I Don't Get This....

I don't get this, I was listening to WEEI and they had a bunch of callers who were Bruins fans saying, "I can't stand all these bandwagon fans, pink hats, I remember Espo and Orr, This is a Hockey Town, Etc." I won't get started on this whole "Sports Town" thing because it seems kinda ridiculous, this town is whoever is winning at the time. Me personally I believe it has to go Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins then Patriots, that's just my opinion and an argument for a later date.

Back to the Pink Hat comment, I'll 100% agree that I am a complete bandwagoner, pink hat, front runner when it comes to hockey, I don't care about it and actually hate the sport when the Bruins aren't in the playoffs or when it's the Olympics. But wouldn't Bruins fans in general embrace that. Everyone who reads this site, knows I'm a giant Celtics fan, and when the Celtics won and everyone became a Celtics fan, not once did I scoff at the notion that more people were fans. I loved it, I loved seeing the sea of green and I loved that the Celtics were the talk of the town. So I don't really get the resentment of having more fans for a sport and team YOU SUPPORT.

You know what pink hats mean? It means your team is winning, it means the revenue your team is making goes, it means you can have a parade a million people want to see. Out of my friends there is really only one person who was a true Bruins fan, The Captain and that's because he stuck through them when the ownership sucked, when they were giving away players, when they charging an arm and a leg for tickets and not willing to spend money to justify charging that much. And although I haven't heard his opinion on the pink hats I'm pretty sure he felt the same way I did when the Celtics won.

So for all you Bruins fans that feel the need to prove that you were there during the down times, and feel the need to defend yourself as a fan. Shut the fuck up and enjoy the fact that the Bruins are the talk of the town for the first time in 40 years.

Interesting Interview With Doc Rivers

As DP wrote about earlier Doc has signed a 5 year deal with the Celtics, which was shocking. He was on WEEI today, and I found some of the things he was talking about very interesting.

On Big Baby's poor play..

"I thought it was more in between his ears than his play. I thought the whole contract thing affected his play. I thought he had the wrong focus at times because of that. I think when you stray away from just being a team player and being the role that you're given, I think you struggle. I think all players do. And I thought Baby did that.

"I thought scoring was way too important to him, instead of being who he is. Baby's never going to be a great scorer in our league, but he can score. What Baby has to be is an energy player, a guy who takes charges. Yeah, if we get him for the right price," he said. "I think it would be nice, but we can't overpay. That will be up to Danny and Wyc [Grousbeck] and them. That's one of the things I stay out of, at least I try to. We've got to get him back in the right frame of mind. And that's the way he was the last 20 games. Baby's a good basketball player. He can help us or any other team. But, to me, only if he plays the right way (WEEI)."

Listening to it Doc seemed pissed at Big Baby. He was very loyal to him, and gave him the minutes, but in the end Big Baby just never came around. We have written many times that their were reports that Big Baby got fat. Doc was asked about it, and he said that he didn't know, but that it seemed pretty obvious from just looking at him that he had put on weight. All of this to me means he is gone. If Big Baby didn't have the concentration to keep his weight in check during his contract year (probably the most important year of his career) then I don't think he is worth investing in. Plus, guys with his body type don't last long in the NBA.

On being part of the rebuilding process...

"I don't think anyone's looking forward to that, but I'm willing to do that," he said. "I had a group that has been very loyal to me. I think it would have been very easy for me to just run and go somewhere else and chase something else. It would have been easier to do it the other way; I just don't think it's the right thing to do. Coaches talk about loyalty and team all the time. I just thought it was time to show it. And that's what I did (WEEI)."

Very interesting. I was wondering why he came back, and maybe he felt that the "Big 3" gave him so much that he should be the one that rides this process out with them. I also think this "showing loyalty" plays into the long term. KG/Allen are in their last year, and if he remains loyal to them this could be a stepping stone to attracting more free agents. Doc is already one of the most beloved coaches in the NBA, and showing that you are loyal (even through the bad times) could go a long way to bringing in a big time free agent (Howard, Paul, ect). I think the Celtics have enough to make a decent run next year if they sign good guys next year, while also not crushing their future. They can sign a bunch of 1 year contracts, and then have the cap room and core (Rondo, Pierce, maybe Green).

