Fed Up

Another off season, another super bowl guarantee from New York Jets head coach, Rex Ryan, in February.  C'mon, is this guy serious?  What is that, three years running now?  I lost count somewhere along the way.  At this point in time, we're not even sure if there is going to be NFL season next year, but Rex somehow knows, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that his team is gonna win it all.

Some people just don't know when to shut up.  I know I can't be the only one who has grown tired of these preposterous, boisterous predictions.  His claims are about as common and frequent as his number of trips down the snacks aisle at his local grocer.  I guess as New England fans, we should embrace the words and find these statements comforting, since none of them ever actually come to fruition.  I can't help but think that even Jet fans have to be growing a little weary of these empty promises as well.

Perhaps he is thinking that the third time's the charm.  But, if recent history teaches us anything, than the result will remain the same.  There just seems to be a sense of weakness and desperation hidden within the whole spectacle.  It's almost as if they're trying to mask what their truly feeling or even possibly fearing.  They have to create this verbal, bravado facade to hide behind, which will somehow incite confidence and subsequently frighten the rest of the league.

This entire act of blowing off steam and spouting off at the mouth really seems to be losing its steam.  It's an amateur move that was kinda cute and funny when he took over the Jets job, but it's getting old real fast, and most people just ignore it now.  I know a lot has been made of all the weight he's lost, but with his recent, premature remarks, I'm not sure that respect isn't something he's lost a lot more of.

My advice for Rex Ryan: cool down for a little bit.  Go home, enjoy your wife's feet, and lay low for awhile.  Prepare for the upcoming season quietly.  Every other team does it (including the teams that actually won the Super Bowl)!  Let's hope that the Patriots' championship hunger has grown larger with the defeat at the hands of Rex and the Jets last year.  There would be no greater feeling than to avenge that disappointing loss and also help satisfy Rex's actual hunger by serving him up a huge, steaming slice of humble pie.  And that, along with a little dose of reality, is what Rex really needs a taste of.

Celtics Send Perkins Packin'

What...?!?!  That was my immediate reaction when sitting here watching the ESPN trade deadline special.  Breaking news indicates that Boston has traded their young, defensive-minded center who played an integral role in the deep, post season runs these past three seasons.  Initial reports are saying that back-up point guard Nate Robinson will also be heading to Oklahoma City.

In return, the Celtics will receive center, Nenad Krstic, and small forward, Jeff Green.  As a Boston fan, this trade really has a deflating feeling about it.  It changes the whole dynamic of this battle-tested, tough team.  Their defensive focus will no longer involve their anchor in the paint.  Kendric Perkins represented so much for this team that could not be accounted for in the box score.

All year the talk has been surrounded by the return of a healthy Perkins and how his presence will propel the Celtics to another championship run.  The returning player, Krstic, resembles nothing close to the type of player that Perkins was.  Although Perkins is the headliner in this transaction, Nate Robinson played a valuable role as a reserve point guard.  His minutes allowed Rajon Rondo to rest while providing an offensive spark in the process.

Early speculation is that the Celtics front office may know something regarding the long-term health of Perkins' knees.  Also, Perkins apparently rejected a contract offer recently proposed by Boston, which, in effect, would allow him to become a free agent this off season.  With the departure of Robinson, the recovery and sustaining health of Delonte West will be pivotal, as his role has now received a dramatic increase.

The other player in the deal is a promising young talent.  It's a bit of an ironic twist, as the Celtics originally drafted Jeff Green in the '07 draft and then traded him to acquire Ray Allen.  His arrival probably confirms the end to Marquis Daniels season, which is another blow to this roster that was once considered one of the deepest in the league.  Green's role will be a swing man off the bench, who can play the wing with some offensive skill, and can also give Paul Pierce more rest as the Celtics prepare for the post season.

Honestly, this move does not seem to make a lot of sense to me.  Unless there are some things behind the scenes that regular fans are not privy to, it's hard to determine why Ainge would want to shift the identity of this team so drastically, so late into a season with such high hopes.

The one advantage the Celtics had over the rest of their Eastern Conference opponents was the size and depth of their front line.  This move appears to deplete that part of the team substantially.  Given the health issues of Shaq and Jermaine O'neal, it's hard to imagine them maintaining any advantage over any of the other top teams in the conference.

