Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

According to www.twincities.com, the Bruins have acquired goaltender Manny Fernandez from the Minnesota Wild for AHLer Petr Kalus and a future fourth-round draft pick. -According to Pioneer Press, the Wild/Bruins are waiting for league approval before making the announcement.

Fernandez posted a 22-16-1 record last year for the Wild with a .911 Save Percentage and 2.55 GAA. Manny missed the last 10 games of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs because of a knee injury. Fernandez shared goaltending duties with Niklas Backstrom for the past two seasons as one of the best one-two tandems in the league.

Fernandez's $4.33 mil salary is sure to stop the Bruins from making any big free agent signings when the market opens tomorrow.

Kalus played nine games for Boston last season where he registered four goals and one assist. In 43 games in Providence the Czech forward had 30 points (13 goals, 17 helpers).

Fernandez may just be the number one netminder the Bruins have been lacking for the past several years - he and Tim Thomas should make a decent tandem and give the club the chance it needs to make a run at the playoffs. Think this is a good move by the Bs? Is Manny good enough to give the Spoked-Bs a shot at the playoffs?

Unlike Kevin Garnett, Takeru Kobayashi is not one to back down from a challenge. The 6-time Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest champion and the world record holder confirms he will return to Coney Island this July 4th to defend his crown.

Kobayashi has been suffering from a jaw ailment and there were strong indications he would skip out on this year’s event to heal the injury. Those reports sent shock waves through the hot dog eating community because American Joey Chestnut had eclipsed Kobayashi’s record of 53.75 hot dogs by woofing down 59.5 weiners in a recent competition. Chestnut had also pushed the Japanese champion to his limits during last year’s Independence Day event, before finally running out of steam…or saliva, whatever the case may be.

Many believed the jaw injury was a way for Takeru to skip out on the competition and keep his record intact. However, thanks to extensive rehabilitation and encouragement from supporters, Kobayashi will show up in the Big Apple and try to keep America from celebrating on its birthday. While medical experts doubt he can catch up with the new record, the pride of Nagano, Japan sounds like he relishes the challenge.

All kidding aside, if you’ve never seen one of these competitions, you don’t know what you’re missing. It is both fascinating and disgusting at the same time, as we reported after last year’s showdown between these two. If you can sneak away from your cookout for a few minutes on the 4th, check it out on ESPN.

You’ll never look at a hot dog the same way again!

Remember that old song by Terry Cashman? I always thought it was kind of catchy, even if the ‘EEI crew gets their yucks dumping on the guy.

Anyway, SunTalk Live is talking baseball this Monday as SportsTalk broadcasts live from LeLacheur Park during the Lowell Spinners game vs. the Tri-City Valley Cats. We’ll be talking to owner Drew Weber and GM Tim Bawmann about the team and what makes Lowell’s NY-Penn League entry such a smashing success. We’ll also be sure to catch up with anyone else of note at the ballpark, especially if there are any Red Sox representatives or scouts on hand.

We’d also love to hear from you. The good folks with the Spinners have been kind enough to give us a luxury box for the night, so look for the SunTalk Live banner in the concourse area behind home plate and stop on by to say hello. If you want to participate in the show or just listen in, the number to dial is (978)364-TALK (8255). The fun begins at 7pm sharp.

Play ball!

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Here is the quick and dirty on the two players selected by the Celtics in the second round of last night's NBA Draft, Gabe Pruitt and Glen Davis.

Pruitt, a guard, was selected 32nd overall and Davis, a power forward, was picked 35th by the Seattle Supersonics and traded to Boston as part of the deal that sent Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, and Jeff Green (the fifth pick) to Seattle.

Full Name: Gabriel Michael Pruitt
Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6-4 / 170
Birthdate: April 19, 1986 (Los Angeles)
High School: Centennial HS (Compton, Calif.), then Westchester HS (Los Angeles)
College: University of Southern California

The Skinny: Played mostly as a combo guard of small forward … He shoots well … Pruitt, who entered the draft after his junior year, finished third in scoring for USC in 2006-07 with a 12.5 average … He also led the team in assists with 113 and steals with 47 in 26 games … He also led USC in free throw shooting (80.0 percent) … During the 2006-07 season, Pruitt became the 32nd Trojan in history to reach 1,000 career points scored and currently ranks 27th all-time at USC in scoring with 1,102 points … He also ranks fourth all-time at USC in three-pointers made (179) and sixth in steals (158).

Full Name: Ronald Glen Davis
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6-9 / 289
Birthdate: January 1, 1986 (Baton Rouge, La.)
High School: University HS (Baton Rouge, La.)
College: Louisiana State

The skinny: Overpowered smaller players in college with his size and strength … Missed four games this season with a strained quadricep muscle … He averaged eight rebounds or more each of his three college seasons … Led the SEC in rebounding this year with 10.4 boards per game … Davis was third in the league in scoring at 17.7 points per game and in the top 10 in field goal percentage (48.4 percent) … He is just one of five players in LSU history to block 100 career shots and is third all-time behind only Shaquille O'Neal (412) and Stromile Swift (130) on LSU’s career list with 110 bocks.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

-I like the Ray Allen trade. It’s not the best case scenario, but considering the worst case draft lottery scenario, this is about as good as we could have hoped for other than Garnett or Marion. The former UConn star might be turning 32-years old next month, but if last year was any indication, he has a few more years of top level ball left in him, averaging a career-best 26.4 PPG in the ’06-’07 season. His game is generally from the outside, so he won’t get in the way of Paul Pierce’s slashing to the hoop game and might even keep Pierce from settling for too many outside shots.

Allen’s acquisition didn’t really cost all that much. Nothing at #5 had me overly excited, other than Joakim Noah. Delonte West is a combo guard off the bench at best. Wally Szczerbiak had a lousy contract and never really fit in here. Theo Ratliff’s contract is still Boston’s, which gives Danny Ainge a valuable bargaining chip in future deals. A team comprised of Rondo, Allen, Pierce, Jefferson and Perkins, with Gomes, Allen, Telfair and whatever big man Ratliff’s contract can help bring in is definitely a contender in the Eastern Conference, though still a bit away from being a title contender. However…

-I guarantee you Ainge is not done with big name acquisitions. With established stars Pierce and Allen plus up-and-comer Al Jefferson on the roster, others might take another look at the C’s and realize it’s not as bad a situation as they’ve been led to believe (are you listening Mr. Garnett?). There are still plenty of quality players on the market (Garnett, Marion, Rashard Lewis) who might now be willing to play alongside Pierce and Allen in a very weak conference. And even if those three I mentioned aren’t possibilities, rest assured there are still plenty of solid contributors who can be had for the right price. There’s a growing epidemic in the NBA (all sports, for that matter) where athletes who aren’t good enough to carry others to the Promised Land seek to find success elsewhere. Which brings me to…