Rasheed Wallace Rumors Just Won't Go Away

Just when you thought it was over, Stephen A. Smith (self proclaimed long time friend of Rasheed Wallace) had this to say on WEEI today....

"So, I simply said I think he's going to end up coming back to Boston, because I believe that Boston is going to be the team that fights the Lakers for the world championship, and I believe that Doc Rivers is the ultimate motivator. And I think if you have an opportunity to play for Doc Rivers for a couple of months, that's not something that you're going to turn down. I still believe that. I still believe that Rasheed Wallace is going to come back (WEEI)."

Do I believe it? Ugh, well I have been going back and forth on this all year, but if you put a gun to my head I say no. It doesn't seem like Ainge wants him back and I don't trust anything Stephen A. Smith says, but I will say this... After the loss of Perkins, if Sheed was popular in that locker room you might see them bring him back to smooth things over (especially with KG and Rondo).

Dale and Holley Get Canned

In a bold move that must be perceived as a reaction to ratings challenges from 98.5 The Sports Hub, WEEI announced yesterday that Michael Holley, who has cohosted the station’s midday “Dale and Holley’’ program since 2005, will join Ordway as a permanent cohost on “The Big Show’’ beginning Feb. 28.

also they will be replaced by
The Herald’s “Inside Track’’ reported that former Red Sox infielder Lou Merloni and regular weekend and fill-in host Mike Mutnansky would take over the slot.

This blows to be honest. Dale and Holley were a breath of fresh air when it came to finally getting through those morning racist, scumbag, biggots known as Dennis and Callahan. I liked their show, well I don't know if I liked it as much as I hate D and C so I overrated it but whatever. They had great interviews with Doc Rivers and Jackie McMullin and now we get stuck with those weekend guys. Has anyone ever heard Lou and Mutnansky? It's the worst, I try a lot and I just end up changing it in disgust. Another question I have to bring up is how has Lou Merloni survived this long? His expiration date I feel should have been expired in 2006. Go away.

The only thing I could have critiqued Dale about is that he talked about Hockey too much. There is a time and place for that and that's called the NHL playoffs, until then they should continue to talk about real sports.

Is the Sports Hub worth listening too? Opinions please?

Gerry Callahan Is A Fucking Moron

I listen to Dennis and Callahan every morning, probably just because there isn't anything else on. I take what is said with a grain of salt every morning but today they had Mark Madden a Steelers radio talent on and my frustration boiled over. Not only is he a racist bigot but he completely discounts Ben Roethlisberger because of his distaste for his "personal rumors" and because every Patriot fan is scared to face the music that if Ben wins another superbowl he will be looked at as potentially better then Tom Brady arguements.

Let me talk about Ben's offseason transgressions for a second. He was in a wrong place in a wrong time and got in trouble because some chick who was wearing a D.T.F. shirt decided to create a stir, and some batshit crazy chick with a cowboy hat in Vegas (who wrote emails to her dead boyfriend for months and was an awful person in general) tried to make a name for herself. Facts are, there was insufficient evidence to support anything that happened and everyone is willing to call him a rapist when it's an honest to God a rumor. Everyone is so quick to forget Mark Sanchez went through the same thing at USC, but are willing to forget the whole thing because he's a "good guy".

Now onto his play on the field, he's 10-2 in the playoffs which is second to Bart Starr and better then Tom Brady, and if he wins the Superbowl New England Patriot fans have to face the music is that Ben is just as good as the Golden Boy. You can point to Ben's first Superbowl and say the lowest qb rating of all time, but leading up to that point he was the playoff MVP and won 3 games on the road to the Superbowl. He doesn't need to throw 50 TDs or put up gaudy numbers to be in the same class. To me the best quarterback that has ever lived is Terry Bradshaw because he has 4 rings. Sorry, but at the end of the day, all that matters is W's and Ben is one of the best at getting them.

To all those people who also say that Tom Brady could lead the Steelers to a better record that they have this year and they would be favored by 2 TDs is a fucking fool. We see what Ben has to deal with time in and time out with his lack of an offensive line. The Jets game proved that Brady gets Manning feet when pressure comes to him, it doesn't effect Ben. Brady has consistently had a top 5 to 10 offensive line in the league his whole career, Ben has had a bottom 5 to 10 line. They are 2 different styles of QB's.

