Red Sox fans have already forgotten about Manny Ramirez. The souvenir shop across the street from Fenway Park was selling Manny merchandise at a 50 percent discount, and a sign hanging from a building near the ballpark read: Manny Who?
The fans gave Jason Bay an enthusiastic greeting tonight, first when his name was announced in the starting lineup and again when he batted for the first time in the second inning against Oakland’s Justin Duchscherer, the AL’s ERA leader (2.37). The ovation was so long and loud, Bay stepped into the batter’s box and then had to step back out until it subsided.
He drew a five-pitch walk in his first plate appearance as a Red Sox and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jed Lowrie.

The Red Sox remain on target to draw three million fans to Fenway Park for the first time in the ballpark’s 97-year history.
The Sox went over the two-million mark for the earliest time in their history tonight, cracking the plateau in their 54th date of the season, two games earlier than ever before. The SRO crowd of 37,832 at the expanded ballpark was their 442nd consecutive sellout. They are closing in on Cleveland’s major-league record 455 consecutive sellouts set in the mid-1990s.

In spite of heavy thunderstorms that hit Boston late this afternoon, tonight’s game between the Red Sox and Athletics appears on track to start on time at 7:05.
Tim Wakefield celebrated his 42nd birthday today ... When Mike Timlin was credited with the victory in Friday night’s 2-1, 12-inning win over the A’s, at 42 years and 143 days of age he became the oldest Red Sox reliever to win a game since Dennis Eckersley in 1998 (43 years, 349 days) ... The appearance for Timlin was the 1,039th of his career. Among righthanded pitchers, only Kent Tekulve (1,050) has appeared in more games ... The Red Sox are 507-317 all-time against the Athletics at Fenway Park ... Dustin Pedroia’s 44 multiple-hit games tie him with the Ranger’ Ian Kinsler for the most in the majors this season ... The Red Sox picked up some infield insurance today by acquiring minor-league infielder Josh Wilson from the Pirates in exchange for a player to be named later or cash. Wilson, who has a .233 average in 119 major-league games with Florida, Washington, and Tampa Bay, was playing at Class AAA Indianapolis. Wilson will be assigned to Pawtucket ... Kevin Youkilis takes an eight-game hitting streak into tonight’s game.
The starting lineups:
Athletics
Ryan Sweeney, rf
Kurt Suzuki, c
Emil Brown, lf
Frank Thomas, dh
Mark Ellis, 2b
Carlos Gonzalez, cf
Jack Hannahan, 3b
Bobby Crosby, ss
Daric Barton, 1b
Dana Eveland, lhp
Red Sox
Dustin Pedroia, 2b
Kevin Youkilis, 1b
David Ortiz, dh
Mike Lowell, 3b
Jason Bay, lf
J.D. Drew, rf
Jed Lowrie, ss
Jason Varitek, c
Coco Crisp, cf
Jon Lester, lhp

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Sharing thoughts while promising to cut the hair short and behave as long as Lowell Sun management allows Teddy to be Teddy:

Isn’t it amazing how quickly Manny Ramirez’ troublesome knee healed upon learning of the trade to the Dodgers? 8-for-13, with two home runs and five runs batted in is a good way to leave a positive first impression on your new employer.

And let’s be honest…laid back L.A. is the perfect setting for Ramirez to thrive. He was never really one of us to begin with. In fact, Jeff Moorad did his client a great disservice by guiding him away from Cleveland and to Boston in the first place. The high pressure, win at all costs, every meaningless pitch is life and death environment that drives Red Sox Nation wasn’t suited to a free spirit like Manny. I have no doubt he’ll be happy in Los Angeles for as long as his new agent, Scott Boras, allows him to be.

I find the outrage against Manny by the majority of Sox fans a bit curious. Remember, those of us who’ve spent our entire lives here simply can’t relate to a bunch of hired mercenaries paid to do a job. But that’s what these guys basically are…paid mercenaries.

They weren’t born here. Weren’t raised here. Didn’t play here growing up. They’re drafted into a system and assigned their work cities in a manner totally out of their control. They’re often shipped from place to place, without regard for living or family situations. So when they finally achieve a level of success and service time that allows them some choice in where to play, we shouldn’t be so quick to turn on them just because they don’t feel a sense of loyalty to us. I don’t recall any concern about whether Brandon Moss or Craig Hansen had bought a home in the area or had a wife and kids they had to move away from when they were jettisoned as part of the deadline trade.