-I’ve lost some respect for KG. I’ll have more on my feelings about his “I don’t want to play in Boston, I want to play in Phoenix” routine in a future column, but suffice it to say I’m starting to understand why his Minnesota teams only got out of the first round once. Leadership takes balls, and I’m not talking the kind you dribble. If you really believe in yourself as a player, if you’re really one of the all-time greats, then you accept a challenge instead of running from it. Coming to Boston and helping resuscitate this once glorious franchise would have cemented Garnett’s legacy forever. Wanting to play in Phoenix and riding Steve Nash’s back is the easy way out. It also doesn’t guarantee you a title. Just ask Karl Malone. (This may sound like sour grapes for my bad prediction the other day, but I articulated these same thoughts last Monday on SportsTalk Live, before we realized he wouldn’t be coming here)

-Glen “Big Baby” Davis is a steal with that #35 pick acquired from Seattle. Huge upside there, and I’m not talking about his waist. This kid is an animal who really gets after it on the glass. I was actually upset they didn’t take him at #32, but they lucked out and were still able to grab him. While Ainge generally has pretty good success with his later picks, I thought he should have grabbed Fazekas and Davis, giving him a pair of young bigs to help the weakest spot on the team. I don’t really see where Pruitt fits in. Don’t we have enough young point guards who still need to learn the position?

-How about that Lynn Worthy fella, tossing up a bunch of posts while still making deadline for his next day story in The Sun AND getting a breaking news story on LowellSun.com...way to work Lynn!

What did you think of the Celtics draft day performance? A step in the right direction? A step backward? Or treading water?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Confirmed. The Celtics added Ray Allen, USC's Gabe Pruitt (32nd pick), and LSU's Glen "Big Baby" Davis (35th pick).

Gone are Delonte West and Wally Szczerbiak.

We'll have more on the blog on Friday as well as in The Sun, including the comments of the parties involved.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The Associated Press is also reporting that the trade included the 35th pick going to Boston.

If accurate, the Celtics now have the 32nd and 35th picks later on tonight.

Stay tuned.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Seattle Sonics general manager, and Concord-Carlisle High School product, Sam Presti is commenting on the trade that has yet to be confirmed.

He told the Associated Press:

"We are thrilled to have Kevin. But at the same time, to make the decision to move a player — and a person — like Ray Allen was tremendously difficult. Boston really pursued this. What started as a smaller conversation became fulfilled. Their pursuit was impeccable.”

Presti was not the only one commenting.

“I want to personally compliment Ray Allen; Ray Allen the person and Ray Allen the outstanding, professional player,” said team chairman Clay Bennett. “We appreciate the career of Ray Allen in this market. And we wish him the very best.”

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

No confirmation from the Celtics or the NBA yet that the trade is official.

In the meantime, this is how the options shook out for the Celtics as far as if they were drafting for themselves:

Al Horford went well ahead of the fifth pick, as expected, being chosen by Atlanta with the third pick.

Jeff Green, Yi Jianlian (sixth pick, Milwaukee), Corey Brewer (seventh pick, Minnesota), Brandan Wright (eighth pick, Charlotte), and Joakim Noah (ninth pick, Chicago) were all available to Boston.

Florida State’s Al Thornton, who Celtics director of basketball operations Danny Ainge said may be the second-best scorer in the draft, went 14th to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The Boston Celtics selected Jeff Green with the fifth overall pick in tonight’s NBA Draft.

ESPN’s Andy Katz is reporting that the Celtics have agreed on a trade with the Seattle Supersonics in which the fifth pick (now Jeff Green), forward/guard Wally Szczerbiak, and Delonte West will go to the Sonics in exchange for guard Ray Allen.

Green is a 6-foot-9 235-pound swing player out of Georgetown who was selected this past year as a Third Team All-America as well as the Big East Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA East Regional.

Stay tuned for more. It figures to be a while before the Celtics confirm the trade.

PLAYER CLUB OVERALL TODAY THRU 1 Phil Smith Vesper +1 +2 18 2 Doug Parigian LM +3 Even 18 3 Shawn Scott LM +6 +6 18 4 Ryan Friel Vesper +11 -1 18 5 Dean Demitropoulos Vesper +12 +9 18

See you next year!

7:33 Smith puts the exclamation point on his victory with a birdie on #17. Parigian and Scott both par, but this thing is O-V-E-R.

7:26 The thunder is moving in closer. It's going to be touch and go here to see if we can get all 18 in.

7:24 Three groups remaining on the course after Steve Jackson turns in 81 (235), Scott Pare 80 (234) and John Breen 85 (239).

7:21 Smith and Parigian par #16. Scott bogeys to drop another stroke back. With 2-holes to play, Phil Smith is sitting pretty with a 3-stroke lead.

7:18 Another group in. Jeff Monahan 83 (237)...Eric Okvist 83 (237)...Mark Lemond 84 (238)

7:08 The tournament is over for all intents and purposes. Shawn Scott just took a quadruple bogey 8 on the par-4 15th. Phil Smith bogeyed the hole and Doug Parigian held par to move into a tie for 2nd with Scott.

Correction: I miscounted somewhere along the way. Parigian is actually alone in 2nd place at +4 for the tournament, 3-strokes behind Smith.

7:03 Dean Koravos 78 (232)...Peter Harrison 82 (237)...Keith Caples 82 (237).

Ryan Friel is still your leader in the clubhouse, and even though his +11 won't win the tournament when all the scores are in, he's already made a huge climb in the final standings with only 5-groups remaining out on the course.

6:56 One more group has gone final. John Dixon 76 (231), David Walshe 79 (234), Keith Stone 76 (232)

6:51 Apologies, again, for not being able to provide hole-by-hole updates on the 2nd to last grouping of Perrin, Demitropoulos and K. Micavich. They are about a hole ahead of the final threesome, and since none of them are making a charge, both Dave Pevear and Rick Harrison are staying with the final group.

6:48 Stop me if you've heard this one before. Smith, Scott and Parigian all par #14, the third consecutive hole the trio has parred. Smith still leads by a stroke.

6:43 We have a new leader in the clubhouse. Vespers Ryan Friel cards the first score below the break even point today, a 1-under 71, good for 227 on the tournament and first place temporarily. The rest of the group has Bushnell carding a 76 (232) and Dan Villemaire 82 (234).

To give you an idea of how well these kids are playing, Larry Martin once won the tournament with the same +11 (227) score Friel just turned in.

(The most recent entries appear on this page. To read what has already transpired, just click on the "Read Full Entry" link below)

6:39 Bushnell confirms to me he was indeed hoping to use the cart path on that shot!

6:34 Something you don't see very often. Mike Bushnell ended up in the parking lot on #18. His closest area of relief was in the back by the banquet hall. He had to hit a shot about 70-80 yards over the score tent, but with a huge tree blocking his path to the green. He hit a ball just to the right of the tent, bounce off the cart path (I think intentionally) and onto the green, where he proceeded to hit the putt to save par. Larry Martin and other observers are calling it one of the most memorable shots in City Tournament history.

6:32 Smith, Scott and Parigian par the par-4 13th. Smith still holds a one stroke lead over Scott.

6:31 Weather update: The sun is pretty much gone and the wind is picking up and cooling off. We'll be very fortunate to avoid rain this time, and the last group still has 6-holes to go.