They can talk as much as possible, but at the end of the day there is a lot of New England jealousy riding on this game.

Gammons Says "Don't Expect V-Mart Back"

Peter Gammons was on WEEI yesterday and had a lot to say about what the Sox will be looking to do this offseason. He first touches on Red Sox free agents Beltre and V-Mart...

"I don't expect Victor Martinez to come back, I think Detroit is going to give him four or five years," said Gammons. "And I don't think anyone else is going to give him four or five years. I'm not so sure Beltre will be back, I can't gauge that market. But I do think they will go hard after Crawford, I really believe that."

That is just awful news. I really trust Gammons, and I agree that if the Tigers give him a 5 year deal there is no way the Sox will match (although I would). Beltre I expected to be gone, there is just no way they trust him to put up those numbers again, and he is known for having "contract years".

DP and I agree that the Sox biggest offseason concern has to be to resign V-Mart. There just aren't any other catchers that come close to him (other then Mauer). Losing him would be a huge blow unless they go out and trade for someone like Prince Fielder or Gonzalez.

Gammons wasn't done there. He also talked about Carl Crawford...

"There is no doubt in my mind that they (Red Sox) are going to go really hard after Carl Crawford," said Gammons. "That will be a matchup with the Angels, and you know there are some puffs of smoke coming out of New York that suggest the Yankees might go after him, even though their primary need is pitching."

He seemed sold on the fact that the Sox are going to land Crawford. As much as I am excited about that, I don't think it will be enough to bring this lineup to the next level. The Sox really need a power bat in the middle of that lineup, especially if lose V-Mart to Detriot.

Gammons also said that Cliff Lee is definitely going to resign with Texas. Suck on that Yankees.

Ainge Speaks About Celtics Offseason

Danny Ainge joined the Dennis & Callahan show on WEEI this morning and he touched on many different topics...

On Rasheed Wallace's future: "Rasheed has decided he's going to retire."

On losing Tony Allen to the Grizzlies: "Tony wanted to expand his career, play a bigger role, show that he could do more than just play defense."

On the possibility of signing Shaquille O'Neal: "We have had conversations with the Cavs and with Shaquille [about a sign-and-trade]. ... That door hasn't been completely slammed, although it's very unlikely now that we've signed Jermaine O'Neal."

On the LeBron James decision show: "It was over the top. It was too much. I think he should have told it to the Cavaliers well beforehand. ... It was not fun to watch and see. I didn't really enjoy the dance show the day or two after, celebrating in Miami."

On Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert's harsh comments toward LeBron: "I think they were inappropriate. I don't think it was the right way to handle it, either."

On the new-look Heat: "Three of the top 10 players in the league, including two of the top three -- that's going to be a tough team to handle. ... I think that team is the team to beat."

Wow, that is a lot of information. Finally we can clear the air with a lot of the rumors we have been reading. All the stuff about Wallace coming back seem to be false. It sounds like the Shaq to Celtics won't happen either, which I think I'm glad about.

A lot of what I have been reading lately is the Celtics were none too happy about Tony Allen leaving. It sounds like the Celtics offered a very similar deal, but Allen wanted to be more then just a role player. Well, have fun in Memphis Tony.

As for the stuff about the Heat, who the fuck cares. I hope that whole city goes underwater.

Rivers Close To Decision

There are article all over the internet about Doc Rivers recent interview on WEEI. I don't know why everyone is making a big deal about this, because he really didn't tell us shit.

"[Father's Day] was nice," Rivers said. "A couple of my kids were out of town, playing sports, as usual, but it was nice to be home, to have family around. So that's always nice.

"We didn't talk about [a decision] at all, really. We've only even brought it up once since the season has been over. It's still very difficult to get through Game 7, let alone talk about the future, to be honest."

"I'm not going to say which way I'm leaning, and I am one way, but I can look you in the eye and tell you I have not made a decision," he said. "We've only had one small conversation and we're going to do that in the next week or so."

"The only reason you stay is the love for the guys you coach, and the organization -- [Celtics president of basketball operations] Danny [Ainge], and all those guys you work for," Rivers said. "You know if you do leave, you're not going to get that back. You can get a coaching job back, no doubt about that, but I don't think you can ever get the situation that I have here in Boston.