Am I disappointed in Manny? You bet. Things didn’t have to end this way, but they did, and most of the blame lies squarely at Ramirez’/Boras’ feet. Am I angry? Hell no! Never forget he was an integral part of two World Series champions. As a member of the 2004 curse busters, he helped give me (and most of you) some of the greatest sports memories we’ll ever have. For that, Manny Ramirez will always hold a special place in this Red Sox fan’s heart.

Now then, on to Brett Favre: Please tell me I’m not the only one fed up with his phony act.

Behind that tearful retirement and the “undying love for the game” that drove his return lies an insecure man who feels he didn’t get enough love from the new Packers management and coaching staff. As a result, he orchestrated this entire scenario so he could get out of Green Bay without seeming like the bad guy. Don’t want to disappoint all those loyal sycophants in their green #4 jerseys, do we Brett?

The proof for me came when I heard about the Packers delegation chartering a plane to see Favre in Mississippi when the NFL’s all-time touchdown and interceptions leader informed them he was reconsidering retirement in the spring. Of course, when they got down there to make plans for the upcoming season, Favre told them never mind. Yet suddenly, after the Pack planned their entire draft and offseason without the Brettman in mind, he had another change of heart. Puh-lease! Did anyone really believe he was gone for good? Those adoring cheeseheads would be wise to remember Favre’s final pass in a Green Bay uniform…a horrible interception in the NFC Championship loss to the Giants that not even many 3rd string rookies would toss. Very similar to so many other playoff blunders.

Contrary to popular belief, Packers management’s desire not to trade Favre within the division has nothing to do with him coming back to haunt them. They simply don’t want their defensive backs to earn huge pay raises by padding their stats against him twice a year!

That's the view from here...how do you see things?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

1) I truly hope the American athletes don’t embarrass us with their boorish behavior at the upcoming Olympics in Beijing.

Why does it seem only our best and brightest act like jerks upon winning gold medals? Remember the spring relay team prancing, posing, flexing their muscles and sticking out their tongues in Sydney, Australia? All while draping an American flag around them, no less. I can’t think of another athlete from a different country doing anything similar. Oh, and when you’re on that medal stand, can you at least pretend to pay attention to the anthem? Not to paint all American athletes with a broad brush, but that 1% certainly ruins it for the other 99%.

2) How great is it that Brett Favre will play against the Patriots twice this year?

Obviously, the Jets have fooled themselves into believing they’re a legit playoff threat this year, or else they wouldn’t have sought such a short-term solution to their long-term quarterback problem. Will Favre help the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS win a game or two? Probably, but even if he gets them to the post-season, you can be assured he’ll eventually cost them a playoff game with a stupid interception. Eric Mangini wants a quarterback who can manage a game and not make mistakes that cost his team field position, never mind games. Boy, did they give him the WRONG guy!

3) What a difference a year makes when it comes to the Boston Celtics!

True, the Green became popular as soon as they traded for Kevin Garnett, but winning a title has raised their national profile to an entirely different level. The C’s will appear on national television 25-times this upcoming season. 25-times! 30% of their games! Included in that number is an opening night matchup against LeBron and the Cavaliers and a Christmas Day showdown in Los Angeles against the Lakers.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Alison Walshe was eliminated in the Round of 32 at the U.S. Women's Amateur Championships in Eugene, Oregon this afternoon.

It took 19-holes, but California's Chelsea Stelzmiller eliminated the newest golf pride of Westford, Massachusetts in match play. Walshe had finished 6th in the stroke play portion of the competition and won her opening round matchup against another Massachusetts native, Andover's Jaclyn Sweeney.

For more on this story, visit www.lowellsun.com and read tomorrow's newspaper.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

A few medal winning thoughts on the Summer Olympics:

Every four years, I approach the Games with the appropriate level of disdain a cynical, middle-aged sportswriter is expected to exhibit. Yet every four years, this cranky old coot gets sucked in by the drama and reminded why he’s spent far too much of his life watching, reading, writing and talking about sports: because when done right, there’s no greater theater in the world!