6:20 Smith, Scott and Parigian all par the 12th, keeping the status quo.

6:18Mount Pleasant's Jim Moriarty and Nabnasset's Kevin Galipeau sign and turn in their scorecards. Galipeau submitted 78 (235)...Moriarity 85 (243)...the 3rd member of the group, Ray Costello carded and 85 (243)

6:15 Another round of final scores: Bill Lindquist 84 (243)...Chris Prince 88 (247)...Eric Quinn 83 (242).

As you can see, early predictions of high scores due to the conditions are proving very accurate right now. Then again, most of us can only dream of shooting 80's at Vesper in any condition, so I guess it's all relative.

6:08 More final scores: Dan Crowell 92 (252)...Mike McCann 80 (240)...Paul Burke III 73 (232). Burke's +1 is the low score of the day and his 232 technically makes him your leader in the clubhouse.

6:05 For those wondering, here's what happens in case of a tie: There will be a sudden death playoff. The hole numbers in order are #1, 2, 17 & 18. (In case of darkness or weather, they come back tomorrow)

6:03 Scott and Parigian birdie #11. Smith pars it. Scott back within a stroke. Parigian is now 5-back after his first birdie of the day.

5:54 More final scores to report: Chris Osborne 88 (252)...Rick Moreau 81 (243)...Marc Turgeon 91 (253)...Bob Ryan 87 (248)...Robb Burndrett 82 (244)...Ken Gys 78 (238).

5:48 Perhaps the turning point of the day. Scott double bogeys the par-4 10th. Meanwhile, Smith holds par to open up a 2-shot advantage. Parigian bogeys the hole and is pretty much out of contention at this point.

5:45 As you can see, the crowds are really starting to gather around the 18th green and score tent area. Should only get larger as more and more groups come in and the workforce beats traffic.

5:33 Let's update some final scores for the day here so you can keep track of your favorites (tournament totals in parenthesis): John Miller 89 (258)...Fred Wilkie 84 (256)...James Gaffney 86 (251)...Marcel McQuiggan 85 (250)...Mike Mullavey 92 (261)...Jason Howarth 86 (253).

5:24 The top three all hold par on #9. The leaderboard remains unchanged with Smith and Scott tied, Parigian 5 back.

5:20 OK, here we go. Keith Micavich posts a 39 after nine. Steve Perrin matches that. Dean Demitropoulos scores 41. I'll update the leaderboard in a few.

5:16 Just received another weather update. A large band of thunderstorms is expected to move in about 2-hours from now. This bears watching, because the lead groups are still playing on the 9th hole.

5:10 The third-to-last group has just completed the 9th hole. John Micavich shoots 44...Mike Schnyer 36...and George Popp 39.

5:07 Smith and Parigian bogey #8, while Scott pars the hole. We have a tie atop the leaderboard again, with Parigian 5-strokes off the pace.

5:02 In response to a question about the demeanor and interaction among the leaders, it's all business right now as the group is trying to keep it together in this stifling heat and tough course conditions.

4:56 OK you Scott Pare fans. Here's your update: Pare 38...John Breen 43...Steve Jackson 42. Your boy turned in a nice front nine in these conditions.

4:53 All three members of the Top 3 par the 7th hole to keep the status quo. Smith leads Scott by 1, Parigian by 4.

4:41 Still waiting for the second group to complete their round, but they're nowhere in sight. Seems the fact Packy and Stark played as a twosome after Bergeron dropped out really speeded up their pace.

Meanwhile, nine hole scores are in for Peter Harrison with 43...Keith Caples 42...and Dean Koravos at 38. Seems I'm the only Greek golfer in the city not playing today!

4:33 Scott bogeys #6 to drop a stroke behind Smith again. Smith and Parigian par the hole.

4:25 More 9-hole scores: Keith Stone 41...John Dixon 37...David Walshe 38.

4:15 Packy cards a 42 on the back, giving him an 11-over 83 on the day and score of 256 for the tournament. Joel Stark comes in at 52 on the back, 97 on the day, 277 for the tourney.

4:14 Packy Emerson just misses his birdie putt on 18.

4:11 The all clear sounds. Play has resumed.

4:07 When play was suspended, Joel Stark and Packy Emerson were about to putt on the 18th hole. Packy's is for birdie. He looks and sounds like he's having the time of his life!

4:06 Some more 9-hole scores to report: Ray Costello 44...Jim Moriarty 40...Kevin Galipeau 37...Mike Bushnell 36...Dan Villemaire 38...And Ryan Friel shoots a 1-under 35 on his home course here at Vesper. That's the low round of the day and moves him to +11 for the tourney, two shots behind Keith Micavich for 6th place.

4:05 Lost in all the weather excitement is the fact Shawn Scott birdied the par-5 5th to move back into a tie with Phil Smith. Parigian and Smith held par on that hole.

4:00 While I have a minute, kudos to Dave Pevear who is calling in at the completion of every hole, plus he caught up with the 2nd to last group so we at least have their scores through 5-holes right now.

Also, the weather appears to be improving. It has not rained yet, but there was a lightning strike in the area which automatically sets off an alarm here at Vesper. The strike starts a counter, and if there isn't another one for 20-minutes, then we are given the all clear and play can resume. Al Kaprielien...eat your heart out!!!

I'll get caught up on posting some other 9-hole scores as soon as I can.

3:53 The sirens and horns have sounded. Lightning is in the area and play has stopped for the time being.

3:48 Quick weather update: The clouds are rolling in. The thunder is rumbling in the background. And if I had to guess, we're going to see some rain in the near future. If I stop updating, it means my computer has gotten wet or I've been electrocuted...which one would you prefer?

3:38 Bill Lindquist 42...Eric Quinn 41...Chris Prince 43.

3:37 Watering down the 18th green while waiting for the first group to approach.

3:36 In response to another question on the comments page, the stimpmeter reading on the greens today is 10.5...whatever that means. But hey, we aim to please!

3:29 Vesper's Paul Burke III is turning in the best score of the day thus far, shooting a 1-over 37 after 9. The rest of the group has Mike McCann at 43(+7) and Don Crowell at 47(+11)

3:27 Phil Smith sinks a 6-foot putt on the par-3 4th hole to regain the lead. Scott and Parigian make par.

3:15 Robb Burndrett shoots 42(+6) on the front, as does Ken Gys. Rob Ryan cards a 45(+9).

3:13 Smith and Parigian bogey #3. Scott pars it, moving into a tie with Smith for the tournament lead at even par.

3:11 My apologies for not updating the second to last group. We don't have anybody following them at the moment, so we can't provide a hole-by-hole update on them. I'm working to get you periodic updates before they reach the 9th.

3:03 More 9-hole scores: Chris Osborne 42(+6)...Marc Turgeon 44(+8)...Rick Moreau 42(+6)

2:59 Smith, Scott and Parigian all par #2

2:55 Jason Howarth turns in a 9-hole score of 43(+7)...Marcel McQuiggan a 45(+9)...James Gaffney a 41(+7)

2:54 Tom Bergeron just came walking off the 18th hole. His day is done, but he does look OK. Still not sure if an alternate has been located, but if you're wondering how this affects team scores, they only count 11 of the 12-scores, so Nabnasset's round is still intact.