Well, I guess the result of this trade remains to be seen, whether positive or negative, and only time will tell.  As for right now, though, this seems to be a dark day for Celtic fans.  I hope I am wrong in my opinions and speculations, but I fear that Boston dealt away a great chance to win another championship this season.

However, if anyone deserves any benefit of the doubt, it would be Danny Ainge.  His moves built a quality team that has competed for a title for the past three seasons.  Let's hope that when we look back on this trade a few months from now that his ingenuity will triumph and be celebrated once again... Unfortunately, I'm not so sure that will be the outcome.

NBA All-Star Game in Review

After an action packed weekend in Los Angeles, the dust has finally settled from the frenzy of activity and the NBA will resume the second half of the season.  It was an all-around entertaining display, centered on superstars and their phenomenal talents, but it reminded us that it is, simply, what is: an exhibition.

Although, not much excitement surrounded the four players from the Celtics, I think we can all agree that Justin Bieber stole the show over the weekend… Not really.  It is difficult to classify an all-star weekend as an overly successful event, when he and his hair were one of the greatest attractions, but, all in all, it achieved its main goal of entertaining the masses (even if the majority of those masses were crazed, screaming, teenage girls).

The height of the attention for the Boston stars was mostly focused around the three-point contest, where the defending champion, Paul Pierce, faced Ray Allen in a head-to-head battle for long range supremacy.  Both reached the finals of the competition, with Ray Allen scorching the nets in an impressive first-round display.  Neither, unfortunately, was able to capture the title.  James Jones of the Miami Heat barely edged out Ray Allen and earned that honor.

The dunk contest was an interesting demonstration of athleticism and showmanship.  Blake Griffin awed the crowd and managed to grab the trophy for the event, jumping over a car to clinch the contest in the final round.  There was a bit of a debate surrounding this decision, though, as some people believed that fellow competitor, JeVale McGee was more deserving, who amazingly dunked two basketballs on two different baskets simultaneously.

The actual All-Star game was not all that interesting for Boston sports fans who were hoping to see the four stars in action.  Their playing time was restricted by coach Doc Rivers, something that was anticipated prior to the game being played.  The younger players got a lot more minutes, which is fine by me, considering this game means absolutely nothing.

Some familiar Celtic foes dominated the all-star game.  Kobe Bryant seemed like he was on an individual mission to take the MVP trophy home in his home town, scoring 37 points.  He launched 26 shots in his performance and helped the West squad squeak out a victory.

On the East side, LeBron James recorded only the second triple double in NBA All-Star game history, and his efforts allowed for a compelling fourth quarter finish after a mostly pedestrian first three quarters of play.  Rondo, Allen, Garnett and Pierce struggled to find any rhythm and didn’t contribute very much production.  In truth, the most entertaining part of their presence was being booed by the affectionate L.A. crowd upon being inserted into the game.

Overall, I’m satisfied with the results.  Rest up the Celtic stars and let Kobe and LeBron gain their recognition and accolades in February.  It was a good game plan.  Doc Rivers and the rest of the team understand that the real rewards will be captured in June. 

 

The festivities are over, and now we can return to real basketball.  So, as the rest of the team travels out west to join the four Celtic all-stars to begin another important road trip; the team focus remains the same.  It’s the same aspiration that was at hand at the start of the season.

 

All-star games are great, and it’s a great sense of accomplishment and validation to be recognized for all the hard work and effort.  But, let’s face it.  Nothing compares to an NBA Championship, and the Celtics have a great shot at raising their 18^th banner to the TD Banknorth Garden’s rafters.  And that’s something actually worth celebrating.

He Got Range

After weeks of anticipation, the Boston faithful erupted with 1:48 left in the first quarter to celebrate Ray Allen’s record-breaking three-pointer.  Amidst the roar it was difficult to ignore how perfect of a night last Thursday was for this incredible achievement to transpire.

It was a night that all the stars seemed to be aligned.  It was a game in Boston, before the home crowd, where it could be sincerely appreciated and admired.  The TNT network was televising the game, which meant that Reggie Miller, who held the previous all-time three-point record, was a part of the broadcast team analyzing the event.  All of Ray Allen’s family was able to attend and watch this historic shot and share in the emotional celebration that ensued.

Every single detail contributed to the magical nature of the evening; right down to shoes that Allen had on his feet.  Prior to the game, it was announced that he would be wearing a specialized pair of shoes, specifically designed to commemorate his triumphant trey.  Following the game, the shoes would make their way to Springfield, MA to adorn a memorial tribute that would be erected for his outstanding accomplishment.