Considering the controversy surrounding the selection of Beijing as host site, the 2008 Olympics have been a smashing success thus far. You have to hand it to the Chinese organizers. Not only is the “Bird’s Nest” stadium a marvelous piece of architecture (amazing what paying a $1.50 an hour wage gets you these days), but the guy running in midair is the most memorable torch lighting these eyes have witnessed, edging out the moving sight of a trembling Muhammad Ali setting the flame in Atlanta.

Kudos to the sports fans of China as well, for their warm reception of all winning athletes, no matter which country they’re from. And kudos to the event schedulers for planning many of the climactic moments in American prime time, which often means early morning competition in Beijing. Though the casual viewer might find some enjoyment, a true sports geek avoids taped contests like Democratic Convention planners avoid John Edwards’ phone calls.

But it’s the competition itself which ultimately wins over even the most pessimistic Olympic follower. Was there a person watching the men’s 4 x 100 Freestyle Swimming Relay final who wasn’t going wild at the conclusion of that improbable finish? If you answered yes, check your pulse. You many no longer be with us, or you simply don’t have a heart.

I’m not sure which I enjoyed more; the sight of Michael Phelps’ and his teammates’ primal screams of joy, or the look of total disbelief on the French team’s faces. France hasn’t been this shocked since the supposedly impenetrable Maginot Line collapsed faster than Dennis Rodman’s nine day marriage to Carmen Electra.

The only people happier than the American swimmers had to be NBC’s advertising executives who still have Phelps’ “Spitz-ian” quest for eight Gold Medals as a ratings draw. They must have been smiling like President Bush in those photos with the beach volleyballers.

Yet what makes the Olympics truly special is that fantastic finishes like that improbable comeback against the favored French occur every single day, countless times a day. It’s just that we often fail to notice because they often involve competitors from other nations.

Barely an hour before the U.S.A.’s relay gold, the shoe was on the other foot when American Katie Hoff tired in the final meters of the Women’s 400 Freestyle and was overtaken for the gold by Britain’s Rebecca Adlington. I imagine the homefolk back in England celebrated the country’s first women’s swimming medal since 1984 in the same manner I celebrated Phelps and company’s victory: by jumping around their living rooms like idiots.

Moments like that are why I find myself waking up in the wee hours of the morning and then staying up to watch events ranging from Fencing and Field Hockey to Diving and Dressage. You never know exactly when that next great moment will take place. You just know it will. It’s the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, played out over and over again, sleep be damned.

Besides, the older and crankier you get, the less sleep you require.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

In an effort to add depth and experience to a struggling back end of the rotation, the Red Sox traded for Cleveland starter Paul Byrd this afternoon. In return, the Indians will acquire either a player to be named later or cash.

The 37-year old righthander is 7-10 this year, with a 4.53 ERA. Byrd, who has won all four of his starts after the all-star game, was 15-8 with a 4.59 ERA for the Tribe last year. His best season came in 2002, when he posted a 17-11 mark (3.90 ERA) with Kansas City.

While this is a necessary move because of Clay Buchholz' failure to develop as quickly as hoped, it underscores the Sox desperation. It almost certainly means Buchholz is heading back to the minors, with Byrd and Charlie Zink (Tim Wakefield's replacement) filling the rotation vacancies. Byrd is a decent option, but you're not going to win many post-season games with him as a starter.

Of course, the first priority is to get to the playoffs in the first place, and Buchholz was hurting those chances. Byrd can't be any worse right now, and for the rest of this season anyway, is an improvement.

That's the view from here...how do you see things? Good move? Should Theo Epstein have acted sooner to shore up the rotation and perhaps ended up with a better option than Byrd?

The lineups for tonight’s game between the Rangers and the Red Sox, the two best-hitting and highest-scoring teams in the American League:
Rangers
Ian Kinsler, 2b
Michael Young, ss
Josh Hamilton, cf
Milton Bradley, dh
Marlon Byrd, rf
Brandon Boggs, lf
Chris Davis, 1b
Jarrod Satalamacchia, c
Travis Metcalf, 3b
Luis Mendoza, rhp
Red Sox
J.D. Drew, rf
Dustin Pedroia, 2b
David Ortiz, dh
Kevin Youkilis, 3b
Jason Bay, lf
Jed Lowrie, ss
Sean Casey, 1b
Jason Varitek, c
Coco Crisp, cf
Jon Lester, lhp

Struggling former Lowell Spinner Clay Buchholz has been dropped from the Red Sox rotation ... but only for two days.
Newly-acquired Paul Byrd will start Friday’s game against Toronto, taking what would have been Buchholz’s slot. But Buchholz will start Sunday’s game against the Blue Jays.