2:45 Smith, Scott and Parigian all par the first hole, with Smith and Scott doing a bit of scrambling to avoid giving back a stroke.

2:41 Another 9-hole score to report; Fred Wilkie and John Miller card a 46(+10), while Mike Mullavey struggles in with a 49(+13). All three are well off their pace heading in. The course and Mother Nature continue to take their toll.

2:23 A call goes out over the speakers for a Nabnasset alternate. Jim Bergeron is having some trouble on the course. An alternate has not been found. Bergeron, who is currently on #11 will continue to play for now and walk off if he can't continue, but the weather is already exacting a toll.

2:08Nine holes down, nine more to go for the first group to tee off. Nabnasset's Joel Stark shoots a 45(+9). Jim Bergeron, also of Nabnasset matches him and Mount Pleasant's Packy Emerson checks in with a 41(+5).

1:52 The first group to tee off today (Bergeron, Stark & Emerson) has just reached the 9th tee. We'll have their scores for you in a few minutes. I'm curious to see their numbers, as they may offer our first clue as to how the course and conditions will affect scores.

2:21 The leaders heading into the final round, Phil Smith, Shawn Scott and Doug Parigian enjoy a lighter moment on the first tee.

2:16 The second to last group, Keith Micavich, Steve Perrin and Dean Demitropoulos is just teeing off, about 24-minutes behind schedule.

1:45 To answer a question posted in the comments section, the course is not roped off right now. However, when the final two groups head out, they will be followed by youngsters setting up barriers to keep the crowds a safe distance from the golfers. Also, the pace has slowed a bit (no surprise there). The 1:28pm group of Eric Okvist, Mark Lemond and Jeff Monahan are just walking down the first fairway.

1:22 The crowd seems pretty large for such a blistering day, but that's par for this year's tournament. Larry Stowell, a LongMeadow member and scorekeeper today, tells me the attendance at LM Saturday was the largest he's seen in years, indicating interest in this event is growing.

12:56 If you're interested in the pace of play thus far, I can tell you that things are moving along quite nicely. The first threesome is already on the 4th hole. The groups are spaced 8-minutes apart, and right now the trio of Ray Costello, Jim Moriarty and Kevin Galipeau were just called to the first tee. Their scheduled tee time? 12:56pm.

Don't know about you folks, but the courses I normally play at, a 12:56 tee time means put your ball down at 1:15...the earliest!

12:50 While we wait for the action to heat up, let me invite all you first time visitors to poke around the blog. We have all the local teams pretty well covered here, from the pros right down to the schools, so we'd love to have you chime in on the other posts as well.

12:21 A little explanation of how we're going to try to work this; We won't be able to track the scores of everyone out on the course, but we will get updates after the front nine and when the 18th hole is completed.

We WILL try to provide a hole by hole update of the final two threesomes (consisting of the top six on the leaderboard). The Lowell Sun's David Pevear and Rick Harrison will be following these groups, so I'll keep in contact with them and provide details on their progress. Should any golfer ahead of them make a charge on the leaderboard, we'll try to track them for you as well.

12:00 The first group is on the tee. Jim Bergeron, Joel Stark and Packy Emerson have just hit, and away we go.

11:32 Speaking with Larry Martin, he rates the course a 13 on a scale of 1-10 in terms of difficulty. Martin, a 6-time champion in his own right, says the greens are lightning fast and will pose the biggest problem out there. Asked what the biggest change in the tournament is from his playing days, Martin cites "the young kids who are absolutely fearless."

11:30 The golfers are beginning to fill the parking lot and practice areas. As they greet everyone at the scorer's table, every one of them is commenting on the weather. No doubt mother nature will be a factor out here today, as it will only get hotter in the late afternoon.

 11:15 Welcome to our live final round coverage of the Lowell City Golf Tournament. The first group is scheduled to tee off at noon.

The weather is what meteoroligists refer to as 3H...hazy, hot and humid. Just sitting here in the score tent, I can tell you it feels like 120-degrees in the shade. At last check, it was actually 91-degrees and climbing, which should make for a difficult day on the course for the players.

Did I get your attention there? I thought so!

No, the trade has not happened (yet) and no, I do not have any inside info. But I’m going to go out on a limb here and tell you that I now strongly believe Kevin Garnett will be in a Boston Celtics uniform next year. Here’s why;

Despite all the teams and names being thrown around as possibilities in 3-way, 4-way, 21-way talks, whatever talks are ongoing, the best possible deal for the Minnesota Timberwolves is still the one with the Celtics. The Lakers don’t have enough to get it done. The Suns don’t unless they include Amare Stoudemire, which they don’t want to do. The T’Wolves don’t want Garnett playing in the Western Conference. The 4-way deal bringing Indiana into the mix ended when the Celtics walked away because they aren’t going to include Al Jefferson in any deal that doesn’t land Garnett. Kevin McHale clearly thinks Jefferson and that #5 pick are the best possible deal for his team, barring a change of heart in Phoenix about including Stoudemire. Danny Ainge realizes he has to do something big or Paul Pierce will demand a trade, ruining any leverage the C’s might have in trade talks involving their existing star. Put all the pieces together, and it becomes clear that the Boston-Minnesota deal has to get done because it’s in the best interests of all parties involved.

For all the criticism Dealer Danny has earned around these parts, I think he’s done an outstanding job setting up for just this scenario over the last few years. In the sweepstakes to acquire the best available player on the market, the Celtics have more desirable assets than anyone else willing to make the trade. Ainge is the one who acquired those assets. He’s the one who smartly backed out of the 4-way deal, realizing he still has what McHale really wants, so why give it up for Jermaine O’Neal. I’m sure Danny would have gladly taken O’Neal if it only meant giving up #5 and Gerald Green, but not Big Al. And even if he doesn’t land KG, Ainge will come out of Thursday with either Shawn Marion or Pau Gasol without giving up Jefferson, to satisfy Pierce, because he has the most cheap, tradable assets of anyone.

Kevin Garnett is definitely coming to Boston. Remember, you heard it here first! (Feel free to tell me that you think all this dizzying trade talk has made me finally go insane!)

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

You think you were shocked when you found out Bruins General Manager fired Dave Lewis, how do you think the players of the team felt? I had the opportunity to chat with goalie Tim Thomas and forward Mark Mowers about Claude Julien and other things Bruins.

"It was a surprise when Coach Lewis was fired, I don't think too many people knew that was going to happen," netmider Thomas said. "I got to see Claude Julien (Thursday) night and he seemed like a nice, genuine guy. Noone is happy when a coach gets fired but having said that, reality is we have another coach and hopefully we're successful under him."

Mowers was equally as shocked.

"Yeah, you could say that. I think because of the timing of the whole thing and I don't think I was the only one who felt that it was a shock," Mowers said. "It was disappointing because I know Dave and I know he means well. He was trying everything he could to turn things around last year. With that being said, it's part of the business, so we have to move on."

