RED SOX SWEEP THE YANKS...AGAIN

Remember the 2-10 start and all of Red Sox Nation was in disarray? The Red Sox now sit in first place in the AL East with a 36-26 record. They have swept the Yankees two times this year at Yankee Stadium and have taken an overall eight out of nine. The offense is as advertised, putting football type numbers up on the scoreboard and the pitching has been there, but needs to improve. Adrian Gonzalez is in contention for a triple crown with his ridiculous numbers of 12 home runs, .336 average and 55 RBIs through 62 games. Carl Crawford dismal April is in the past and he is hovering around the .250 mark. Dustin Pedroia dodged a bullet with only a bruised knee cap and will not require surgery. Jacoby Ellsbury is having a fantastic bounce back year while David Ortiz is on absolute fire with 15 homers and batting around .325. The pitching must get better and healthier, but the Red Sox are who we thought they were, a first place team and a powerhouse. Look for this team to keep rolling as they are 18-6 in their last 24 games.

BRUINS TWO WINS AWAY FROM PROMISE LAND

A series does not start until both teams have home ice. The Boston Bruins proved that in the past week by evening the series with the Vancouver Canucks. The Bruins could have easily swept the series, but to know they are even with the Canucks now after two devastating losses is a sigh of relief.

After Nathan Horton received a late hit from Aaron Rome, the Bruins have outscored the Canucks 12-1. Coincidence? I think so. The Bruins are now inside Roberto Luongo's head who has received the nod as game five starter. The physical play of Zdeno Chara, Dennis Seidenberg, Johnny Boychuk and the emergence of tough guy Shawn Thornton have really worn down the Canucks. The Sedin sisters have been a non-factor and Ryan Kesler has not been the same since the big hit by Boychuk in game two. It is a best of three series and the Bs have all the momentum heading back to Vancouver. Mark Recchi has been finding the back of the net, Brad Marchand is getting under the Canucks skin, David Krejci is making a case for the MVP of the Stanley Cup, and oh, Timmy Thomas has been spectacular.

WHAT WILL THE CELTICS DO?

I know the Bruins are in the Stanley Cup for the first time in 21 years and the Red Sox are finally playing the way they should be, but I asked myself the other day, what is in store for the Celtics next season? After coming off a brutal series loss to the Miami Heat, the Celtics have a lot of question marks heading into next season. Shaq has retired, Jermaine is questioning surgery, Krstic is a free agent, Baby is a free agent, and the Big three are only getting older. Sure, Rajon Rondo is here to stay (hopefully) and the team can build around him when the Big Three have retired, but where do they go? Do they try and go after Dwight Howard? Doc Rivers signed a five year deal, well beyond the availability of the Big Three so in my opinion, something must be in store. Will they ship Rondo and Jeff Green to New Orleans for Chris Paul? With Chris Paul, does that bring Dwight Howard is 2012? There is a lot to think about come November. The Celtics are losing a lot of key parts, but the core will still be there and I still think they can make a push for another championship.

RED SOX LOSE DICE-K FOR THE YEAR, WHO FILLS THE VOID?

Word has it that Daisuke Matsuzaka will undergo Tommy John surgery ending his season. Matsuzaka was less than stellar this year owning a 3-3 record with a 5.30 E.R.A. He has been nothing but frustrating since he got here besides his 18-3 campaign. Too many walks, too many hits, not enough strikeouts, and throwing off-speed pitches behind in the count. These were the ingredients for diaster for the young righty. With Dice-K out for a very long time, how will Terry Francona go about handling the situation?
Tim Wakefield and Alfredo Aceves have been doing an okay job at filling the roles of John Lackey and Dice-K, but will they be able to do this on a regular basis? Aceves was roughed up in his last outing versus the White Sox and Tim Wakefield was strong at the start of the game yesterday, but fell apart toward the later innings. Will Kevin Millwood really get a chance? He got shelled yesterday in Pawtucket so I think that is out of the question. When Felix Dubront is healthy, will he get a shot? Only time will tell because the back end of the rotation (as we all knew) is suspect. In order for this team to compete, the pitching needs to be great from top to bottom.
I personally think Aceves is more valuable in the bullpen, but he wants to be a starter. Tim Wakefield is a different look after seeing 95 MPH from Beckett and Lester. It is a tough decision for Tito, but you can never have enough pitching. Why not go out and make a big splash at the deadline for a starter?

BRUINS LOSE HEART BREAKER IN GAME 1 OF STANLEY CUP FINALS

The Bruins did just about everything they could last night to keep the Canucks off the scoreboard until the final 18.5 seconds. Was Torres offsides? Who knows. Was Boychuk out of position? You really can't blame anyone at that point in the game. The Boston Bruins played one hell of a game on Wednesday night. Tim Thomas was spectacular but Roberto Luongo was just better.
The Bruins still had the problem of scoring on their power play, but they resilient Bs shut down Vancouver on the power play all night long. Who would have thought that after the Tampa Bay Lightning scored goal after goal on the power play? There has to be much positivity taken out of this game because I do not think the Canucks can play any better than they did. Timmy Thomas just shut down the powerhouse offense.
Another big component of this game is to see if Alex Burrows will be suspended for a game for biting Patrice Bergeron. Burrows is a major part of the Canucks offense as he plays along side the Sedin brothers. This would be a huge blow for the Canucks and should be looked at carefully by the league. It was a classless move that was uncalled for.
The Bruins will head into Saturday's game feeling good about themselves. They have come back from being down in series on the road all throughout the playoffs. One thing has to continue to get better and that is the power play. It was significantly better on Wednesday night because the Bs were throwing shot after shot on net getting great opportunities, Saturday night if those chances go in, the Bruins will not lose with the way the defense and Timmy Thomas are playing.

STANLEY CUP FEVER & RED HOT SOX

For the first time in 21 years the Boston Bruins punched a ticket to the Stanley Cup finals with a late goal from Nathan Horton on a beautiful feed from David Krejci. The city of Boston was in an uproar. Fans coming together as one chanting "WE WANT THE CUP, WE WANT THE CUP" at North Station last night. The Bruins have finally rewarded its fans after a long wait, but do not sleep on this team. This team has fought all year and just because Vegas has the team as a 2-1 underdog to the lethal Vancouver Canucks, does not mean the B's can't hoist the trophy. Timmy Thomas is unbeaten versus the Canucks and defeated them 3-1 earlier in February. The Hub has Stanley Cup fever and it finally feels good to be watching hockey heading into June. The Boston Bruins are back. Another person who deserves all the credit in the world is Big Z. He has been a monster on the defensive end shutting down the elite scorers in the NHL. Big Z has been playing almost 25 minutes a game. The Bruins do not get where they are this year without the big guy.

The Red Sox are finally a top the standings. Carl Crawford is earning his pay check and everything is starting to click for the Nation. The Sox have scored 34 runs in their past three games while getting quality pitching from spot starters Tim Wakefield and Acedo Aceves. The Sox are 27-12 since their brutal 2-10 start. Red Sox Nation can finally breathe again because the team is on a roll. They are 12-2 in their last 14 games and have won four straight. The Yankees are getting older while the Red Sox are getting younger. The Yanks will be there until the end, but the Sox should hold the spot a top the AL East until the end of the season.

TYLER SEGUIN HAS COMING OUT PARTY

There was much discussion throughout these playoffs, when and if Tyler Seguin will get any ice time and spark this Bruins team. When Patrice Bergeron was concussed, the 19 year-old got his chance. Entering his first NHL playoff game versus the Lightning, Seguin was watching games from the press box not too long ago. Seguin made an immediate impact scoring the Bruins first goal to cut the lead to 3-1 and assisted on the other. Claude Julien must now realize that this kid needs to stay on the ice. His quickness, moves, and hockey IQ are that of a very special player. After all, there was a reason the Bruins drafted him number two overall.
In his second game versus Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference Finals with the Bruins down 2-1, he sparked a second period surge that led the Bruins to five goals on nine shots. Seguin accounted for two goals and two assists. The Garden started the chant "Seguinnnnnnnn, Seguinnnnnnn, Seguinnnnn" but in a good way. The kid proved that he is an elite player and difference maker. Now, we hope Claude can see the same thing.
With Patrice Bergeron due back by Game three on Thursday, it is a good problem to have trying to see where Seguin and Bergeron will fit into the line making. The odd man out looks like Shawn Thornton, but who knows what Mr. Julien will do. He loves his fourth line and the toughness Thornton brings to the team, but Bergeron is the key to this team and now Seguin may be too if he stays on the ice. If you looked at the clock last night with 1:30 remaining, Tyler Seguin was on the ice. Like I said during the Philly series and Montreal Series, he was eating popcorn in the press box with the Bruins camp. This is a serious step in the right direction for once.