Rookie Red Sox shortstop Jed Lowrie has driven in 26 runs in only 119 at-bats, an average of one per 4.58 at-bats. Injured Julio Lugo drove in only 22 runs in more than twice as many at-bats (261), an average of one per 11.9 at-bats.
Nineteen of Kevin Youkilis’ 22 homers have been hit as a first baseman. The last Red Sox first baseman with more than 19 homers in a season was Mo Vaughn, who clouted 36 in 1998.
Jonathan Papelbon’s save Tuesday night was the 104th of his Red Sox career, tying him for second with Dick “The Monster” Radatz. Bob Stanley is the all-time saves leader with 132.
Dustin Pedroia became the first player in Red Sox history to have five hits and score five runs in the same game when he turned the trick in Tuesday night’s 19-17 slugfest against the Rangers.
The 17 runs were the most the Red Sox have ever allowed and still won the game. The previous record was 14, accomplished three times.

The Red Sox placed third baseman Mike Lowell, last year’s club MVP, on the 15-day disabled list with a strained oblique muscle. Lowell suffered the injury swinging at a pitch Tuesday night. It is his second trip to the DL this season. The Sox did not call up a hitter from the minors to replace him. Figuring their depleted bullpen is a bigger need, the Red Sox will play shorthanded with position players, at least for the moment.
The Sox optioned knuckleballer Charlie Zink back to Pawtucket game and called up righthander David Pauley, who will bolster the bullpen. They also activated righthander Paul Byrd, whom they acquired from the Indians in a trade on Tuesday. This is Pauley’s second tour with the Sox this season. He made one start back in April but did not get a decision in the Sox’ 7-6 win over the Angels. Pauley was 13-4 with a 3.32 ERA at Pawtucket and was tied for the International League lead in victories.

Kevin Youkilis cracked his 30th double of the season in the second inning tonight, the third straight year he has had at least 30. In the third inning he doubled again, knocking in two runs to put the Red Sox ahead 4-0.
The 2001 Lowell Spinners Player of the Year ranks among the Top Ten in many major AL hitting categories. Going into tonight’s game he was fifth in the AL in RBI (81), slugging percentage (.564), and multiple-hit games (43); sixth in batting (.316); eighth in extra-base hits (55) and total bases (234); and 10th in home runs (22) and on-base percentage (.384). Youkilis was also leading the AL in daytime batting average with a lofty .388 mark.

The start of tonight’s game between the Red Sox and Blue Jays is being delayed by rain.
Here are the starting lineups:
Blue Jays
Joe Inglett, 2b
Marco Scutaro, 3b
Adam Lind, lf
Vernon Wells, cf
Matt Stairs, dh
Rod Barajas, c
Lyle Overbay, 1b
Brad Wilkerson, rf
John McDonald, ss
Roy Halladay, rhp
Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, cf
Dustin Pedroia, 2b
David Ortiz, dh
Kevin Youkilis, 3b
J.D. Drew, rf
Jason Bay, lf
Jed Lowrie, ss
Sean Casey, 2b
Jason Varitek, c
Paul Byrd, rhp

The start of tonight’s game between the Red Sox and Blue Jays is being delayed by rain.
Here are the starting lineups:
Blue Jays
Joe Inglett, 2b
Marco Scutaro, 3b
Adam Lind, lf
Vernon Wells, cf
Matt Stairs, dh
Rod Barajas, c
Lyle Overbay, 1b
Brad Wilkerson, rf
John McDonald, ss
Roy Halladay, rhp
Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, cf
Dustin Pedroia, 2b
David Ortiz, dh
Kevin Youkilis, 3b
J.D. Drew, rf
Jason Bay, lf
Jed Lowrie, ss
Sean Casey, 2b
Jason Varitek, c
Paul Byrd, rhp