Mowers was the only player on the team last year to play previously for Lewis in Detroit and Mowers explained some of the differences.

"I know it's different, it's a completely different situation than what we had in Detroit," Mowers said. "You know a lot of veteran guys that have been there a while - he had a pretty good core there that he could coach. Here it was 12 or 13 new faces, it was new coaches, everything was new to him. Also, I'm sure it was pretty difficult for him trying to get things together, bringing the chemistry together. I think that was part of the reason we weren't successful."

Mowers also added, the team itself was dealing with trying to build the chemistry on and off the ice.

"That was one of the reasons we just couldn't get it together for long stretches last year," Mowers explained. "It's just tough. You don't know what guys bring to the table; we weren't consistent in what we were doing out there as individuals and definitely knowing each person's personality and how you get along with guys whether it's short periods of time or throughout the duration of the season."

With that said, Mowers thinks training camp this year and the season itself will be more affective because the guys know each other better.

"It's going to be huge for us," Mowers said. "I think Axelsson and Murray were the main veteran guys who came back (last year) and (Bergeron) had two years, but was a young kid so I think you'll see a difference. I think we'll see it as a team in the locker room more than people on the outside.

"It will be a little sense of relief (heading into camp this year) because you do know guys and you won't be walking on your toes and looking over your shoulder. You do have a new coach and a new staff and obviously things didn't go well last year so you are starting over and it's going to be a fresh start for all of us because we don't want to repeat what happened last season."

Mowers like Thomas had the chance to meet and talk with Julien and sees similarities between his new coach and Lewis.

"To be honest with you, talking with him he seems, his overall big picture seems similar to Dave some differences ou know, but he's not a guy that's going to slap you across your face if you're not doing your job," Mowers said. "I do think he brings some accountability to it. He's a laid back guy. He wants to have fun. He wants to bring an upbeat atmosphere in the locker room and during practices and guys not being stressed and worrying all the time. We'll see how it goes. I think it's just us coming together as a team and hopefully he can find a way to bring us together as a strong group."

Considered an adopted native because he played his four years of college hockey at UNH, Mowers said one of the things he was most excited about signing in Boston was having the opportunity to make hockey and the Bruins relative in the Hub again.

"The bottom line in sports, I think, is you have to win to attract the fans," Mowers said. "It's tougher these days than I think in the 70s and even in the 80s, when the ticket prices weren't as expensive. So I understand as a family and a hockey fan, why would I want to go and see a bunch of guys lose game? I think it's up to us as players to go out there and put out a good product, whether it be to be a much grittier team that's harder to play against or a team that's free wheeling, making pretty plays, putting more pucks in the back of the net.

"It was one of the things I was most excited about when I had the chance to sign in Boston was bringing it back, bringing that feeling back because I know there are so many hockey fans in this city. And for me, I'm getting older, I'm in my 30s now, to be a part of rejuvenating hockey in Boston would be an unbelievable feeling. Like I said it's up to us. Hopefully it can happen because I think it would be pretty exciting in this town if we even actually get into the playoffs and getting that feeling back again."

Thomas also puts it on the team to bring the fans back to the Garden.

"Wins is the biggest thing, play exciting hockey," Thomas said. "Play in your face hockey. Be aggressive all over the ice and don't back down to anybody."

Thomas said he knew of the rumors circulating that GM Peter Chiarelli was looking to trade for a top tier goalie and the current netminder said whether or not they are successful in trading for Manny Fernandez or Ilya Bryzgalov it doesn't change his mindset.

"I've never really competed against the other goalie on my team," Thomas said. "I've always kind of thought about it in the way is the team needs to win the most games no matter who's playing. Obviously, I'd be going into camp trying to do the best that I can to help the team out the best that I could when I get to play or even if the coach decides that I'm not playing that night. So it doesn't really change how I feel going into camp. My job is to show up in shape and be the best goalie that I can."

When asked if he were the GM of the Bruins, Mowers picked the fellow former Hockey East skater among the list of Scott Gomez, Daniel Briere and Chris Drury.

"If I was the GM, they're all great players, either one you're going to be alright, but I would probably take Drury," Mowers said. "I played against him four years in college and I've played against him in the pros now. He's a winner, he knows how to get it done and he does everything for the game. He's rugged, he gets his nose dirty and obviously he can score some goals, that's who'd I go for. I don't know if it's possible for us this year, but it would be nice."

I have to say I agree with Mowers, I would love for Chris Drury to sign in Boston when the free agency market opens on July,1. Who would you sign if you were Peter Chiarelli?

The theme of the week; There's a lot to like about Lowell.

Maybe we’re not Boston, but where else in the Massachusetts, or the United States for that matter, can you find so many entertainment options in a city this size? Most big cities dwarf their surrounding areas, gobbling up all the events and leaving nothing but small-time local or school alternatives for residents who don’t want to deal with the hustle and bustle of a metropolis.

Those of us who turn to the sports pages first have it even better, a point driven home while reading a pair of articles about the Lowell Men’s City Golf Tournament in Sunday’s Sun. Despite being contested for the 82nd time, “The Cities” never grows old. And though it’s steeped in tradition, the tourney keeps up with modern times by chronicling that history on a dedicated website at www.lowellcitiesgolf.com.

Web surfers get an added bonus this year when yours truly packs up the laptop Wednesday and heads over to Vesper Country Club. If you can’t sneak away from the home or office but want up-to the minute final round updates, this is the place to be. The best part is you can interact with me by offering your questions or thoughts in the “comments” section and I’ll be more than happy to chat.

Now then, because I’m not one to keep an opinion to myself, how about I offer up my personal favorite while running down the list of contenders;

The New England Collegiate Baseball League features a good brand of baseball, but the Lowell All-Americans have too much competition from another local diamond entry to bat any higher than 7th on this list. Ditto for the New England Riptide, who might climb a few spots if they could just convince Jenny Finch to show up at Martin Field.

This is where it gets tricky. The Lowell Spinners provide an opportunity to catch future members of the Red Sox in action, and the Ripken-esque streak of consecutive sellouts is testament to their wild popularity. My hunch is they win the voting, though they’ll have to settle for runner-up status on this ballot.

Why, you ask? Because I’m a sucker for boxing’s electric atmosphere. The Golden Gloves may currently lack the star local attractions of the glory days, but even a bout between a pair of no-names has the entire crowd on its feet when the combatants let loose in a flurry of flying fists. If you’ve been there for one of those donnybrooks, you know there isn’t a sporting event in the city that matches it.

Your list may vary, and I’m sure you’ll be more than happy to tell me why. But there’s one thing we can’t argue about; When it comes to quality sporting events, you don’t have to stray far from home.

Lowell is as big city as it gets.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The New England Riptide roster is still a little fluid, but they will likely have all their players together for the remainder of the season.

The Riptide were without slugger Tarrah Beyster and pitcher Erica Beach on Friday night.