RED SOX BACK TO .500

On their fourth try on the year, the Boston Red Sox have finally reached the place they have wanted to be for quite some time. Not first place, .500. The Red Sox sit at 20-20 and they are 18-10 since their dismal 2-10 start, the worst in franchise history. The Nation has a seven game home stand where if they rattle off a 6-1 week or 5-2 week, the rest of the AL East better watch out.
Adrian Gonzalez has been "as advertised" crushing eight home runs thus far in May. He now has nine home runs and 34 RBIS (leading the American League). Carl Crawford is finally starting to come around, which we all knew he would. Kevin Youkilis had a big series versus the Yankees hitting two key home runs to get the Sox back in the game or put it away. Jacoby Ellsbury is finally becoming the true leadoff hitter Terry Francona wants him to be. He is second in the American League in steals as well.
When Francona juggled the pitching rotation for the Yankee series, it was a preview of what the Sox staff can really do, and that is deal. Clay Buchholz got his fourth win of the year holding the Yanks to only two runs through seven innings. Saturday night, Josh Beckett pitched six scoreless innings while striking out nine continuing his dominate streak. Lastly, on the big stage of Sunday Night Baseball, Jon Lester got off to a slow start, but ended up turning in a great outing allowing four runs over six innings while striking out seven Yankee hitters.
The Sox are finally gaining their confidence back and have finally reached the spot they have wanted to all year. It is a new season for them and with Adrian Gonzalez mashing like he is and the staff finally coming together (minus John Lackey), watch out.

ARE THE CELTICS DONE?

After coming off an emotional Game 3 in Boston, the Celtics may have used all their energy Saturday night. Rajon Rondo laid in obvious pain on the ground after Dwayne Wade yanked him down. The Celtics crowd silenced as Rondo went to the locker room grabbing his elbow. Twenty-two minutes later, Rondo appears walking down the run way back on to the court willing the Celtics to a victory with one arm. Monday night, what a different story. Rondo did all that he could. Paul Pierce took the team on his back, but it just wasn't enough as the Heat's big three were just too much for the Celtics. KG had an attrocious game after having one of his best playoff games in recent memory. Ray was held in check for the most part and Shaquille O'Neal barely saw the court. Sixth man of the year contender Glen Davis has been non-existent in this series. The Celtics have dug themselves a huge hole going back to Miami down 3-1. This was a game they let slip away and the Heat capitalized. Pierce missed a buzzer-beater in regulation where KG could not set the high pick and roll for Ray which resulted in an off-balance heave by Pierce. Rondo missed a bunny under two minutes and TURNOVERS down the stretch killed the green. There was a point in the game where the Celts could have expanded their lead multiple times, but ended up turning the ball over time after time. That cannot happen because players such as LeBron James and Dwayne Wade will make you pay.
The Celtics will look to bounce back in Miami on Wednesday night. They have been trailing in a series before and this core group knows what it takes, so we will see Wednesday night, but it is hard to bet on the Celtics after watching them in the late fourth quarter and overtime where they usually execute so well.

BIG BLOW TO THE Bs LOSING BERGY

When Patrice Bergeron got checked and was laying on the ice for a few seconds, Bruins fans held their breath. Bergy is the heart and sole of the Bs offense and losing him for any amount of time is crushing. The Bruins were on a roll. They took care of the Flyers and seeked revenge on the travesty that happened only one year ago. It was all good vibes at the TD Garden as "Dirty Water" played on the PA system, but Bruins fans soon forgot that Bergy did not return to the game and a concussion was likely in order. Bergy was having a great 2011 playoff in all aspects. He was scoring goals, setting up goals, penalty killing, and back checking. This is the guy you do not want to lose at all. Tyler Seguin will get his chance. His first action ever in an NHL playoff game. The kid cannot even drink alcohol legally and the Boston Bruins are giving him a shot to step in and use his athleticism to his advantage. Seguin did not get much playing time down the stretch, but the Bruins camp feels Seguin can answer the bell for a few key minutes here and there. David Krejic will need to continue his dominate play as well as Milan Lucic, who scored two goals in the Game 4 versus the Flyers. There is no doubt Timmy Thomas will bring his Vezina-self to the Eastern Conference Finals, but he has his hands full with a loaded Tampa Bay Lightning offense. Bergy needs to take care of himself and get back as soon as he can because Bergy is the difference maker and it is certainly a huge blow to the black and gold.

CRAWFORD BUSTING OUT?

Every time Carl Crawford gets a hit, there is a sigh from Red Sox Nation. But, when he strikes out, the boo birds come back out at Fenway, which will not help the cause. Crawford is an elite major league baseball player who is having the worst month of his career. This is the guy that use to drive the Red Sox and their fans crazy for nine years. Now, the Sox dish out 142 million dollars and he is batting under .200 with seven RBIs and only one home run.
His walk-off single versus the Mariners on Sunday may be what Crawford needed to bust out and go on a rampage. The weight is off his shoulders. He did what he wanted to do...help the Red Sox win. After, Jed Lowrie got a gift from Ichiro Suzuki who lost a fly ball in the sun resulting in a triple for Lowrie, Crawford ripped a single up the middle for a Red Sox win. His teammates then proceeded to mob him infront of the Fenway faithful. It was the second time Crawford smiled all year. The first being after his only home run. His teammates are sticking with him and know the amount of talent this guy has. He will be fine and he will play an important role down the stretch to get these Red Sox back into their winning ways.
 A new month for Crawford may be just what the doctor ordered. He does not want to hear the word April under next year. It is May now and hopefully he has turned the page as well as Red Sox Nation. Look for Crawford to get hot real soon, as long as he stops dipping his shoulder and he stays back on the baseball.

CELTICS GET THEIR DATE WITH THE HEATLES

What better way to start the second round of the NBA playoffs. The Celtics will travel to Miami Sunday to face the Heat. The Cs won the season series 3-1, but all that is erased because each team has a 0-0 record in the series. It is a very anticipated matchup. Critics say the Celtics are much more physical. It also helps that the Cs have been in this position before with a majority of their core players. An interesting stat is that Dwayne Wade is shooting around 13% from three-point land and is only averaging around 13 points versus the Celtics in the four games.
The bench needs to step up versus the Heat because the Heat bench is not great. The Celtics bench has enough talent for some players to be starters elsewhere. The main key to victory is Rajon Rondo. As Rondo goes, the Celtics go. Celtics fans saw the Rondo of old versus the Knicks just torching any defender who tried to cover him. Key word is try. He was shooting the ball well, attacking the basket, and rebounding the basketball. He also has great passing ability. It will be hard for Mike Bibby or Mario Chalmers to cover him so look for Rondo to have another monster series.
My prediction is the Celtics to prevail in six games. This team is great especially executing down the stretch. The Heat have no inside game. If the Celtics defense forces the Heat to shoot jumpshots, this series could actually be over sooner rather than later. The Perk-less Celtics defense is still solid. Every man is rotating great and every man is there for their teammate.
The Heat's LeBron James guarenteed not four, not give, not six championships in their premature parade in the preseason. The Heat won't even stiff an Eastern Conference championship appearance nevermind hoisting a trophy. Give me a break. Ubuntu.

MICHAEL RYDER DOES HIS BEST J.D. DREW IMPRESSION

If you read the newspaper, listened to sports talk, or watched any sports television show, you heard the name Michael Ryder. It was not a good thing either. Ryder had been a 20 goal scorer for the Bruins and can be one of the best finishers on the team. He entered Game five Thursday night with zero goals, zero assists, zero points, zero hits, and many thought zero confidence. But, with the Bruins down 1-0, Ryder received a cross ice beautiful pass from Tomas Kaberle to beat Carey Price high glove side to get the Bs back in the game. Ryder also showed heart in chasing down a puck down in the Canadiens zone to flip it in front to Chris Kelly who buried the goal to tie the game at four late in the game. Ryder's play in Bruins eyes has changed in one game because he played to his potential. The rest in this game was gravy, but Ryder did the unthinkable. With less than two minutes gone in the overtime, the Bruins also completed a remarkable comeback after being down three different times in the hockey game. Ryder was planted in front of the net when he received a pass after a blown three on one and he made no mistake about it and buried it past Price. The Bruins win and tie the series at two, they head back home to Boston with all the momentum in the world, and may have got their goal scorer back on the third line, Michael Ryder. "I am a real American, fight for the rights of every man." Go Bs.