It was an awesome scene in the TD Banknorth Garden when Allen, in a rare display of on-the-court emotion, exuberantly pumped his fists and released an exhilarating scream as he ran back across half court after draining his third three-point field goal of the opening quarter. 

 

In a brilliant show of humiliation and class, which has defined Ray Allen’s career, he ran over to Reggie Miller to shake his hand and pay his respect to the man he had just replaced in the record books.  The handshake led to an embrace, which was immediately followed by the same act with each of his family members among the jubilantly rowdy crowd.

He was able to accomplish this feat in 1,074 games.  It was the 2,561^st made three-point field goal of his illustrious career.  For the sake of comparison, it took Reggie Miller 1,389 games to amass the previous record; an astonishing 315 games less!  That translates into almost four whole seasons less of games to make the same number of threes.

Unfortunately for the Celtics, they needed a couple more patented daggers from downtown, as they were unable to capitalize on the early momentum generated by Allen’s feat, and the Lakers ended up winning the game by six.

The list of injuries eventually proved to be too difficult to overcome, as the Celtics were only able to dress nine players for the rematch with their hated rivals from L.A.  There was no Shaq, no Marquis Daniels, no Semih Erden, no Jermaine O’Neal, no Delonte West and, more noticeable, no more hair on Nate Robinson’s head (a massively disappointing sight for all of us Celtic fans who were anxiously awaiting the highly anticipated return of the high top fade)!

An interesting side note in the game, it appears that Pau Gasol cannot seem to complete a Celtics/Lakers contest these days without sending a player to the locker room with a massive gash to the forehead.  Luckily, this time he afflicted the wound on own teammate, Lamar Odom, who suffered the same fate as Kevin Garnett, and was forced to play the remainder of the game sporting a colossal bandage to conceal the laceration.  For all of us keeping score at home, that’s Pau Gasol: 2, KG’s and Lamar’s foreheads’:  0.

Despite the disappointing outcome for the team, Ray Allen’s personal achievement should not be overshadowed by the loss.  His contributions to the game extend far beyond the basketball court.  He is truly an ambassador to the game that he plays and loves. 

 

His legacy as one of the most deadly and accurate sharp shooters in NBA history was further cemented Thursday night, and, although Boston fans may have left the game disappointed with the result, we should all feel privileged that we were able to witness such a special player reach such a special milestone.  Consider yourselves lucky, and realize that with each subsequent three-pointer, we’re witnessing the authorization of a new history.

Relief Overload for Red Sox

Boston continued to beef up their bullpen this off season as they signed two new pitchers just days before traveling down to the land of warm weather and palm trees.

Red Sox fans should be familiar with the first new addition.  Alfredo Aceves was a staple for the World Champion New York Yankees in 2009 and has repented from his evil ways and decided to join the good guys.  He was an incredibly effective long reliever who racked up double digit wins that season (10-1).  His season was shortened by injury last year, but he should be a solid addition alongside Albers and Wakefield who will also vie for that long relief role.

Despite the Okajima signing, the Red Sox still remained a little thin in the left handed reliever department.  Therefore, they dialed up some insurance when they called on Dennys Reyes.  Formerly of the St. Louis Cardinals, he is your quintessential left-handed specialist.  He has been incredibly consistent over the last few year, logging over 50 appearances for five straight seasons.

Both are apparently one-year deals of the non-guaranteed variety, but both could end up being very valuable additions if they were to depart with the team from Fort Meyers.  Either way, it's another solid move, low risk and potentially high reward, by Red Sox management who have really outdone themselves after a disappointing 2010 season.

This really should be the last wave of transactions as the off season hot stove starts to cool and the buzz for the start of the season continues to heat up.  Reports are that Adrian Gonzalez couldn't wait any longer and has already arrived in Florida to start working out.  If that doesn't get your baseball juices pumping, then I don't know what will...  Let the games begin!

Francona For a Day

Break out the sunscreen and slap on some eye black, because we’re headed down to Fort Meyers, FL where our favorite Red Sox players will soon be gathering to report for spring training.  Pitchers and catchers are schedule to report on February 14^th with regular position players to follow a few days later.

 

With a couple new toys to tinker around with, the coach for the Boston Red Sox, Terry Francona, will certainly have his hands full when trying to figure out how to formulate the most productive batting order.  In order to save him some trouble, I thought we could lend him a hand and toss a suggestion his way for consideration.