Beyster, who is an assistant softball coach at Indiana University, and Beach, an assistant coach with the Ohio State Buckeyes, were both hitting the recruiting trail while New England hosted the Chicago Bandits in the second game of a four-game set.

Rookie outfielder Alex Sutton stepped into the starting lineup on Friday night. Sutton blasted her first home run last week against Venezuela. She is currently hitting .292.

Friday night also marked the return of third baseman Jackie Pasquerella. She is a teacher during the off-season. The New York native did play in games earlier in the season, but had to return to the Big Apple to fulfill her job commitments.

Bandits digging a whole

While the Chicago Bandits have had the best regular season record in each of the last two seasons, they find themselves in the NPF cellar entering today’s game with a record of 7-12 (.368 winning percentage).

The Bandits have been short-handed for a lot of the early stages due to college players arriving late as well as Vick Galindo and Jennie Finch leaving for Team USA.

They’ll be in and out as the U.S. National Team schedule dictates.

“It‘s difficult to say bye to a Jennie Finch or a Vicky Galindo,” said Bandits head coach Mickey Dean. “Not knowing you’re going to have them for a month, month and a half, but you wish them well. You hope they do great things, and I know they will.”

They don’t make the schedule

After the conclusion of this week’s series, the Riptide welcome in Philadelphia (5-6, .455) for four games before going to Philly for another four. The Force currently sit ahead of Chicago and behind the Riptide (9-6, .600) in the standings.

Back-to-back-to-back series against the current bottom feeders of the league could provide New England the opportunity to gain ground in the standings.

Among the leaders

Riptide players are among the top five in batting average, RBI, stolen bases, wins, and strikeouts.

Shanel Scott is third in batting average (.385), and leads the NPF in stolen bases (13). Lyndsey Angus is second in RBI (16), Erica Beach’s four wins tie her for fourth, and Eileen Canney’s 42 strikeouts rank fourth among pitchers. Canney has pitched just 25 1/3 innings.

Boy, it’s been a while since the Celtics have dominated the New England sports discussion, hasn’t it? But that’s exactly what’s been happening these past few days, and the intensity only figures to increase as next Thursday’s NBA draft approaches.

With that in mind, we have a great SunTalk Live show in store for you Monday night. Lynn Worthy co-hosts the hour long hoops hysteria. Concord, New Hampshire’s Matt Bonner joins us in the opening segment to discuss the San Antonio Spurs championship run and what the future holds in store as he enters free agency.

Next up, Rick Alonzo of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (a sister publication of the Lowell Sun) phones in from Minnesota to catch us up on the latest Kevin Garnett trade talk. Is there still life in the KG to Boston trade talks? We’ll find out from a hoops writer living in the land of 1,000 lakes.

If that isn't enough, we'll then hear from Rich Hammond. Hammond writes for the Los Angeles Daily News (another Sun sister paper) and maintains a blog called Inside the Lakers. He's been on top of the Kobe Bryant upheaval and will have the latest info on what's going on there.

As always, the lines are open for you folks to chime in with your thoughts on what the Celtics should and shouldn’t do on draft night or to ask our guests any questions. One word of warning, however; Lynn and I don’t always see eye to eye on the direction the C’s are heading, so watch out not to get caught in the crossfire! (I kid, of course. Lynn’s a great guy, even if he knows nothing about basketball…LOL!)

Showtime is 7-8pm…as always, dial in a few minutes early if you want to talk to our guests…the number is (978)364-TALK (8255). We've worked hard to put such an oustanding lineup together. Join in and see what all the fuss is about!

1) Garnett Not Ga-Ga for Green: Do you now understand the dilemma Danny Ainge and the Celtics face in trying to become relevant again?

Celtics fans (and all fans in general) have a way of overvaluing their own team and talent. But as you can see from Kevin Garnett and Shawn Marion expressing no desire to come to Boston, the rest of the league isn’t exactly enamored with our young players and their potential to become champions in the future. That’s why acquiring a Garnett is so important; you have to be perceived as a championship caliber team to entice championship caliber players to come play for you instead of other franchises.

P.S. I don’t believe the KG trade is completely dead yet. Obviously, Ainge and McHale worked out an agreeable package. If other teams don’t step up, the T’Wolves could just tell Garnett he’d have to spend another year in Minnesota and a situation that is worse than Boston’s. Sure, he’d like to force a trade to the Suns (who wouldn’t?), but if KG realizes that’s not going to happen, he might very well change his mind on coming to the Celtics. After all, the T’Wolves don’t exactly have any Paul Pierces on their roster to make Garnett’s life any easier.

Tejada fractured a bone in his left wrist after getting hit by a pitch Wednesday night, but came to the plate Thursday and feebly attempted a bunt before being immediately removed from the game. The shame is, the fracture will probably end the shortstop’s streak of 1,152 consecutive games played soon enough. It wasn’t necessary to injure his reputation in the process and make a mockery of what is already an impressive accomplishment even if he gets nowhere near Cal Ripken, Jr. It was a bush-league maneuver, something the Orioles should never have allowed if they were concerned about the integrity of the game.

No wonder Joe Girardi said “thanks, but no thanks” to Baltimore’s offer to manage the team.

What do you think gang? Is the Garnett deal dead? How can the Celtics ever hope to contend if they can’t seem to win the draft lottery and no All-Star players want to come here? Were you embarrassed for Tejada and the Orioles after that stunt? Do you think he’s going to try to play through a fractured wrist and make an even bigger mockery of his streak? Will the Orioles allow it?

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Days after TSN-Canada and other media outlets were announcing Claude Julien would be named as the 28th head coach of the Boston Bruins, the club held a press conference at TD Banknorth Garden to make it official.

"First of all I’d like to thank the Jacobs family, Peter and the organization for giving me the opportunity to be part of a team that has obviously a great history and rich tradition," Julien said. "I am looking forward to the challenge of bringing this team to the level of expectation that the organization, the players and most importantly the fans want."

Julien, 47, was quick to respond when he was asked what his impression of his new team was.

"This team has a lot of potential and has a lot of great players. We all know what this team has and some great leadership as well," Julien said."And basically I want to come in here, as I’ve done with many of my teams in the past, and be a team that’s well structured and be a team that’s going to work together as a group pulling in the same direction."

Julien added he wants his team to be a harder team to play against.

"Obviously, defensively we want to certainly cut down on the goals against and limit the scoring chances," Julien explained. "Also harder to play against can be the physical part of it and offensively we want to be able to go at them by finishing our checks and driving hard to the net and doing the things that it takes to score goals. You want to be gritty in all areas and I think that’s what we want to establish here and we established that now with just a few players but with the whole group."

When asked if the Bruins would play the "trap defense" the New Jersey Devils made famous, Julien explained what "trap defense" really means.

"When you look back at the game tapes, everyone plays what every calls the 'trap', obviously some are more aggressive but I think the bottom line is we want to be a team, as I mentioned earlier, that’s going to be hard to play against and you want to be aggressive you want to recover the puck as quick as you can its always important that your first forechecker goes in there hard and finishes his checks and I think people want to see physical part of the game which we want to implement but at the same time we have to realize the rules in this game have changed. You have to have some adjustments made because of the rule changes," Julien said. "Nonetheless I think we want to be aggressive we want to be a physical type of team as physical as we can be within the rules but nonetheless the bottom line is we’re going to have a structure that’s going to have everybody playing the same way and if we do that I think we’re going to be a harder team to play against."