LOWRIE OR SCUTARO?

It is a good dilemma to have. Marco Scutaro or Jed Lowrie? Lowrie has never stayed healthy but was regarded as one of the Sox top prospects. He is the hottest hitter in baseball right now hitting over .450 in 12 games with two homers and nine RBIs. There is no way Tito can keep Lowrie out of the lineup. Scutaro had a great year last year playing through numerous injuries to help this team compete in the AL East until the final days of September. We cannot overlook that. He is off to a slow start this year and Jed Lowrie is tearing the cover off the ball. There is no other place Lowrie can play when you have two all-star caliber players at the corners and a big powerful DH in Big Papi.
Until Lowrie cools off, he must be on the lineup card everyday. He can DH for Ortiz when there are tough lefties on the bump or play first or third when Youk or A-Gone need a day off. Pedey does not like to come out of games so it would be tough to get Lowrie or Scutaro to play second base. But, Scutaro showed a lot of character last year staying in ball games with a nagging neck injury. It is tough not to reward him on a regular basis this year, but when you have Lowrie swinging the bat like Ted Williams, it is tough to sit him.

PANIC MODE IN RED SOX NATION?

One of the most anticipated baseball seasons for the Boston Red Sox took place last weekend in Texas. Words such as 100 wins were being thrown around the media and fans. Well, the Red Sox got taken care of quite easily by the hands of the World Series runner-up Texas Rangers. Jon Lester who many picked to win this years Cy Young award did not record a strikeout and let up three home runs. John Lackey who many predicted to have a bounce back year let up nine earned runs in less than four innings and Clay Buchholz let up four home runs in the series finale. The Rangers mashed 11 home runs, yes 11. The Red Sox scored 11 runs total.
Many questions are already starting after three games and I am already sick of it. Should we have paid 142 million for Crawford? The guy has not even had 20 at bats yet, relax. The pitching staff cannot hack it. It has been three games. Talk to me when it is the all-star break. Once this team finds its identity, they are one of those teams that can go on a 10-15 game win streak they are that good.
Three games have passed and Red Sox Nation feels like it is crumbling. This team was not going to go 162-0 as much as everyone wanted them to. They have not even made a full round through the pitching rotation and some fans summers are already ruined.
The lineup will be fine. They will score a substantial amount of runs. The pitching will settle in and adjust. Once the hitters get their timing down and they are seeing the ball better, it will be a long day or night for opposing pitchers. I am not worried about this team at all. The Fighting Showwalters are 4-0 and atop the AL East, how long will that last? Come on, man.

IS IT TIME TO PANIC ABOUT THE CELTICS?

The green are 5-6 in their last 11 games and have only scored over 100 points once. That one time last night in a loss to the Pacers. Rajon Rondo and Doc Rivers have been going at it according to some reports. Rondo wants to run fewer plays that they execute better and Rivers believes he is the coach and may do as he pleases. After the loss to Charlotte last Friday night, in the press conference Rivers was caught saying "he" was selfish, "he" would not listen, "he" wants to do what he wants and much of the media is translating that "he" into Rondo. He did not play in Minnesota and many believe it was a benching where Rivers says it is to rest his sprained pinkie.
The offense does not look great. The bench is struggling as of late. The lack of a big man is catching up as well. With Jermaine and Shaq coming back, I believe it is a good thing and a bad thing. They certainly need the bodies, but trying things out and getting your stamina back at the end of March can slow down the entire team. The talent this bench has with names such as Delonte West, Troy Murphy, Jeff Green, Big Baby, Carlos Arroyo- someone has to step it up and hold on to leads so the Celtics starters can get a blow.
In 2010, the Celtics coasted into the playoffs as a four seed and Celtics fans know the rest. The second half of the season they went 25-25, so hopefully it is a repeat performance just this time they hoist the trophy on Causeway Street.

DO CELTICS NEED HOME COURT IN PLAYOFFS?

After much thinking about this subject, I really do think the Celtics need home court.  Sure, they need to be healthy, but I think if they go into Chicago, Miami, or Orlando for a game 7, trouble may ensue especially if it is a back-to-back.  The Celtics have lost their last five games on the back end of a back-to-back sequence.  Right now, they are beat up and are still holding to the one seed, but Chicago and Miami are knocking.  Chicago is for real and may cause match-up problems for the Cs.  Miami, we know their story. 

The Celtics do not worry me at all.  Rondo is slumping and they lost two or three, but as usual when it counts the Celtics will turn it on.  They will also get Shaq back, Jermaine, and Delonte.  I just want the Celtics to get healthy and maintain the one seed because if that holds true, I do not see them losing.  The Lakers will come out of the West because they are playing as good as anyone right now (10-1) since the All-Star break.  They may be too big for the Cs now that Perk is in OKC, but I like the Cs chances with the chemistry of Ray, Rondo, Pierce, KG, and Baby.  Krstic and Green are fitting in nicely as well.

The Celtics will be the team that comes out of the East.  I do believe it and I am still sticking to it.  There is too much depth on that team not to make a push for banner number 18.

ANY MORE QUESTIONS?

It has been over a week since the newly looked Celtics have gotten acquainted.  Since the trade, the Celtics are only 5-1.  That one loss, the day they traded Perkins, Nate, and the rest of the bench leaving the green to dress only eight players.  It was also a very emotional day for the Cs.

Earlier this week, Nate Robinson underwent knee surgery that will keep him out for another 4-6 weeks, Perk is out for another two, Erden hasn't played yet, so what is all the fuss with Danny's move?  Jeff Green and Nednad Krstic are becoming vital parts in this teams move towards banner 18.  Nenad is efficient and fitting into the offense well and Jeff Green versatility is just tough to stop.  With Baby out, Green is filling in nicely.  Two healthy players contributing on a nightly basis and Perk and Nate? Sitting in street clothes for the Oklahoma City Thunder.  There should not be any more questions about this move.  The Celtics still have three seven footers with Nenad and the O'Neals.  Troy Murphy gives them some length as well.

This team can score the basketball now.  Nenad never got looks in OKC because Durant and Westbrook were the first two options.  Jeff Green can beat you from the outside or he can post you down low.  Give Rondo the basketball and he will find anyone for an easy basket. 

The Celtics moved to 46-15 after their gutsy performance in Milwaukee which is good for the number one seed in the Eastern Conference and the second best record in the NBA, questions? I do not think so.  See you in the championship in June.

BECKETT OR LESTER ON OPENING DAY?

There can be an argument for both of these pitchers to take the ball from manager Terry Francona on Opening Day, but Jon Lester deserves the honor for the first time in his career.  He went 19-9 last year sitting down 225 hitters.  He pitched 208 innings and clearly is the new workhorse for this staff.  Lester has been nothing short of remarkable in his short career and Tito should give him the chance on April 1st versus the Texas Rangers.  He may be a slow starter, but numbers do not lie.  This guy has a chance to win over 20 games this year with the lineup the Sox will put out everyday as well as the new and improved bullpen.  In his first 100 starts, Jon Lester is 61-25  with an ERA of 3.55, any questions? I did not think so.

Beckett has been the man for the Sox over the past couple of years, but injuries have plagued him.  He had a career worse ERA of over five last season and finished the season 6-6.  I still have confidence and Beckett and still think he has the ability to win 15 plus games, but I think it is Lester's staff now.  Beckett has that chip on his shoulder after last season which is not a good thing for the American League.  He is healthy and if he uses all of his pitches, he can be just as dangerous as Lester.  Lester is one of-if not the best left-hander in the game and deserves the nod on opening day.

DID THE RED SOX OVERLOOK ENOUGH STARTING PITCHING?