My projected pre-season lineup would look this:

1.       Jacoby Ellsbury (CF)

2.       Dustin Pedroia (2B)

3.       Carl Crawford (LF)

4.       Adrian Gonzalez (1B)

5.       Kevin Youkilis (3B)

6.       David Ortiz (DH)

7.       Jed Lowrie (SS)

8.       J.D. Drew (RF)

9.       Jarrod Saltalamacchia (C)

I think the biggest dilemma in this scenario is who the leadoff hitter should be.  With the addition of speedster Carl Crawford, there has been widespread debate about whether he or Ellsbury should take on this duty.  Crawford is definitely the wild card in this lineup.  His multiple skills as a hitter and base runner allot him with a ton of versatility.  However, it is that versatility that should force him to move further down in the order, where his skill set can be better utilized in the offense.

Jacoby Ellsbury’s main weapon is his speed.  He’s much less of a power threat than Crawford.  Also, patience at the plate has never really been a strong suit for Crawford either; therefore the lead off position doesn’t suit him as well.  In his short career, Ellsbury has played 261 games as leadoff.  That is 238 more than at any other spot in the order.  Comfort should not be underestimated as a non-quantitative factor, especially for a player whose psyche could be a little fragile coming off of a serious injury.

Last year, Carl Crawford’s best season as a pro, he split time between the second and third spot in the lineup and batted .307 with 19 HRs and 90 RBIs.  Over his entire career, he has a .312 batting average with runners on base, as opposed to a .286 average with the bases empty (26 points higher).  Placing guys like Pedroia and Ellsbury, who have knack for getting on base, ahead of him would create a lot of those situations for Crawford.  

The other aspect that might conjure up some contention is the fact that Jed Lowrie is at the short stop position, batting 7^th.  Another Red Sox player that spent most of last season battling injuries, he came on incredibly strong at the end of the season and was one of the most impressive offensive forces during the last couple months.  Marco Scutaro had a decent year, but his value might be better served as a utility infielder.

Lowrie offers a lot more pop and is also a switch hitter.  He is much younger and was a highly regarded prospect when Boston drafted him.  He has shown flashes of brilliance offensively at certain points when healthy, and as a much younger option, it would be a perfect opportunity for the Sox to evaluate his talent and determine his role for the future with the organization.

Of course, there are always variations that will occur throughout the season.  I think this lineup would have an entirely different look against a left handed starting pitcher.  If that were the case, I would plug in Jason Varitek at catcher, and have Scutaro give Lowrie a rest on those days.  Also, I would swap out Ortiz and J.D. Drew occasionally and insert some sort of combination of Mike Cameron and Darnell MacDonald at the DH and right field positions.

As for an everyday, routine lineup, though, this makes the most sense to me with the current personnel on the roster.  But, hey, what do I know?  I’m just a voice in the crowd.  I do know that whatever the lineup Francona chooses, it will be a very tough, competitive, championship caliber team, and one that Boston fans should be increasingly excited about as the season draws closer. 

Pettitte To Call it Quits

The Yankees already grim off season just a got a whole lot worse.  Eliminating the possibility of a return to the Bronx, Pettitte is set to announce that he is retiring sometime within the next couple of days.  With a very suspect starting rotation, the consensus was that the Yankees' organization was still holding onto a glimmer of hope that the aging, reliable starter might reconsider his inclination toward retirement and join the team, either this Spring, or at some point later on in the season.

The majority of opinion seems to believe this is a move based on the fact that he would like to spend more time with his kids and family.  Personally, I think he looks at the currently constructed Yankee roster, combined with the moves made by Boston, and he just doesn't honestly think the Yanks will be able to compete for another World Series title this year, with or without him.  Therefore, the effort and time he would have to commit to another grinding season would simply not be worth it in the end.

Additionally, in his personal life, he has the hearings for the Roger Clemens perjury trial scheduled for this summer, and his testimony is a key component in the case against Roger.  I'm not sure how much this actually affected his decision, but I would think that his pending level of involvement also played a role in his decision to walk away from baseball and the Yankees, more specifically.

The Yankees might have been privy to this information prior to it becoming public knowledge, as they decided to sign a couple starting pitchers within the past week.  Unbelievably enough, the Yankees have been reduced to taking chances on guys like Bartolo Colon, who hasn't even pitched in the major leagues since the 2009 season for the Chicago White Sox, where he went 3-6 in 12 games (62 1/3 innings) and had an ERA of 4.19.

