’s Garland Cooper with the fourth overall pick in the NPF Draft this February. She came into this season as Northwestern's all-time leader in batting average, doubles, RBI, total bases, walks, slugging percentage and on-base percentage.

"I think the one problem we might have -- we’ll see what we can pick up in free agency -- is manufacturing runs," said Adlman. "We still don’t possess that classic leadoff hitter."

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

A few errant tee shots while yearning for a Sunday pairing of Tiger and Phil at Augusta (or at the very least, for one of them to club the other during the green jacket ceremony):

Despite no mano-a-mano final round showdowns, Woods vs. Mickelson at the Masters is approaching Nicklaus vs. Palmer status. From 1960-1966, Jack (four) and Arnie (two) won six of the seven titles. Beginning in 2001, Tiger (three) and Phil (two) have captured five of the last six.

Without doing a Google search, can you tell me which golfer interrupted both dominant runs? (Answer below)

Explain to me again why the Patriots-Seahawks exhibition game in China this August has been cancelled? NFL International VP Mark Waller says the league wants to concentrate on the Giants-Dolphins regular season game in London, even though they were aware of the scheduling before they went forward with the Beijing project.

According to Waller, it’s because “our assessment is that Chinese fans would be better served if our game in China is played at a later date after we have launched our international series of regular-season games and more effectively paved the way for the introduction of our game into China. As a new sport in China, it is critical that we create the best platform for the introduction of the game.”

Let me translate that into English; “We’ve discovered Chinese businesses and consumers aren’t as willing to be fleeced for a glorified scrimmage as their American counterparts are, especially when they can get a better bang for their buck at the 2008 Olympics. Therefore, we’ll try taking their hard-earned dollars in 2009 or later. For now, we’ll gladly settle for robbing our loyal American season-ticket holders for such games, like we always do.” 

Barry Scanlon and Debbie Boda are out of their minds. There are easier ways to raise money than putting your body through the Boston Marathon. (Charity golf tournaments immediately come to mind) However, they’re far better people than I am, because there may not be a more effective way to show dedication to a cause.

I hope you contribute to their efforts. Barry provided the info for helping Kids In Disability Sports (K.I.D.S.) yesterday. Debbie is the woman who put the Tedy Bruschi football up for auction through the Lowell Sun last December. To help her raise funds for the American Stroke Association, visit www.debbiemarathon.com.

Send out a hearty congrats to Ken Scarber of North Chelmsford for winning our inaugural SunBlog Madness contest and the two Red Sox tickets that go with it. Props as well to Tewksbury's Joan Petros for finishing second (2 Spinners tickets). Third Place (2 Devils Tickets) is a 3-way tie between Mickey Smulligan of Lowell, Joe Lane of Dracut and Paul Falewicz of Billerica. We won't bother with tie-breakers and give them each a prize.

While we’re at it, how about a big round of applause for all our participants, especially those who engaged in a little smack talk on the message board. (Hope the two brother-in-laws from Pepperell are still speaking) Let’s do it again next year!

Trivia answer: Gary Player (1961) and Mike Weir (2003)

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The Boston Celtics and Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI - News) announced today the launch of a commemorative Boston Celtics Postage Collection. The new postage will feature a Celtics logo designed sheet, as well as sheets for individual players. The Boston Celtics Postage Collection can be purchased exclusively on www.celtics.com.

This premium postage collection will be available for purchase on April 2, 2007. Individual players who will be featured on the postage include team captain Paul Pierce, forwards Al Jefferson and Ryan Gomes and guards Delonte West and Gerald Green.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Celtics captain Paul Pierce talked this week with HoopsHype.com about everything from his foot injury to being stuck in NBA obscurity to how important it is for the Celtics to add a veteran this off-season.

Click here for the interview

Pierce did not play in Sunday’s Celtics win against the Cleveland Cavs at the TD Banknorth Garden.