Lester, Buchholz, Beckett, Lackey, Matsuzaka.  A very solid core of pitchers going into the 2011 season.  What about if one of those pitchers tweeks a hamstring? Has an elbow problem? Who will be able to take a spot in the rotation?  Felix Doubront is already experiencing elbow problems at age 23 and the season has not even started yet.  The ageless Tim Wakefield will be there as he always is, but he always ends up on the DL with a back problem or leg problem.  I am a little worried if one of these starting pitchers goes down because there is not much depth for the Sox.  I know those five guys came into camp in the best shape yet, but anything can happen and it could ruin their run to a 2011 Word Series title.

All free agents in the off season made an easy decision because they know the Sox starters 1-5 are set and stone, so why would you want to come to Boston if you were not going to start if you are a starting pitcher? I don't blame them, but I hope Theo and Tito get together and find another person who can start in the future.  Scott Atchison did it once last year and pitched well, but I would rather him in the bullpen.  We'll see what happens, I was kidding...I'm not that worried.

SHOCKER...PERK SHIPPED TO OKC

Shocking news out of Boston right before the trade deadline.  The Celtics shipped center Kendrick Perkins to Oklahoma City with shooting guard Nate Robinson in exchange for Jeff Green and Nenad Krystic.  Is this good news for the Celtics? Well, do we have a healthy center? The answer is no.  Kendrick Perkins is one of the most underappreciated big men in the game.  Yes, he is coming off of major surgery and just reinjured his other knee, but he was the best defensive center in the Eastern Conference, hands down.  Maybe, we dislike the trade because we have no seen enough Jeff Green or Nenad, but there must be another piece to this puzzle.  The Celtics must be making a push for Troy Murphy or Rasheed Wallace or else it makes no sense.  Jeff Green is a solid playing averaging about 16 points and six rebounds a game.  The Celtics are just worried about Perk's health.  But in my opinion, the Celtics had talks with Perk's agent and the two probably just disagreed on the amount of money Perk deserves in the year 2012.

We will find out come playoff time if the Celtics are better off without Perk.  All I am saying is the starting five for the Celtics have never lost a playoff series when healthy.  It looked like those starting five guys were starting to click, so what gives?

It will be an interesting end to the 2011 year and hopefully the guy who helped win us banner number 17 (Jeff Green/ trade for Ray) can help us win banner number 18.  Ubuntu.

ARE THE KNICKS NOW A THREAT TO TAKE OVER THE CELTICS? (YAWN)

Look, let's be serious here...The Knicks pulled off a fabulous trade to bring one of the most talented superstars in the NBA to New York, but who will help out Amare and Carmelo? Sure, Landry Fields is great and many think Chauncey Billups, but Billups is getting older and is injured every other week.  Raymond Felton was the top reason why the Knicks are where they are today.  A team needs a true point guard to win.  Yeah, Amare's presence is great too, but Felton is key.  I know in 2012 when Deron Williams and Chris Paul are free agents one of them will sign with the Knicks and then they will take over the green, but not now.  The Celtics have too much depth and are more talented from player 1 to player 12.  Rondo, KG, Ray, Pierce, and Perk have never lost a playoff series together.  Sure, they want home court advantage, but in reality it does not matter to them.  They want health.  The Knicks will make a run to the playoffs, but I think they are nothing but a "one and done team" especially if they have to meet the darkhorse of the East, the Chicago Bulls.

In two years, yes, I believe the Knicks will have more talent than the Boston Celtics only because the green's stash of Hall of Famers will be at home and retired.  But, Don't count the Celtics out with a core of Rondo and Perk because they will have plenty of cap space to make big moves.  They may not be the one seed they are now in two years, but they will definately be a beast in the east along with the elite teams such as the Heat, Bulls, Knicks, and Magic.

DO THE Bs NEED TO MAKE DEAL AT THE DEADLINE?

The Boston Bruins were on a roll until they met the Detroit Red Wings in a home and home matchup this past weekend.  After back-to-back losses, it is raising many questions about the Bs consistency, but what is there to panic about?  They are first in their division and fourth in their conference.

The Bruins could use the remaining cap space from Marc Savard's remaining contract to try and get a punk-moving defenseman or some depth in the scoring column.  Another defenseman or scorer will not hurt the Bruins, but at the right price of course.  The Bs are willing to trade the Maple Leafs 2011 first round pick, but is that smart? I don't think so.  Blake Wheeler's name has been on the market as well as Mark Stuart in exchange for Tomas Kaberle which makes the most sense for Boston.  Zach Bogosian, a 20 year-old defenseman for the Thrashers name also came up. 

It will see what buttons Chiarelli will be willing to push, but he should not go crazy because the Bruins are in a good position heading forward.  The media and fans are blowing this way out of proportion.  We will see what happens come the end of February.

WAS THAT THE CELTS BEST WIN OF THE YEAR YESTERDAY?

Shaquille O'Neal, Delonte West, Marquis Daniels, Semih Erden, Jermaine O'Neal all were out with nagging injuries.  Paul Pierce had one point.  The first time in over 10 years that Pierce did not hit a shot from the field.  It was okay though because Rajon Rondo took over the game.  He notched a triple-double sparking the Celtics to a much needed victory.

Trailing by four at halftime the Celtics came out in the third quarter and shot 83% from the field building a lead by as many as 13 points only to see it shrink in the fourth quarter to a one possession game.  LeBron misses the tying free-throw with 12 seconds left, a better script could not have been better, but the real story of this game was that the Celtics only scored 11 points in the fourth quarter and were able to win the game due to their suffocating defense.  The defense in the fourth quarter was remarkable.  The rotations by the big men were flawless.  Jeff Van Gundy said it best yesterday on the broadcast, ..."that rotation by the Celtics defense should be on ESPN Top 10, but it won't be because people don't care, but that is why they are a championship team every year," said Van Gundy.  I could not agree more.  KG and Perk were leading the way as Rondo was hasseling LeBron all day.

The Celtics were very short-handed yesterday and Doc did not even know if he would have enough players to dress, but people stepped up such as Ron Von Wafer who had 10 points in 12 minutes which sparked a third quarter rally.  For one time Pierce could not get going.  It may have been his foot injury, hand injury, sickness or covering LeBron for half the game, but that is why they are a well-rounded team.  His teammates picked him up and the Boston Celtics regained sole possession of the best record in the Eastern Conference. 

Again, the Celtics proved that they are tougher than the Heat and have more chemistry.  Obviously, KG is in Dwayne Wades head after their little altercation in the third quarter.  The Heat are 0-3 versus the Celtics this year and if they want to be the best they are going to have to beat the best.  Ubuntu.

I'M THE GREATEST

Any questions? Ray Allen once again proved why he is the best shooter of all-time breaking Reggie Miller's three-point record Thursday night at a packed house at the garden.  Every time Ray touched the ball and spotted up, the entire garden faithful hurried to their feet so they could jump in joy of his accomplishment.

Phil Jackson was rather sarcastic when asked about Ray's accomplishment.  But, what does he know? His team is run by a rapist.  His quote was "They don't give you records for scoring two pointers, but threes they do. I hope he does it early," said Jackson.

Reggie Miller was rather excited to see Ray break the record as he hugged Ray at the end of the 1st quarter.  If I were Reggie I would be crying against my pillow in my bed like a school girl because he no longer is the greatest shooter of all-time.  What are you going to do though, records are meant to be broken.

Ray Allen has the smoothest stroke in the league, hands down.  No questions asked.  Congrats Ray.  Kobe you are still a beanbag, but one hell of a game closer.

IS TRUCK DAY A HOLIDAY?

Ahhhh, Truck Day.  It is the sign of Spring Training and the sign of the Boston Red Sox beginning their workouts in Fort Myers.  In 29 other baseball cities, a truck leaving for its Spring Training destination is no big deal, but when you are in a baseball city that breathes baseball, it is a different story.

Hundreds of people gathered outside of Fenway Park a few days ago to see off the truck that drives players equipment and belongings to Fort Myers.  Big deal? To some people, no, but to die hards it is a big thing.  Especially since the Patriots broke our hearts.  This is a sign that the newly stacked Red Sox are getting ready for baseball.  The sweet sound of a crack of a bat and the ball hitting the glove, is there anything better?  I don't think so.  Truck Day is another reason to look forward to warmer weather after Boston was blanketed with over 70 inches of snow this winter.