The start of tonight’s game between the Red Sox and Blue Jays is being delayed by rain.
Here are the starting lineups:
Blue Jays
Joe Inglett, 2b
Marco Scutaro, 3b
Adam Lind, lf
Vernon Wells, cf
Matt Stairs, dh
Rod Barajas, c
Lyle Overbay, 1b
Brad Wilkerson, rf
John McDonald, ss
Roy Halladay, rhp
Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, cf
Dustin Pedroia, 2b
David Ortiz, dh
Kevin Youkilis, 3b
J.D. Drew, rf
Jason Bay, lf
Jed Lowrie, ss
Sean Casey, 2b
Jason Varitek, c
Paul Byrd, rhp

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Rummaging through the recycling bin of sports news:

To think I was concerned about American athletes going over the top with their Olympic celebrations. Did you catch that display Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt put on in winning the 100-meter sprint and earning the title of World’s Fastest Human?

Not only did Bolt break his own world record in the process, he did so by the largest victory margin in an Olympic final over the last 40-years. Just imagine what he would have done had he not spent the last 20-meters mugging for the crowd? I understand the kid’s joy at accomplishing a lifelong goal, but in this day and age of records falling more often than Alicia Sacramone, he missed out on a golden opportunity to set a mark that might stand for a long time.

Count me among those who thought something fishy was up with Michael Phelps’
“phantastic” victory over a stunned Milorad Cavic in the 100-meter Butterfly. I realize my eyesight is fading fast and that camera angles sometimes lead to optical illusions, but I had yet to see a conclusive video replay or photo that showed America’s newest superstar touching the wall before his Serbian counterpart. Finally on Monday, Sports Illustrated released this shot confirming what electronic gadgetry told us was the case. Seeing is believing, but I still can’t fathom how Phelps was able to pull that off. Simply Amazing.

How could the judges award trampoline gold medals to contestants who didn’t even dunk a basketball as part of their routine? If they’re going to allow a joke of a “sport” to be included in the Olympics, the least they could do is force the competitors to turn a trick any NBA mascot can perform blindfolded on a nightly basis.

The Patriots offense may be stuck in pre-season mode (see, I didn’t say exhibition!), but Bill Belichick already has his regular season face on. Asked if Tom Brady would have played against Tampa had it been a regular season game, Belichick responded: “Well, it’s not a regular season game.” A follow up about whether the Patriots Head Coach would characterize keeping Brady out of action as a precautionary move was met with the “I wouldn’t characterize it” response. Can’t wait to see how funny Belichick’s going to be if and when Brady ever misses a game that counts.

Speaking of which, I hope Matt Cassel’s agent is contacting Arena League General Managers about possible quarterback openings, because his client sure as heck doesn’t look like he has a future in the NFL.

Tampa Bay is rumored to be shopping Chris Simms’ services. The Pats might be wise to take a look-see in that direction.

Matt Welch is “getting his feet wet and learning the offense,” according to University of New Hampshire Head Coach Sean McDonnell. Welch is still working exclusively at QB and there are currently no plans for a position switch. However, McDonnell says it’s “most likely” a redshirt year is in the offing for the former Lowell High standout.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as the Wildcats’ previous quarterback also sat out his first season on campus. You may have heard of him: four year starter, holds every major passing record in UNH history, 2006 Walter Payton Award winner (the 1A equivalent of the Heisman Trophy). Ricky Santos was his name.

Welch, or anyone else for that matter, will be hard-pressed to match Santos’ level of production, but if you believe in karma, here’s a positive sign: While Santos’ number 2 uniform has been retired, Welch is currently using the same locker room stall as the player he one day hopes to replace.

Pardon the disappearing act for a few days there. Well, we really didn't disappear. You could still see us. We just weren't able to post any new stories or comments.

However, we're back! Bigger and better than ever, and we'll be blogging like crazy over the weekend! Let's Talk!

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The Boston Celtics announced today that they have signed free agent forward Darius Miles. and 2008 second round draft pick Bill Walker.

The quick and dirty on Miles: A 6’9” 235 pounder from Belville, Illinois. Attended East St. Louis High School, Career averages: 10.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.15 blocks. Miles was originally drafted with the third overall pick in the 2000 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. He last played for the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2005-06 season. Miles missed all of the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons due to microfracture surgery on his right knee.