Julien touched on the fact that he has coached Patrice Bergeron and being from Ottawa has seen Marc Savard and Zdeno Chara play on numerous occassions and that was another reason he chose to coach here, besides the rich history.

Julien said the club is not looking to reinvent the game.

"We’re going to establish a system here that is comfortable for everyone, its going to be simple, I don’t think we’re looking to complicate the game, we’re not looking to reinvent it," Julien said. " All it is, is good execution and I think if you can get that stability and making sure the players understand and they don’t have to think too much, it becomes automatic and that’s when your team becomes successful."

What exactly does Julien think of his captain Zdeno Chara?

"Well I think first of all the Boston Bruins should be so excited to have a player of his nature on (their) hockey team," Julien said. "He’s such a great competitor; he's such a great player and obviously when maybe things don’t go as well as you’d like them to go as a team a lot of times the pressure is put on the leaders and I think if you look at his game last year you can never criticize his work ethic and I think part of it is if everyone around him plays better we know that he’s also going to be an even bigger impact and a bigger asset.

"I have no worries that Z will be a big part of this hockey club and be a great leader and no doubt, I’m telling you right now, he will have a great season."

Julien has posted an NHL coaching record of 119-95-24 during three seasons with Montreal and one with the Devils. His playoff record is four wins and seven losses - the four wins came against the Bruins when the Candiens came back from a 3-1 deficit to eliminate the Bs in the opening round of the 2004 playoffs.

General Manger Peter Chiarelli said Julien has always "had the ability integrate youth into the line-up."

"He has the ability to elevate their level of play and that was one of the factors in deciding on him," Chiarelli said. "In short, Claude is a very task driven and determined individual who displays a passion for discipline and I’d like to welcome him to the organization."

Chiarelli aslo noted that Julien's record in his first year in Montreal (2003-2004) was the best record the Canadiens had had in 10-years. Chiarelli did not comment on the lenght of the Julien's contract. He did say both himself and Julien would work together in naming an assistant coach.

Julien is the seventh coach for the Bruins since 2000 (Mike Keenan, Robbie Ftorek, Mike O'Connell, Mike Sullivan and Dave Lewis) - will he have what it takes to lead the Bruins to the level of play that brings success? With a new coach in place, what else do the Bruins need to do? New York Post hockey writer Larry Brooks gave his take on WEEI this morning.

"I don't think they're a playoff team," Brooks said on the Dale and Holley Show. "They still have holes from the back all the way up."

Do you think this is a good move by Chiarelli and the Bruins? What does Julien truly bring to the rink? Will he have more success with this team than Lewis?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The New England Riptide got official word this week that the three rookie players invited to tryout for the Women's National Team will not be leaving throughout the season.

Outfielder Gina Carbonatto, infielder Garland Cooper, and pitcher Eileen Canney were not selected as part of the 17-player roster for Team USA, allowing them to spend the entirety of their rookie NPF seasons with the Riptide.

USA Softball announced the selections on Monday. The Women's National Team schedule this summer includes the Canada Cup (June 28-July 8), the KFC World Cup of Softball in Oklahom City (July 11-16), and The Women's Pan American Games in Brazil (July 17-30).

In 2005, the Riptide lost ace pitcher Jocelyn Forest, pitcher Leigh Ann Ellis and shortstop Jessica Merchant to the U.S. Elite as well as first baseman/outfielder Kellie Wilkerson to the U.S. National Team. Pitcher Mariangee Bogado left to join Venezuela's Women's National Team in 2006.

Well, my dream Celtics scenario isn’t quite reality, but at least other outlets are talking about it now. So with Danny Ainge acknowledging he’s at least spoken to Minnesota about Kevin Garnett, here’s a little question for those (and according to the comments on CelticsBlog.com, that would be the vast majority of you out there) who don’t want to give up Al Jefferson and the #5 pick to land KG; ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FREAKIN’ MINDS????

Hey, look folks. I love Big Al, too. Heck, I could even fall in love with that 5th pick, provided it’s the right player. I like Delonte West, Ryan Gomes, Tony Allen, Kendrick Perkins, Gerald Green and every other lovable loser on the current C’s roster. They’re all nice guys and nice little players who can contribute under the right circumstances. You know, circumstances like IF YOU HAVE ONE OF THE GREATEST PLAYERS TO PLAY THE GAME ON YOUR TEAM!!!!

For the love of God, people! Has it been that long since the Celtics have been relevant that you’ve all lost your minds about what it takes to be a good NBA team? Please spare me the Al Jefferson is the future of this franchise garbage. He’s a good player who will only get better with time. I wouldn’t trade him for Pau Gasol, Shawn Marion or Rashard Lewis. I’m so glad Ainge didn’t trade him for Allen Iverson. But by the time Jefferson gets to his peak, Paul Pierce will be dipping his dentures in Poly-Grip.

I realize it’s a long shot. But when you have an opportunity to get a 31-year old superstar to pair alongside a very good 29-year old player and match them up in a pathetic Eastern Conference, you have to make that deal. Even minus Big Al, the #5 pick and whatever else the T’Wolves desire, there will be enough extra pieces to make the C’s a legit title contender for at least the next 3-years. And that doesn’t take into account the scores of veteran contributors who will flock to Boston for the chance to earn a ring playing alongside Garnett and Pierce. Remember all the vets who flew south to Miami to play alongside Shaq and Wade?

We’ve spent the last two decades worrying about the Celtics future. I say the hell with that. I want to win. The future is now!

What are your thoughts on the latest Kevin Garnett rumors? Can anyone give a logical argument why you don’t make the deal in a heartbeat?

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

According to the Associated Press, former Celtics big man and University of Hartford graduate Vin Baker, 35, was spotted driving erratically after leaving Foxwoods Resort Casino, according to a state police report. He failed a sobriety test and was charged with driving while impaired.

Baker has battled depression and alcohol issues for several years. He was released by the Celtics during the 2003-04 season.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Celtics director of basketball operations Danny Ainge confirmed this afternoon that Celtics general manager Chris Wallace has accepted the general manager's position with the Memphis Grizzlies.

"Chris has been great for me, very loyal," Ainge said following pre-draft workouts in Waltham. "Under the circumstances that I came in, he was very deligent and loyal to the Boston Celtics and me for keeping him on board and giving him an opportunity to resume his career. We have a great friendship, a great trust and Chris will be missed. We'll have to rally internally."

Ainge also added that it could be as late as August or Septemeber before decisions are made on promoting and or hiring to fill in the loss in the basketball operations staff.

He was unaware of details as to how soon Wallace would start his duties with Memphis.

