Gerry Callahan Thinks Rivers Is Gone

A lot has been made of whether or not Doc Rivers will return next season. I am sure this isn't on the mind of the Celtics now and Rivers said he will not speak about it until the season is over, but Gerry Callahan of the Boston Herald thinks when Rivers finally makes up his mind he'll walk away...

""My guess: He's gone. Win or lose, when the NBA Finals end so is Doc Rivers' terrific run as coach of the Celtics. Say goodbye to the good guy. Or better yet, if you are wearing a C's road uniform tonight, win one for Rivers because you never may play for a better leader, a better communicator, a better example, a better coach. ... Doc never has denied that he would like to take a break sometime, and this much is certain: There never will be a better time to take a sabbatical, professionally, personally or any other way. ... So now Doc has a choice: He'll either quit his job, clear his schedule and relish every postgame dinner at Applebee's with his kids, or he'll run himself ragged trying to be all things to all people."

Before I thought that there was a good chance he would come back, but I am not so sure anymore. It really makes a lot of sense to walk away after this season (win or lose). The Celtics are most likely going to have to go into some level of rebuilding mode, so if Doc left now he could spend time with his kids, while also leaving on top. When he does decide to return he will be one of the most sought after coaches, especially with a lot of the "great" coaches coming to retirement age.

Anyways, it doesn't matter Celtics get him another ring tonight.

Varitek Has To Catch Beckett

I don't like Varitek. I am not at the same level of hatred as DP on him, but I don't like him, and I don't think he is good. Still....after reading into some stats it is hard to ignore that Beckett needs Varitek on the field.

Beckett is 14-2 with a 2.52 ERA when Varitek is his catcher. When someone else catches him, Beckett is 0-2 with an 11.25 ERA. The Boston Herald went in even deeper and looked at each game that Beckett has played without Tek behind the plate.

April 30: Rays 13, Red Sox 0

With George Kottaras catching, Beckett allows 10 hits and seven runs in 4.2 innings.

June 14: Phillies 11, Red Sox 6

With a day game following a brutally long night game, Varitek gets a day off in favor of Kottaras. Beckett allows seven runs (6 earned) in six innings and takes the loss.

Aug. 18: Red Sox 10, Blue Jays 9

Beckett admitted he had nothing last night and the Jays teed off on him for three home runs and the seven runs.

For those keeping track, that’s 16 IP and 30 hits allowed, including five home runs. In 146.1 innings with Varitek, Beckett has allowed just 10 homers.

Some pitchers are really a creature of habit. I don't think this speaks ill of V-Mart's catching ability, but when you are in a middle of a season and in a groove you should ride what is working. What is working is Tek catching Beckett. Maybe he can just be his catcher like Mirabelli was for the Wake...

John Tomase No Longer Covering Patriots

"John Tomase, the man who ruined Super Bowl weekend for the then undefeated 2007 Patriots by erroneously reporting that the Patriots had videotaped the St. Louis Rams’ walkthrough prior to Super Bowl XXXVI, will no longer be covering the Patriots for the Boston Herald. Ian R. Papoport, now formerly of The Birmingham News, reported on his blog and his Twitter account that he’s been hired as the new lead Patriots’ beat writer for the Herald (Examiner)."

Thank fucking God! This guy is such a douche bag it makes my head hurt. I met him while I was working for Fox Sports (now Comcast), and he was such a dink. It bothers me that he reported that story, but what bothers me even more is that he did it when he didn't have all the facts and the Patriots were in the Super Bowl. I am no way saying it cost the Patriots the game, because I am not a douche, and the Giants deserve credit, but much like Parcells in 1997 it certainly didn't help their focus. So, fuck you Tomase I hope you fall off a cliff....

Moss Can't Wait For Next Season

John Tomase wrote a really good article today (I know I can't believe I just said that either) about the relationship between Brady and Moss. Moss came out and said that he talks to Brady twice a week, and all they talk about is how they can't wait to get back on the field together. It was nice to read a Brady story that didn't have to do with what food he was eating off Gisele's golden ass.

Moss also said that he felt depressed when Brady went down last year, after the magic they had in 2007. From Moss' report he says Brady is ready to go, but he also said he'll believe it when he sees him on the field.

“Man, I won’t be satisfied until the season starts,” he said when asked about Brady. “As a football fan, I’ve always been a fan of Brady’s and just to see his injury as a fan, it really hurt. To see him come back as far as he has in his rehab, I’m just waiting to see for myself. I’m not up there as much right now. I do communicate with Tom and know he’s doing well, but I can’t wait to see him on that field (Boston Herald).”