“Darius has been in twice for workouts with us and has impressed us with his progress, health, and attitude,” Danny Ainge, Celtics Executive Director of Basketball Operations/General Manager, said in a release. “Darius will have the next couple of months to prove to myself and Coach Rivers that he can help us win.”

The quick and dirty on Walker: A 6’6 220 pounder from Kansas State University was the 47th pick by the Washington Wizards. The former Wildcat ranked second on the team in scoring with 16.1 points per game. Walker had surgery to repair his meniscus in early July. He injured it during a workout prior to the draft.

“Bill’s hard work and skill development this summer has given us the belief that he can be in our short-term plans as well as our long-term plans.” said Ainge.

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

A look at Boston Celtics players under contract:

GUARDS: Ray Allen, Tony Allen, J.R. Giddens, Eddie House, Gabe Pruitt, Rajon Rondo.

FORWARDS: Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Glen Davis, Leon Powe, Brian Scalabrine, Bill Walker, Darius Miles.

CENTERS: Kendrick Perkins, Patrick O'Bryant.

UNSIGNED FREE AGENTS/DRAFT PICKS: P.J. Brown, center; Scot Pollard, center; Sam Cassell, guard; Semih Erden, center.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

(Every body whistle and sing along to our favorite Bobby McFerrin song)

Here's a little song I wrote. You might want to sing it note for note....

On a more serious note, I AM worried about the New England Patriots, but not for the reasons most of you might think. I could care less what happens in pre-season, how many games they lose, how poor they look in losing them, or how little Tom Brady plays. These games mean absolutely diddly-squat in the grand scheme of things, and I'm sure a healthy Tom Brady will do what Randy Moss did last year....skip the exhibition games and then come out like gangbusters when it really counts.

No, the reasons I'm concerned are more of the big picture variety. Stuff that can't be answered till the weather turns and the games get bigger by the week. Namely, are the New England Patriots a dynasty in decline?

In the coming days, I'll get into this in a little more detail for my weekly column in the Sun. For now, I'd like to hear your thoughts and concerns about the Patriots...if you have any, of course? If you think I'm all wet, then by all means, tell me. Give me some good arguments, and I might even use them in my column...full atttribution for you, of course!

So let's have at it gang....give us your thoughts on the 2008 New England Patriots!

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Patriots Nation has it all wrong.

There’s need to worry about Tom Brady’s injury. No need to worry about the 0-3 preseason record. No need to worry about an offensive line that’s more porous than the face of a 14-year old that ran out of Clearasil.

None of that matters. Brady will return in time for the opener and be his usual, stellar self, just as Randy Moss did after missing the entire ’07 exhibition season. The record on September 7th will be reset to 0-0. The O-Line will heal and gel, giving Tom Terrific more than adequate protection against most opponents. So don’t worry about those things. Here’s why you really need to worry:

Because even Superman eventually met his demise, dying in the 1992 DC Comics series, in the loving arms of Lois Lane (Giselle Bundchen?) no less.

Now before you go using this article as pet cage liner, hear me out. Behind the stupidity of trying to find a correlation between the death of a comic book hero and an NFL dynasty, there actually is a method to my madness.

Remember those heady days of 2003 and 2004, when New England ruled the football universe? The Pats always prevailed when the battle counted, just like the Man of Steel. The Boy Wonder quarterback flew in faster than a speeding bullet to lead that last second drive. Defenders emerged from phone booths to leap tall buildings and intercept passes in a single bound, if not always inbounds. Linemen were more powerful than locomotives when plowing through the opposition. And when all else failed, we could always count on the head coach to put the “S” on his chest and outsmart the other guys, or at least use his X-Ray vision to steal their signals.

Well, long before Bill Belichick traded in the red cape for a red hoodie, the rest of the football world had discovered it could tug on Superman’s cape and get away with it. Kryptonite started popping up, first in the NFL Metropolis of Indianapolis, then in Arizona, where a foe far less fearsome than Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy (the Lex Luther to Brady and Belichick’s Superman) did the Patriots in. Think about this for a second: last February, Brady was thoroughly outplayed by Eli Manning and Belichick thoroughly outsmarted by Tom Coughlin.

