Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

A few observations while wondering what it would REALLY be like in a world where nobody lies (I imaging Bill Belichick wouldn’t be long for such a world):

I love all the speculation regarding who the Patriots might select with their draft pick a week and half from today. Will they trade down? Will they stay at #7? If they stay there, who will they take? Will it be Ohio State Linebacker Vernon Gholston? How about USC LB Keith Rivers? Or will they go with one of the many Defensive Backs rumored?

As I say every year around this time, the player Belichick tabs as the next Patriot will more than likely be one that nobody is talking about. But since I’m in the business of making a fool of myself (some would say I’ve struck it rich), I’m going to throw the name Derrick Harvey out there. Harvey is projected as a Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, and we know how the Patriots value versatility. Plus I’m thinking BB’s ties with the University of Florida program might tilt the draft wheel in Harvey’s favor.

Gotta hand it to the Red Sox and Yankees. They sure know how to get maximum publicity out of the most inane little thing. At least the David Ortiz uniform burial caper will help raise money for a worthy cause, but I’m left wondering; did planting Big Papi’s jersey in the cement at the new Yankee Stadium curse the Red Sox slugger and not the intended victims, the Bronx Bombers? If Ortiz breaks out of his slump now that the uniform has been uncovered, we’ll have our answer.

It was amusing all those years to hear folks talk about how the FleetCenter, or the “New Gaaahden” as it’s now called, was a sterile environment that wasn’t as loud as the old building. Funny how having two successful teams as tenants changes that perception, isn’t it?

Game 3 of the Bruins-Canadiens series was a perfect reminder of how great a hockey town this is when the rabid Black and Gold minions have something to cheer about. The game itself was out of this world and the already frenzied fans fed off that. It sent chills down my spine just watching it on television…can’t imagine what it must have been like in person. Just wait till the Celtics advance to the NBA Finals!

While Micky Ward waits for the movie on his life to begin filming, the Lowell boxing legend is prepping for Hollywood by working for the current flick being shot in the Mill City. Irish Micky, a Teamster’s member from his days paving roads, was asked to be part of the crew for “This Side of the Truth,” the major motion picture that has downtown Lowell all abuzz. “The Mick” is driving one of the vans shuttling folks back and forth from the soundstage on Bolt Street. Ward happily reports the shuttle van handles much smoother than his usual union vehicle, a steamroller.