It may be no big deal to some people, but for Red Sox fans this day puts a smile on your face.  You know in less than two months that the Sox will be taking the field in Texas starting their run at another World Series Title.  The buzz on Yawkey Way at every point in the year is like no other street in Boston.  It does not matter if it is December or July there is that musk of a smell that baseball is in the air.

Truck Day should be bring all baseball fans to Yawey Way's Gate D next year because if you love the Red Sox and baseball, there is no other place to be.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST RIVALRY IN BOSTON SPORTS?

After watching the Bruins/Canadiens game on Wednesday night it got me thinking, what is the biggest rivalry in Boston sports?

After watching each team exchange punch after punch and goal after goal at the garden could the Bruins/Canadiens be Boston's greatest sports rivalry? It seems when ever these two teams meet, blood is dripping down one player's face due to the hatrid between the clubs.  Ever since the Joe Thornton days these two teams have hated eachother, scratch that since the Bobby Orr days.  This is what hockey is all about and it is hard to argue that this is not the greatest rivalry in beantown.

Celtics/Lakers games just always have a buzz to them since the 80s and 90s.  Bird, Parish, and McHale versus Magic and Kareem.  Well, the rivarly lives on in the 2000s with Pierce, Garnett, and Allen versus Kobe and Gasol.  Every Celtic fan bleeds green and hates to see the Lakers hoist a trophy at the end of the year.  Even during regular season games the intensity is just as if it is game seven of the NBA finals.  These two teams are destined to meet in the NBA finals for the third time in the last four years and I'll be the first to admit it, I would not hate that because I want to see the Cs to win banner number 18.  The only better way of winning a championship is beating the Lakers in the process, period.

Patriots/Colts- I think this is more of a quarterback rivarly than a team rivalry.  We always compare Brady to Manning.  How many rings does Brady have?  How many does Manning have?  What are their playoff records blah blah blah.  I think the Jets Pats rivalry is better just because of all the jabbering leading up to the week.  Brady and Manning are both professional about everything they do.

Lastly, The Red Sox versus the Yankees.  I could end it there, but since Bucky "fucking" Dent and Aaron Boone in 2003 to the most remarkable comeback in sports history.  This is no question the biggest rivarly in Boston.  The attitudes toward eachother is just like nothing else.  If you see a New Yorker, you instantly just don't like them if they are wearing a Yankees hat.  That is just how Boston Red Sox fans are born.  From Pedro throwing Don Zimmer to the ground to Johnny Damon's monster game in the Bronx, this rivalry is the best in sports possibly.  Oh, and let's not forget Jason Varitek lifting A-Rod off the ground in July of 2004.  In 2011, it only looks to get better as the Red Sox retooled and used the Yankees tactic of buying players.  Stay tuned.

BACK-TO-BACK GAMES HURTING THE CELTS

The Boston Celtics departed for Charlotte after winning convincingly over the Magic yesterday at home.  Charlotte Bobcats, no problem right? Nope.  The Bobcats took down the Celts on another back-to-back for the Celts.  These back-to-back games have been giving the Celtics a lot of trouble.  Why?  Is it because of the age of the players? Not sleeping in their own beds?  Long flights and lack of sleep? Whatever it is, it needs to be fixed in the second half because on back-to-back games the Celtics are no faring well and it is against sub .500 basketball teams that they should be winning.

Doc Rivers and the Boston Celtics need to have a better scheme for these stints.  I don't know if you need to give more rest to KG, Ray, Pierce, Shaq etc. it is just becoming inexcusable.  I don't know if they think that because they have the world Celtics or Boston on their jersey that they will walk over a sub .500 team.  It is the NBA.  Anything can happen on any given night.  I know it is a long season and players play through injuries, but that is why they make millions.

I know the Celtics will figure it out because that is who they are and that is what they do.  They will cruise into the playoffs, take no one lightly, and gain that home court advantage they need.  It is another dilemma fans and the media is bashing the C's for, but we all know the green will be raising number 18 come June.

BIG BEN NOT IN BRADY's CLASS YET

He had a chance to be in the same breath as Tom Brady as one of the best quarterbacks of all-time, but Big Ben just could not put together any offense during the Steelers last drive of the game.  He knows how to win games, but today Big Ben was not at his best.  His stat line may disagree, but he threw an interception that put Green Bay up two scores.  He overthrew his receivers a bit and just could not find a rhythm until the second half where Aaron Rodgers "The WWE Champ" just kept putting Green Bay on his shoulders and driving his team down the field.

There is no doubt about it that Big Ben is a good quarterback, but an elite one?  I do not think so.  Yes, he knows how to win.  Although the two Super Bowl's that he did win, he never led his Steelers through Foxboro.  He still has two rings.  He still raped two girls and on this day Tom Brady was praised with his second MVP award of his career.

Brady still has three rings and Big Ben can still think of what it would have been to once be in Tom Brady's shoes, but he will need to wait.  Just remember these chances do not come around often, but Big Ben is successful and he may be able to have a shot at his third ring, but not in 2011.

SHOULD RONDO BE AN ALL-STAR STARTER?

When you picked up the newspaper this morning and saw the starting lineup for the East All-Stars there was one person that is missing, Rajon Rondo.  Rondo is avergaing 12.5 assists per game and leads the league and runs the point to perfection for a very talented Celtics lineup.  He averages 10.6 points as well as nearly three steals per game.  He runs the show for the best team in the NBA.  But, is the starting point guard for the East a pushover?  Not a chance.  Derrick Rose is averaging 24.6 points per game and 8.2 assists per game.  His field goal percentage is up as well as his ability to shoot from the outside.  He has matured as an all-around player and has the Bulls sitting at 34-14.  The Bulls are not a team that teams want to play in the playoffs.  Roses' ability alongside Boozer and Noah is just scary.  Not to forget Luol Deng and the mastermind of a coach Tom Thibodeau.
There is no question that Rajon Rondo will be a starter for the All-Star games in years to come, but this year its possible that Derrick Rose has been more valuable to his team.  We do not see Rose as much as we do Rondo and we think Rondo is the best thing in the world since sliced bread, but Rose has proven something and that he is one of the best point guards and players in the game today.
Rose deserves to be starting and Rondo does too but that is the way the cookie crumbles sometimes.  Rondo would much rather be hoisting the trophy in June than be a starter in a meaningless game.

RAY OR PIERCE?

Yes, it may have been teammate banter yesterday in Boston between Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, but who would you take in a three-point contest?

Ray Allen is on the cusp of breaking the all-time record for three-point field goals made and has one of the prettiest strokes in the game.  His swag on the court is like no other player in the NBA.  He has such a quick release and is always square to the basket no matter where he is coming from on the court.  He is no doubt the best shooter to maybe ever play the game of basketball.  He is my vote versus the Truth.

There is an argument for Pierce though.  He is the reigning three-point All-Star Weekend champion, but can he ever win it again especially with Ray Allen being involved? Pierce is one of the most underrated players in the NBA.  He can slash, he can shoot, he plays suffocating defense, and is one of the best closers in the game.  But, a shooting contest, I would bet my car, kids, and bank account of Ray Allen. 

THE STATE OF THE NATION

As Terry Francona chews his tobacco and spits constantly in Fort Myers, he will have one of the toughest jobs to accomplish at the end of spring training- creating the most potent lineup he can for the upcoming 2011 season.  Every Boston Red Sox fan has been trying to configure a lineup that will be most powerful, but Francona likes the versatility of the left/right alternation.  Where will newly acquired Carl Crawford bat? He doesn't like to lead off.  Where will Jacoby Ellsbury bat after only playing in 18 games in 2010? Pedroia? Adrian Gonzalez? If I was Terry Francona, I would be smiling from ear to ear.  No matter where you put any of these guys in the lineup they will produce.