I don’t care how good the record is this year (13-3 at worst, the way I see it). Will you ever again approach a game with the same cockiness you did February 3, 2008? Hey, the Giants were the worst Super Bowl champion in history. They’ll be lucky to make the playoffs this year. And yet they cleaned New England’s clock at the line of scrimmage, only two weeks after a San Diego team with a one-legged quarterback and running back came into Gillette and nearly shaved the zero from the loss column.

The Pats can talk all they want about finishing the job, playing a full 60-minutes, whatever fighting slogan they want to conjure up to explain what happened in Super Bowl XLII. It won’t matter. It’s the same battle cry they used after coughing up a huge second half lead against Indy in the 2007 AFC Championship. It worked to the tune of 18-1, but the one that really counted was the one they lost in February of ‘08.

Can Belichick and Brady bring Superman back, just as in the comics? Sure, but as Franklin D. Roosevelt told us, the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself. It’s clear the rest of the NFL no longer fears the New England Patriots.

I’m afraid that means the days of the Patriots dynasty are gone.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Just wanted to chime in on Lynn’s earlier post about the Celtics signing Darius Miles, which I see as a low risk/high reward move.

Miles’ biggest negatives are his attitude (appears to be a bit of a headcase) and his serious knee injury. Let’s take the knee injury first…Hey, if he’s hurt to the point he’s lost all his ability, no big loss for the C’s. They’ve tied up nothing but a roster spot on him, and can cut him at any moment without any significant cost. The attitude is a non-issue for the same reasons…he can be shipped out of town at the first sign of trouble. Besides, he pulled most of his garbage on some lousy Portland teams, and there was never really a serious incident that would conjure up images of Ron Artest. Plus, do you really think he’s going to be a distraction in a locker room where the maniacal Kevin Garnett presides?

Now then, the plus side: The kid was the #3 overall pick in the 2000 draft, coming straight out of high school. So he’s still very young and has a ton of talent. At the time, he was the highest draft pick for a high school kid. He’s 6’9’, 235-pounds and can play power forward, small forward and shooting guard. He’s even played some point. While never establishing himself as a stud over a full season, coming off the bench most of the time and being very inconsistent, over a 9-game stint as a starter in 2004-05, Miles averaged 17-points (50% FG), 8-rebounds, 2-assists and nearly 2-steals and 2-blocks per game. Pretty impressive, wouldn't you say?

And here’s an intriguing part that’s been overlooked: Miles signed a 6-year, $48-million contract with the Trail Blazers. If he makes the Celtics, that salary will count against Portland’s cap. That’s the same Portland squad that has championship aspirations now that Greg Oden appears healthy. So basically, Danny Ainge might have succeeded in handcuffing a potential championship opponent that could use a little salary cap flexibility to add the final, missing piece.

Again, this is the optimist in me talking. But with nothing to lose, I think signing Darius Miles as a possible replacement for James Posey while the rookies learn the ropes is another in a long line of brilliant gambles by Ainge.

That’s the view from here….how do you see things? Is this a good gamble or a waste of time? If you don't like the move, is it because of the injury history, attitude problems, or the fact you don't think Miles has enough game to help the C's? Are there any other available players you'd like to see Ainge go after? (Personally, I'd love to see him take a flyer on Shaun Livingston, too!)

Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The Boston Celtics officially announced today that they have signed 2008 first round draft pick (30th overall) J.R. Giddens.

Giddens, the 6-foot-5 215-pound Mountain West Conference Co-Player of the Year, averaged 16.3 points and 8.8 rebounds (conference-high) as a senior for the University of New Mexico.

"He's got good defensive athleticism and instinct, and he has good scoring instinct," Celtics Executive Director of Basketball Operations/General Manager Danny Ainge said last month. "So how he learns to play within our system and play with other players on the court and pick things up will determine a lot. I really think he has a desire and a willingness to work."

By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Yahoo! Sports reported late Tuesday that the Boston Red Sox acquired outfielder Mark Kotsay from the Atlanta Braves (pending a physical). Click here to read the story.

Boston placed starting right fielder J.D. Drew on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 18, with a lower back strain on Tuesday. Drew is batting .280 with 19 homers and 64 RBI in 107 games. He has not played since leaving the game on Aug. 18, against Toronto.