The second of those signings was Freddy Garcia, who was recently inked to a minor league deal by New York.  Garcia pitched for the White Sox last season and, in 157 innings, compiled a 12-6 record and posted a 4.64 ERA.  Both of these pitchers are expected to compete for a very uncertain final two spots in an incredibly shaky rotation.  The other players assumed to be considered are Ivan Nova and Sergio Mitre; not exactly a frightening list of options.

More importantly, for Red Sox fans, is the fact that this eliminates the possibility of having to face an extremely difficult lefty.  The Red Sox lineup is littered with left handed bats and not seeing this guy in a series against the Yankees is a great sign that things are looking up for the 2011 Sox.

So, Andy, go ahead and kick those flip-flop wearing feet up and enjoy your time off with a favorite chilled beverage of your choice.  I support you in this decision 100% and I encourage you to savor your rest and relaxation to the fullest.  If you would, though, just do me one last favor.  Ignore any phone calls from Brian Cashman or anyone with the last name Steinbrenner.  They don't have your best interest in mind.

Their sole interest lies within the favor of the Evil Empire, and if anyone should be aware of this, it's you.  Just look at how they treated your good buddy, Derek Jeter, this off season.  So, no matter what they offer and how much they beg, just tell them "No, thanks" and wish them the best of luck, because, you and I both know, they're gonna need it!

Statement In Tinsel Town

Just a couple nights after putting forth one of their most disappointing efforts in a loss against the Phoenix Suns, the Boston Celtics rallied in L.A. to provide one of their more impressive outputs of the season to beat the Lakers.

Managing to only muster up a season low 71 points last Friday on one of the porous defenses in the NBA, the C’s must have been saving up some baskets for Sunday’s matchup against their hated rivals.  It was an intense, close game throughout the first three quarters, but the Celtics excelled in the clutch and dominated the Lakers down the stretch in the fourth quarter.

Paul Pierce led the Celtics in the scoring column with 32 points and Ray Allen continued his assassin-like, long range assault, contributing 21 points.  It was an interesting last couple games for KG as he was ejected (along with head coach Doc Rovers) in the Suns game and then posted a strong double-double in Sunday’s matchup.  

The points and rebounds did not come easily though.  An inadvertent elbow from Pao Gasol caught KG on the forehead, opening up a pretty gnarly gash that sent a stream of blood gushing down his face.  He then attempted to pull off his best Boston Bruins impersonation when he retreated to the locker room and emerged just a few minutes later with a five fresh stitches, covered by with what had to be the largest Band-Aid to ever be affixed during a game in the history of the NBA.

Despite Kobe Bryant scoring 41 points, the Celtics seemed to be fine with letting the superstar rack up the points, because it took him almost 30 attempts to reach that figure.  Their suffocating team defense held every other player to relatively quiet games, with Lamar Odom being the only other Laker who had any decent offensive statistics.

Conversely, the Celtics offense looked to be clicking on all cylinders as Rajon Rondo put on a point guard clinic in the second half, dishing out an incredible 15 assists in the half and left a much older and slower Derek Fisher in his pinpoint passing wake.

This game really exposed the Lakers’ weaknesses.  Their point guard position has to be a huge concern.  Especially when matched up against a younger, quicker opponent, as evidenced by Sunday’s game.  Secondly, their lack of depth and quality in their reserve players was clearly an issue.   Boston’s bench had a major advantage despite not having two of their biggest role players in Delonte West and Jermaine O’neal, who were both out with injuries.

The recent return of Kendrick Perkins has been a major boost for this team and his addition has been a much needed spark during a normally treacherous West coast road trip.  Shaquille O’neal had to be disappointed with a lackluster performance in his highly anticipated return to L.A., so Perkins’ presence was imperative in the victory.  

With a come-from-behind win in Sacramento late last night, the Celtics wrapped up the trip with a 3-1 record heading back to the comforts of the TD Banknorth Garden.  They still own the best record in the Eastern Conference and look to maintain their three-game lead over the Miami Heat as they return to their home court, where they have dominated opponents this season.  

Luckily, for all of us who love these Lakers/Celtics matchups, we get to do it all over again on February 10^th, when Boston will play host to the Lakers.  Let’s hope for a similar result as we ready our Laker-hater gear and warm up our vocals to chime in on the “Beat L.A.” chants.