The way I see it is, Jacoby Ellsbury is best when he is the catalyst of this ballclub.  Yes, he may have missed over 140 games, but he is still a dangerous lead off hitter.  His OBP must go up, but he is still young and developing.  Newly acquired Carl Crawford can excel in the number two spot no question about it.  He is a five tool player that will change the game by himself.  What about Pedey though? He is one of the best two hitters in the game.  But, if you move Pedey to the three spot he will see many more fastballs with Adrian Gonzalez waiting in the on deck circle.  Pedroia will be the first to tell you that he will be a beast as a three hitter.  Batting cleanup, Adrian Gonzalez should be the no-brainer.  Instead of having Chase Headley and David Eckstein protecting him, he will have Dustin Pedroia, Carl Crawford, and Kevin Youkilis protecting him.  Difference? I think so.  In the five spot, Kevin Youklis will fill that void.  He is a top 10 MVP vote-getter every single year and this year should be no different.  Look for Youk to have 25 HRS, 100 RBIs, 90 RS and a .310 average.  In the six hole, David Ortiz.  He is coming off another 30 HR 100 RBI year.  Those numbers may rise with the lineup he will be a part of in 2011.  Batting seventh, Jed Lowrie should finally get his shot.  He is a switch-hitting shortstop that has some pop and is finally healthy. But, Scutaro will probably fill this spot  Next in line, J.D. Drew could be the best eight hitter in baseball.  He is aging, but the numbers are still there at the end of the year.  Finishing off the most powerful lineup in baseball is Jarod Saltalamacchia.  The numbers for him are gravy essentially because he will be concentrating on defense and keeping his pitchers in line.  We do not need him to concentrate on offense with the names in the lineup.

My 2011 Red Sox lineup

CF Jacoby Ellsbury
LF Carl Crawford
2B Dustin Pedroia
1B Adrian Gonzalez
3B Kevin Youkilis
DH David Ortiz
SS Jed Lowrie/Marco Scutaro
RF J.D. Drew
C Jarod Saltalamacchia

It may go against Tito's strategy, but this will be the most effective lineup for the Nation.  12 days til Truck Day, get pumped.

GIVE WELKER AND MANKINS THE MONEY THEY DESERVE, SIGN BIG NAME?

Wes Welker and Logan Mankins are two stars on the Patriots that need to be paid in the next year.  Yesterday, Welker told reporters that he doesn't deserve a big contract which is probably sending shivers down his agents spines.  Come on Wes.  He had seven touchdowns this year and 86 catches are coming back so soon from one of the worst sports injuries you can possibly get.  Yes, his numbers were down, but over the past four years with the Pats Welker has an astonishing 432 catches, 4,536 yards, and 22 touchdowns.  Contact extension? I think so.

Mankins on the other hand held out until week 8 of the Patriots season, and as usual gave Tom Brady the protection he needed to win an MVP award.  Mankins is going to Honolulu for the Pro-Bowl only playing half a season that is how good this guy is. He is only 28 years-old and is a major factor in the Patriots protection.  He is a three-time pro-bowler that the Pats should give first priority this offseason.  He has played in 89 games out of a possible 96 and the seven games he missed were due to his contact hold up.  This guy does his talking on the field and deserves to stay with the Patriots.  He should have deeper pockets in 2012.

Many people thought not having a deep threat in the Jets game in the postseason is the reason why the Pats lost.  I agree and disagree at the same time, but it would not hurt to explore options such as Larry Fitzgerald, Vincent Jackson, Chad Johnson, or someone of that caliber.  A difference maker that causes no problems on the field (minus Chad Johnson).  Larry Fitzgerald would be a perfect fit for the Pats system.  Being young showed in the 2011 postseason, but it is a point in the right direction once these guys get more experience under their belts. 

Sign Welker, sign Mankins, trade or sign Larry Fitzgerald.  Come on Kraft, do your best Theo impression and open the checkbook for your home team.

PERK BACK IN THE MIDDLE

No one anticipated Kendrick Perkins returning tonight versus the lowly Cavs in Beantown, but why not? against a team who has not won in 18 straight games.  His return date was suppose to be February 4th versus the Mavericks, but Perk was too anxious.  Let's not forget this man because he is a huge part of the Celtic style of basketball.

With Kendrick Perkins now healthy, we can finally get a look at the starting five the rest of the NBA is going to fear heading into the playoffs.  Pierce, Ray, KG, Rondo, and Perk have never lost a playoff series, Yes, ever.  He is an enormous presence on the boards, down the defensive end, and on the offensive glass.  He pushes Shaq to the bench and makes an already deep bench ever deeper.  There is no question if Perk was healthy in game 7 versus the Lakers last year, the Celtics would be holding the championship trophy yet again but that was not the case.  The Lakers outrebounded the Celtics by 17 and if you think that Perk would not have made a difference, then you are crazy.

It is great to see number 43 back on the hardwood.  He has come into his own as an NBA player and has matured over the years.  He is a difference maker with his ability to block shots as well as his defense along side KG.  Look for the Celtics to go on a streak again because with Perk back they will be setting the tempo in the East.  The best defense is the NBA just got even better.  If you can believe that.

WHAT KIND OF YEAR WILL PAPS HAVE FOR THE SOX?

Talk about drama.  The once almost untouchable closer was dangled in front of many teams' eyes this offseason.  The Red Sox even made an offer to Mariano Rivera before he signed with the Yankees.  The Sox finally offered Paps arbitration worth $12 million for this season.  Paps is coming off his worst season as a Red Sox posting a pedestrian 3.90 E.R.A., 37 saves, eight blown saves, and seven losses.  He did strike out 76 hitters in 67 innings and will be in a contract season so how will he perform?

Paps cannot be happy with the acquisition of Bobby Jenks almost saying that after this year, he will be the Boston Red Sox closer.  We cannot forget about Mr. Daniel Bard who can bring the heat with a fastball that registers over 98 mph consistantly with a back breaking slider.  If Paps has a chip on his shoulder all year, he could potentially have one of his best seasons as a Red Sox.  The question is with this potent lineup will Paps get a chance to close the door on 35-40 saves? Will Jenks get the extra work or Bard? We will not know until they take the field in April, but we do know that Jonathan Papelbon is the 2011 closer for the Boston Red Sox.

He has registered over 35 saves in each of his first five seasons.  He did not let up a run in the post season until 2009 versus the Angels.  That is just a ridiculous stat.  Fans are stabbing Paps in the back because he had one bad season, only throws a fastball, and was blowing saves left and right last season. 

Let me say one thing.  I am not saying sign Paps for $16 million per year next season, but it will be a mistake if they let him just walk.  He does not deserve that kind of money, I get it.  But, this guy has been nothing but nails since coming to the Nation.  He makes Bard better and he will make Jenks better.  If he uses that splitter that all Boston fans know and love, this could be one of his best years as a Red Sox and it will have them second guessing to let him go.

IS THIS THE YEAR THE B's CAN MAKE IT DEEP INTO THE PLAYOFFS, LORD STANLEY?

The 2010-2011 Boston Bruins have had their ups and downs.  There were times where they could not score, times they could not score on a power play, or kill a penalty, but at this point in the season it looks like the Bruins are hungry.  The black and gold stand at 26-13-7 which is good for a two seed in the conference and a one seed in the division.  They are playing tremendous hockey at a crucial point in the season.  Patrice Berguron has been dynamite leading the team in points.  Lucic has been finding the back of the net.  Chara all of a sudden is playing the greatest hockey of his career.  Savard is looking like Magic Johnson out there dishing the puck not to mention the play of Timmy Thomas.  This guy is proving doubters wrong this year.  Last spring, all that was talked about on sports radio was when can we get rid of this guy? He is too old.  He is owed too much money.  Well, how does a .945 save percentage and a 1.83 goals against average sound with seven shutouts and a 22-4-6 record between the pipes?  Unbelievable, yes I know.  Not to mention Tuukka Rask has been coming on strong.  Not as strong as Thomas, but with Tuukka playing well, he can give Thomas the rest he deserves.  He is on pace for starting 60 games.  A team needs two hot goalies going into the playoffs and if Tuukka can play like he did in the 2009-2010 playoffs along side Superman Timmy Thomas, the Bruins may have a shot of going the distance as long as they can put the puck in the back of the net.  They cannot make any mistakes at the blue lines and need to compete on a nightly basis.  No more winning one and losing one.  This team needs to go on a streak to get their confidence back and that is exactly what they did on the road of all places to climb into a number two seed in the standings.

WHO CAN THE CELTICS WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP WITHOUT?

Rondo? - Yeah, right.  The league leader in assists and the best general in the game right now. With him off the floor, every fan saw how this team operated. It was not a pretty sight.  He creates so many open looks for his teammates and just makes the game easier for them as well.  He runs the team like no one else.  His experience now is an advantage for the Cs unlike his rookie years where he was lost.  He is starting to develop a jumpshot which could be the last piece to the puzzle for a complete package for Rajon.  He is a joy to watch and a future hall-of-famer.