Kotsay was scratched from the Braves lineup on Tuesday night and, according to MLB.com writer Mark Bowman, no medical explanation was given for the lineup change.

Bowman also writes, "When told early Tuesday evening that the Red Sox were close to announcing Drew had been disabled, Kotsay responded by saying he wouldn't be surprised if a trade was completed within the next couple of hours."

Kotsay has hit .305 with five homers and 29 RBIs in 79 games this season.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Matt Welch is likely to end up redshirting at the University of New Hampshire this fall, but the former Lowell High Quarterback is doing his best to ensure the Wildcats don't forget what they have stashed away on the roster.

Playing in the annual Blue/White scrimmage in Durham Wednesday, Welch connected on the longest pass play of the day, a 54-yard touchdown strike to redshirt Freshman Mickey Mangieri of Bedford, New York. Welch was one of five quarterbacks to see action on the day.

A few weeks back, New Hampshire coach Sean McDonnell told the Lowell Sun that Welch would probably reshirt in 2008, allowing him to maintain all four years of college eligibility. McDonnell's teams are known for their high-flying, yet complex system, and a year studying the offense would be beneficial to Welch's long-term prospects. The coach also stated there weren't any plans to shift Welch to Tight End or Safety.

Update: Spoke with UNH head coach Sean McDonnell Friday morning...says that Welch is progressing well and that "he's everything we thought he'd be. The next couple of practices are big for him." McDonnell is referring to whether Welch will make the traveling team that hits the road when the Wildcats play at Division 1 opponent Army. Welch is currently third on the depth chart, though he'll still likely be redshirted at some point this fall so as not to lose a year of eligibility. McDonnell says Welch is poised and makes all the throws when he knows where to go with the ball. What he needs to work on is learning the entire offense so he's not relying solely on athletic ability when things break down.

What do you think gang...does Welch have what it takes to succeed at QB at such a high level of college ball? Would a switch to a different position give him a better chance to see action?

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Two interesting points from the NFL to discuss:

1)Chad Johnson legally changed his name to Chad Ocho Cinco....you have to love a guy so intent on sticking it to the NFL, that he'll change his name to bypass league rules and get what he wants on the back of his uniform. The fact that ocho cinco really means 8, 5 instead of 85 makes this even more comical. Now if only we could set up that inner-city swim competition between Chad and Michael Phelps.

2)Roosevelt Colvin gets released by the Houston Texans...once again, Bill Belichick cuts a player at the right time. Usually, a 50-50 track record on these things is pretty darned good. I'd say BB gets it right at least 75% of the time.

Update: Let's make it a field goal instead of a 2-pt conversion and throw in the fact that Kevin Faulk was suspended for one game by the NFL for violation of the league's drug policy. The suspension stems from Faulk's arrest for marijuana possession this offseason. Guess we know what Lamont Jordan's role is going to be in week 1.

Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

The Patriots got down to the NFL roster limit today, and there a few surprises on the cut list.

Veteran Cornerback Fernando Bryant was among the 14-players let go, as was linebacker Vincent Hobson, another offseason free agent acquisition. But perhaps the biggest surprise on the list was the name of backup QB Matt Guttierez, who many observers believe outplayed Matt Cassel during the exhibition games.

Fact of the matter is, the Pats have a serious backup quarterback issue. They weren't going to cut Kevin O'Connell. You don't use a 4th round pick on a QB only to release him in the first go-around. Neither Cassel nor Guttierez inspired much faith should Tom Brady go down, but it was thought Guttierez at least had more upside at this point. Obviously, Bill Belichick doesn't follow that line of thinking, or at least the line of thinking that Guttierez offers enough upside gamble that he could step up in case of an injury to #12.

However, do not be surprised if the Pats sign a veteran from the scrap heap. O'Connell is clearly the QB being groomed to backup Brady, and he was going to pass both Cassel and Guttierez in the future, if he hasn't already. It wouldn't shock me to see another roster move involving signal callers in the coming days.

That's the view from here...how do you see it? Who deserved to go...Cassel or Guttieriez? Did Bill Belichick make a mistake here? Or is there another shoe still left to drop?