In a 2002 “thriller,” Jodie Foster starred as a mom desperately trying to protect her daughter (or was it son?) from a band of Forrest Whittaker-led robbers by hiding out in a specially designed safe shelter within her house. Unfortunately for those who wasted big bucks seeing this bomb at the theaters, the only thing thrilling about Panic Room was when the final credits rolled.

That poorly constructed plot (almost as poorly constructed as the beginning of this column) pales in comparison to the ridiculous story lines playing out around these parts prior to the Red Sox weekend sweep of the Giants. As great an actress as Ms. Foster is, even she can’t come close to portraying the fear on the faces of the faithful when the Evil Empire closed to within single digits in the American League East.

“June Swoon” screamed the headlines. “The Yankees are coming” shouted the pink hats. “They’re ruining our summah” cried talk radio hosts and callers. Panic had set in, and there wasn’t a room safe enough to hide in till the bad guys went away.

Well folks, take it from someone who knows a thing or two about negativity; Relax! Take a chill pill! Your Boston Red Sox are still the best team in baseball. They are still the odds-on favorites to bring home another championship in October. And no matter how much closer the Yankees get in the standings, Boston’s Boys of Summer will still enter the post-season chase as AL East champions.

Quite frankly, I’m a little surprised at all you worry warts out there. I thought 2004 cured everyone of this nonsensical talk about collapses and curses. I don’t care how many times prior to that magical autumn the Sox had coughed up a lead, the incredible manner with which they crawled out of a 3-love hole to vanquish their tormentors should have finally put this inferiority complex to bed.

So take my advice and enjoy your summer. Work on the tan. Hone the golf swing. Take off on that long-awaited vacation. When you come back after Labor Day, the Sox will be exactly where they are right now; comfortably ahead of the Yankees and setting up the rotation for the playoffs. If you don’t heed my advice, you’ll be asked to skip dessert and sent directly to your room.

The panic room!

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The Memphis Commercial Appeal is reporting today that Chris Wallace, the general manager of the Boston Celtics, has been hired to take over for Jerry West as the general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies.

The announcement could come as soon as today, according to the report.

Wallace, who served as the general manager of the Celtics for the past 10 year, has worked under Danny Ainge since Ainge's arrival as director of basketball operations. Prior to his tenure in Boston he was the director of player personnel for the Miami Heat. Wallace has also worked in various capacities for Portland, Denver, the Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is stirring up trade talk again with a reported visit with owner Jerry Buss in Spain as well as a post on Kobe's website today.

Bryant writes in the post :

"The more I thought about the future, the more I became convinced that the Lakers and me just have two different visions for the future. The Lakers are pursuing a longer-term plan that is different from what Dr. Buss shared with me at the time I re-signed as a free agent. I have seen that plan unfold for the last three years and watched great trade opportunities come and go, and have seen free agents passed on. That has led to the Lakers not winning a playoff series. All of that was frustrating in itself, but then, this week to have someone "inside" the Laker organization try to blame me in the media for us not being a contender right now -- that is what brought me to my current position today.

"I want it to be clear that I still love, with all my heart, the Laker Legacy. From Mikan to West to Goodrich to Wilt to Kareem to Magic. That will never change. And the support my family and I have gotten from Lakers fans is undeniably the best. I will also always believe that."

Click here to read the full post from Bryant.

Let the rumors and speculation continue. It's open season on Kobe talk once again.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Offensive production hasn’t been a problem around Martin Field this week as the New England Riptide have scored 28 runs in the last three games leading into this afternoon’s fourth game against Team Venezuela.

The Riptide have upped their scoring average to 4.1 runs per game coming into today. This from a team that scored zero runs through the first two games of the season, and a squad that was held to five runs through the first four games.

The overall run production is almost identical compared to this point last year (through 11 games last year they were averaging 4.2 runs per game), but the potential for improvement is undeniable.

The 2006 National Pro Fast pitch (NPF) Player of the Year Lyndsey Angus summed it by saying that this year’s team won’t be able to get all the great bats they have in their lineup on certain days because there’s simple “no room.”

Angus, last year’s RBI leader with 23, has already piled up 13 RBI. The most runs scored by any Riptide player last year was 19. So far this season, two players, Carri Leto-Martin and Shanel Scott, have already recorded nine runs scored.

One of the major aspects that sets this Riptide team apart is speed, head coach Sharon Drysdale pointed out after Thursday’s game.

This season is shaping up as the year the base paths at Martin Field turn into a track meet. Lindy Winkler had a franchise-high eight stolen bases last season. Scott, the Oklahoma State speedster, has already swiped seven bases through 11 games.

Skeleton crew
The offensive production has come despite a lineup that featured several tweaks and adjustments this week as Drysdale didn’t have the full roster available.

Third baseman Jackie Pasquerella had to fulfill previous commitments that kept her from being with the team for the entire series, while newcomers Gina Carbonatto, Eileen Canney, and Garland Cooper were at tryouts for Team USA.

As a result, Lisa Iancin saw a lot of time at third base as opposed to second base, Leto-Martin stepped into second base, and the outfield was primarily roamed by the rookie trio of Alex Sutton, Scott and Lisa Modglin.

Sutton, the Riptide’s third pick in this year’s draft, and Modglin each hit the first home runs of their pro careers this weekend.

The Ritpide signed Shelly Porchaska a catcher player who graduated from Oregon State in 2003. This will be her first season in the NPF. Prior to her signing, K.J. Kelley was the only catcher on the Riptide roster though Angus had played the position in college.

A trip to the Beach
Pitcher Erica Beach has looked like the ace of the pitching staff early on. She came in to stop the bleeding as the Riptide pulled out a 9-8 victory against Venezuela on Thursday. Beach followed that up with a complete game on Friday in which Venezuela managed just two runs on five hits.

She is currently sporting a team-best earned run average of 2.20, while her wins (3) and strikeouts (22) put her amongst the top five in the NPF.

Beach, who was signed late last June after two seasons with the Arizona Heat, went 2-4 in seven starts in 2006.

Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Boston Bruins General Manager confirmed former Bs head coach Mike Milbury has been interviewed for the vacant position behind the bench.

"I talked to three or four candidates and Mike is one of them," Chiarelli told Greg Dickerson and Sean McAdam during an WEEI interview earlier today.

When he was asked what he likes about Milbury, Chiarelli responded with:

"He is very confident in his ability to judge and deal with a player, on a player to player basis; whether it be motivating or controlling and that's one of his fortes."

The GM may have confirmed one candidate, but that was it.

"I'm not confirming anyone else," Chiarelli said with a tone that told his interviewers and the listeners he would not budge.

He also wouldn't comment on whether or not he was going to be conducting more interviews this coming week.

When it was implied the Bruins needed to make "a big splash" in order to make the fans happy, Chiarelli was quick to nip that in the bud so to speak.

"I didn't make this decision to make 'a big splash'," Chiarelli said. "I made this decision to improve our coaching staff."

Guess some of the rumors are actually true - Chiarelli has already confirmed Milbury; could Taz be next? They were the last two Bs coaches to lead the team to the Stanley Cup Finals. How great would it be to have one of those two behind the bench again leading the Black and Gold?