Pierce?- The Truth, yeah right.  His ability to take his man to the hoop or off the dribble is uncanny.  He can shoot the three ball or take you to the elbow and create the seperation he needs to splash one in your eyebrow.  He is the leader and captain of this team.  This team would not be where they are today without this man.

KG?- We all saw what happened when this man was hurt during the postseason.  His defensive urgency and intensity is like no other.  He is too important to this team on the defensive end and can knock down 18 footers with no problem.  With this guy healthy, this team can steam roll to the NBA finals.

Ray?- It is easy to say yes to him, but who has hit as many clutch shots this year than Ray? As I am typing this he just hit a go-ahead two pointer versus the Pistons.  He is having one of his best years shooting and is a key piece to the 2010-2011 Celtics.

The real answer is that the Celtics could not win an NBA championship without any of them.  They are too valuable in different ways.  If this team can stay healthy, they could be hoisting the NBA championship trophy this year and not Kobe Brant.

DESTINATION DALLAS? MAYBE FOR REX AND THE JETS

Say what you want, the Patriots did not come to play today.  All the jabber conducted by the Jets all week must have got to the Pats finally because they did not look in sync for the entire 60 minutes.  Mistake after mistake led to Jets scoring points.  When is the last time you said mistake by the Patriots? or interception by Tom Brady? Not for a very long time.  The Pats looked great on the opening drive before Tom Brady over threw Ben Jarvis on a screen pass.  That is where the wheels fell off.  The crowd was out of it and the Pats were stunned.  A dropped touchdown pass in the hands of Alge Crumpler.  A fake punt muffed by a dropped snap by Pat Chung.  Dropped pass after dropped pass and under thrown balls to overthrown balls all over the field.  The Jets backed their talk this time leaving the Pats packing their bags for not Dallas, but for vacation.

The clock management in the fourth quarter was also questionable.  They may have been moving the ball by running it, but down 10 with less than eight minutes to go? Every Patriot was walking to the line of scrimmage with just defeated body language.  Brady was sacked five times, the most he has ever been touched all year.  The bye week may have put the Pats at a disadvantage because they looked nearly unbeatable two weeks ago and today they may have had trouble beating Foxboro high school.  It is a shame that we will have to listen to Rex Ryan for the next week and for the rest of the year, but he outcoached Belichick today.  I never thought those words would come out of my mouth, but he did. 

Sportscenter is off limits for the time being.  29 days until pitchers and catchers report to Fort Myers.  The Celtics are first in the East and the Bruins are steam rolling.  We thought we were cueing the duckboats for the 2010-2011 Patriots, but maybe we need to ride the wave of the Cs and Bs until the summer comes along.

IS BRAD MARCHAND THE DANNY WOODHEAD OF THE BOSTON BRUINS?

He stands at 5 feet 9 inches on the ice for the Boston Bruins, but he plays as if he is 6 feet 9 inches.  Brad Marchand is quietly contributing to the home team significantly as a rookie.  He has nine goals and 10 assists in 40 games.  He leads the National Hockey League in short-handed goals this season with three.  In his last five games Marchand has three goals and two assists helping the black and gold keep the win streak alive and their fight for the top seed in the Eastern conference.  So, is this rookie comparable to Danny Woodhead of the New England Patriots?

Marchand is a scrappy player who draws penalties night in and night out.  He is very physical at such a disadvantaged height in hockey.  He never really got his chance until this year and did he ever make the best of it.  He is a factor in every single Bruins game much like the Pats Danny Woodhead.  As Woodhead, Marchand doesn't pay attention to what anyone thinks, he just goes about his business and plays the game of hockey that he loves.

You may not recognize either of these two stars when they walk down the street, but they are quietly making a significant difference for their home team and they don't even have a big household name Brady or Chara.  Credit Woodhead and Marchand for defying the odds and becoming difference makers for their first place squads.

THE KEY TO THE 2011 BOSTON RED SOX

Every basball fan knows the moves the Boston Red Sox made this off season.  The club signed one of the most dynamic players in baseball in Carl Crawford and traded for one of baseball's elite power hitters in Adrian Gonzalez, but what is still a question mark is the health of Josh Beckett and the consistency of John Lackey and Daisuke Matsuzaka at the back end of the Sox rotation.

The Red Sox will score runs.  There is no question about it.  They were second in the league last year in runs scored without Ellsbury, Pedroia, Youkilis for a majority of the year.  Now add Adrian Gonzalez and Crawford to the mix, are you serious?  The Sox also bolstered their inefficient bullpen by signing many new arms that look to contribute in 2011, but we need Beckett, Lackey, and Matsuzaka to step up to their 2007 forms.  Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz were dominant last year.  Now we need these three guys to earn their money and pitch like the 20 game winners that they are.  The Red Sox finished 17th in the league last year in starters E.R.A. which is unacceptable when you had two Cy Yound award candidates in the front of your rotation.  Beckett's 5.78 E.R.A. was the highest of his career.  One can blame the injuries he suffered, but we need this guy back to his old form as well as Lackey and Daisuke.  It is the only way this team can ride the ship because they may have the most feared lineup in baseball, but if the Sox give those runs back, it could be a long season for the Nation.

Look for these guys to adjust, work hard, and compete in the 2011 season.  The Texas natives (Lackey & Beckett) are two of the most competitive pitchers in baseball.  I know they will bounce back along with Daisuke who not long ago finished with a 19-3 regular season record.

Pray for the American League to win the All-Star game because the Sox are going to the Ship' (what what), they going to the Ship'!

CAN THE YOUNG GUYS FOR THE PATS STEP UP IN THE PLAYOFFS?

To name a few...Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski, Devin McCourty, Danny Woodhead- all the young guns that have been contributing and playing at the highest level will all play in their first playoff game on Sunday versus the New York Jets.  Should Pats fans be worried that these players will fold under pressure and not rise to the occassion?  Let's be serious.  During the regular season, these Patriots faced teams such as the Colts, Steelers, Ravens, Chargers, and the Jets, all playoff contenders.  These players have played their best football against the stiffest competition in the league.  There is no need to worry about these kids.  They are young, full of energy, and ready to compete.

Bill Belichick will let them know how big this game is, but on the other hand he will reassure them if they continue to do what they have been doing and execute, there should be no problem when the whistle blows Sunday afternoon.  Do not buy into what Rex Ryan and Antonio Cromartie (Who has nine childen and eight different mothers) are saying.  Do not deal with the trash talk.  Use that nonsense for the bullentin board and bury the Jets like December 6th.

Brady losing in Foxboro? Yeah, right.  Not to mention,  he is also 24-4 when the weather is below 32 degrees.  There is a better chance of getting struck by lightning than Brady losing in Foxboro.

BALL DON'T LIE?

Many reports have been swirling on the internet that Rasheed Wallace will come out of retirement to play for the Boston Celtics.  This will be a move to have insurance incase KG goes down again (God forbid) or Jermaine or Shaq need a rest.  I think it is a move the Celtics needed to make because they are getting killed on the glass especially with the absence of their defensive leader Kevin Garnett.  His last year with the Celtics in 2009-2010, Sheed averaged 14.4 points per game as well as 6.6 rebounds.  He is another piece to the puzzle that will help the Celtics down the stretch.  This will also deepen the bench with Kendrick Perkins coming back.  One would need to think Shaq will be stripped of his starting duties, but we will see.

His size and ability to shoot the three could be another weapon to the Celtics run to the Championship in June.  Having another seven footer who can knock down jumpers as well as play in the post is a luxury the Celtics would love to have.  I would love Rasheed back if he does not take ill-advised threes as Antoine Walker use to hoist up there.

If Sheed decides to return to Beantown look for a hungrier Sheed.  His last game as a Celtic he lost in Game 7 of the NBA finals and he does not want to face that situation again.  I will welcome Sheed back to Boston with open arms.  He knows his role for limited minutes and off the bench.  He is a veteran now.  He is no longer the dominant player he was with North Carolina, but I'll still take him and another thing.... Ball Don't Lie.

IS THIS THE TURNING POINT IN THE SEASON FOR THE BLACK AND GOLD?

The Boston Bruins trailed the entire game until 4:23 left to play in Pittsburgh where they exploded for four goals in the third period and may have saved Claude Julien his job.  The B's were down 2-0 for almost two periods where they ended up fighting back against one of the hottest teams in hockey to edge the Penguins 4-2.

The Bruins scored two goals in :12 seconds.  One was a powerplay goal from Captain Zdeno Chara and the other by Brad Marchand.  The ageless Mark Recchi buried the game winner on a power play goal with :50 seconds left assisted by Seidenberg and Michael Ryder.  Gregory Campbell put the dagger in Penguins fans hearts with the empty netter with :08 seconds to play. 

This game has to be the turning point in the Bruins season, a come from behind win against a very talented team on their home ice.  Tuukka Rask had 23 saves on 25 shots notching a victory the Bruins desperately needed after the collapse in Montreal a few nights back.  Oh by the way, Claude Julien is smiling somewhere as well.

GARNETT BACK TOO SOON?

Celtic fans held their breath once again when Kevin Garnett went down versus the Detroit Pistons a few weeks ago because his injury looked almost identical to the one he suffered two years ago versus the Utah Jazz that kept him out for the entire year.  Tonight, Kevin Garnett may be back on the court when the C's take on the Houston Rockets on their first game of a six game home stand.  But, the question still looms, are the Celtics rushing back Kevin Garnett?

Kevin Garnett would not rush a comeback.  He knows the reprecussions at his age and at this point in the season.  If it really is only a calf strain, KG should be fine and ready to go.  Sure, the Celtics are playing okay without Kevin Garnett with a 28-8 record, but without KG the C's will not go the distance.  They need this man back in the lineup to assure themselves home court advantage throughout the 2011 playoffs.  No Celtic fan wants to see what happened last year.  I know it is a totally different mindset in the playoffs once you get there, but home court advantage is crucial in the playoffs.  I don't want the Celtics to cruise into the playoffs like last year finishing 25-25 in their last 50 games, make it to the finals, then lose in Game 7 because it was not on their home floor.  The Celtics need to play for home court advantage in the playoffs, but rest their veterans.

It is a tough decision for coach Doc Rivers, but he handles his players very intelligently.  Look for the C's to stay within the top three of the conference for the rest of the year, but let's hope they stay along the top.

REX RYAN GETS WISH, MEETING IN FOXBORO WITH TOM BRADY AND SOCRATES

Rex Ryan finally got the victory he wanted versus Peyton Manning.  Now, the entire sports world has to listen to this man speak about how good his team is and why they are going to the Super Bowl, but what he does not understand is that he is going back to Foxboro where the Patriots embarassed them on a Monday Night stage on national television 45-3 just about a month ago.

Earlier this week, Ryan stressed that Peyton Manning knows how to manage a game and Tom Brady thinks he does, but he just gets all of his insight from his genius of a coach Bill Belichick.  Well, Rex Ryan will get a taste again of what Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are like next Sunday in Foxboro.  There is no question Ryan wanted to win this game to advance, but it was more for his ego.  He wants a piece of Tom Brady next. 

Rex Ryan and the New York Jets will be high on this win until next Sunday, but we know that Belichick and Brady and the rest of the 14-2 Patriots are just all about business and improvements.  The Jets made improvements from their week 17 game clearly to win in the playoffs because that is tough to do, now it is time for the Patriots to improve one more week to beat these Jets and send Rex Ryan packing for foot massages with his wife.

TOM TERRIFIC IN 2011 PLAYOFFS?

Believe me, there is not one other quarterback I would want under center in any situation on a football field other than Tom Brady, but as statistics indicate he is 4-4 over his last eight playoff games. In 2009, there was an early exit by the hands of the Ravens.  In 2007, we know that story.  In 2006, the Patriots lost to Peyton Manning and in 2005 the Broncos took down Brady.  Although Tom Brady is playing the best football of his career (36 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 65.9% completion), it is the playoffs and anything is possible.  It is a brand new season and every team is 0-0 as coach Belichick and Tom Brady indicated earlier in the week. Coach Belichick has won two Superbowl titles when his Patriot teams win at least 14 games in a season and the New England Patriots have to be the favorites this year after beating teams such as the Steelers, Ravens, Colts,   Chargers, Jets, Green Bay, and the Bears.

Tom Brady is just too good at home.  He still has not thrown an interception since October 17th versus the Ravens and Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, and Drew Brees have thrown a combined 46 picks in that time period.  As Bill Belichick says "Stats are for losers".  Look for Tom Brady to silence everyone once again and punch his trip to Dallas in February no questions asked.  He is the best quarterback in football.

IS RONDO THE BEST POINT GUARD IN THE NBA?

If Rondo is not named in the game's elite after last night's NBA Jam stat line performance, I do not know what else he has to do. Rondo tallied his 11th triple-double of his career with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 22 assists, yes 22 assists! He came two assists short of his previous career high of 24 recorded earlier this year versus the Knicks and is still six assists away (28) for the Celtics franchise record held by Bob Cousy.

Rajon Rondo has missed games due to numerous injuries and you can tell the team does not gel when he is not quarterbacking the them.  Rondo has instincts that no other play has in the NBA.  Sure, Steve Nash, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Derrick Rose are among the best in the game, but Rondo has to be the best right now.  He has the Celtics at 27-7 and in first place in the Eastern Conference.  The Celtics go as Rondo goes.  This guy needs to be healthy because if he can put up a stat line as he did versus the best team in the league, it will be scary for opponents playing the Celtics leading to their championship run.

In my opinion Rajon Rondo is the most valuable player on this team.  I know we cannot win a championship without Kevin Garnett because he is the heart and soul of the defense, but there is no possible way that the Celtics win a championship without Rajon Rondo. He has intangibles that no other players have. His quickness and matchup versus any other point guard in the league is usually a plus for the Celtics. 

The Celtics need to rest Rondo if he is hurting, but by the looks of last night Rondo looks back to normal. The team is in rhythm. Look for this team to not make the mistake of being rewarded home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

DOES BELICHICK DESERVE COACH OF THE YEAR?

The mastermind, the man with the plan, and the Socrates of football...does he deserve the National Football League's coach of the year award?

Bill has done a superb job this year with his young defense.  His first pick in the 2010 draft Devin McCourty is the man Belichick knew he was drafting.  He is a pro-bowler and is second in the league in interceptions. The defense has been a revolving door with key players becoming injured and new ones stepping in.  Belichick has done a great job of coaching the youngsters.  He has them playing great defense at the most crucial time.  Although everyone looks at the stat of total yards allowed per game, over the past five or six weeks, the New England defense has answered the call.

Another move we may also forget about is dumping Randy Moss and reacquiring Deion Branch as well as picking up Danny Woodhead.  The Patriots are playing for the person next to them not for themselves and this is what made them Super Bowl champions three times in the last decade. 

If anyone deserves coach of the year it is Bill.  He led his Patriots to a 14-2 record with a running back that was on the practice squad last year and with a very young defense.  It is easy to say he still has Tom Brady at quarterback, but these players have drastically made a difference due to their coach. Make the right choice because once he rocks his fourth ring, there may be no argument that he is the best coach of all-time never mind of the year, but rest assuredly Bill wants the Lombardi trophy not the coach of the year award.

WHAT DOES 2011 HOLD FOR THE BEANTOWN TEAMS?

Can 2011 be the year that three or even four banners are raised in Boston? The New England Patriots look nearly unbeatable silencing critics with a 14-2 record. The Celtics are off to a scorching start as always with a 24-7 record, but health still remains as a concern for the team.  The Red Sox have to be the new favorites to win the World Series after the monster additions of Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez.  Adding these two guys with an already stacked lineup makes this team very scary, not to mention the elite pitching staff Terry Francona puts out there everyday.  The Boston Bruins are back to playing great hockey carrying a 20-11-6 record which is good for first place in the Northeast division.  The Bruins have answered the bell after many fans and executives thought head coach Claude Julien was on his way out by taking eight points on the road out of a possible ten.

It is great to be in Beantown.  This city has the ability to do something special and this dream can become a reality.  The duckboats need to get their engines ready because in two months it could be the start of a very long tourney for their drivers with the Patriots making moves toward Dallas, the Celtics taking care of the Eastern Conference, the Bruins becoming relevant again, and the Red Sox assembling potentially one of the best lineups in baseball since murder's row in the Bronx.