"So that will be difficult to leave, but the other side of it is so strong as well with family. It's going to be an interesting decision, and I don't know what is yet."

See...he didn't really say anything. Anyways, I still think he is gone, but DP does believe he is coming back. It would be a terrible loss for the Celtics if Doc does decides to leave, especially since they have already lost Tom Thibodeau. Doc Rivers showed how great of a coach he was in this playoffs, and even if he wants to take some time off he will still be considered a top coach whenever he decides to come back.

Hopefully we will get an answer sometime this week, because this could be a domino effect if he leaves, but if he stays then DP's article today could be spot on. I think if Rivers return it will only be for this year, and the Celtics will do everything they can to make one more run with the current group of players.

Mike Lowell Proving Again He Is The Classiest Guy In Baseball

Yesterday, I wrote a post about how Mike Lowell is able to throw, but still can't swing a bat, which is holding up the Red Sox trading him. Well, Lowell went on WEEI with a very easy chance to rip the Sox. Lets face it, it's not like they don't deserve it, and most players would jump at this opportunity, but not Mike Lowell...

"I don't view this as a major challenge," Lowell said. "If I'm healthy and teams out there think I can play every day, there's going to be a team that wants me to play. If that's beneficial to the Red Sox, I don't think any of this is contingent on whether it's beneficial to me. It doesn't matter. I have no say. But if it's beneficial to the Red Sox, then yeah, they'd make the move. And then you'd go wherever they send you. That's the thing. I can't say, 'Hey, I want to leave,' or, 'Hey, I want to stay.' "

“I’m looking forward to getting ready for a season,” he said. “I understand that there’s a little bit of a gray area in what’s going to happen in my situation. But that doesn’t take away my excitement. I enjoy playing baseball. That’s what I like to do. Yeah, there’s still excitement. I still have the itch and want to get on the field, and most of all I like hanging out with the guys I go to the field with. There’s a lot for me to look forward to. I’m going into this with a good attitude and being upbeat. We’ll see where all of this takes me."

I know a lot of people will just say that he has no control, so what can he do? Well, that is true, but usually people would throw a hissy fit, but not Lowell. He decided to be classy, and keep his head up and let everything play out. Some of his best years are in a Red Sox uniform, and he seems to have taken the approach to just enjoy the ride. With all the negativity that usually goes around during these kinds of situations it is nice to know that some players out there still do things "the right way".

Unexpected News: Pete Sheppard Fired

Statement Regarding Pete Sheppard from Entercom New England Vice President and Market Manager Julie Kahn and Vice President of AM Programming Jason Wolfe

“As we continue to operate in challenging economic times, it is with regret that we announce today that we have eliminated Pete Sheppard’s position as sports anchor on the Big Show. We’d like to thank Pete for his outstanding work with WEEI over the last ten years. He played a major role in our growth, and helped “The Big Show” become one of the top radio shows in the country. We wish Pete the best of luck in his future endeavors and remain extremely grateful for all his contributions over the past decade." WEEI

I certainly didn't see this one coming. But I will have to admit I hate the "Big Show" all that I really fuck with is Dale Arnold. The Big Show is part of the reason I hate the patriots, and why I needed a break from the Red Sox in New Orleans. I know they are a Boston sports show, but they took the Tom Chokey and Belichick blowing to an extreme. I wonder who is going to replace him, and I wonder if this is BMack and My time to take over WEEI. Probably not? But we can all dream.....

(you like that sign off BMack, stole that from you, you f'n square)

Varitek Exercises Option

According To WEEI Jason Varitek has exercised his $3 million player option for the 2010 season. I want Varitek off the team as much as everyone else, but this actually isn't that bad. V-Mart will get most of the starts, and Tek can be a very solid backup for him, since catchers usually need a good amount of games off. It is going to be really funny watching the "captain" ride the pine...

Schilling To Run For Congress?

I have been holding off on this story hoping someone else will write it...

A day after writing on his blog that he has "some interest" in running for the seat held for nearly 50 years by Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Curt Schilling did not back off -- and sounded even more determined in considering the opportunity.

The one thing Schilling would not be fond of is the scrutiny that would come with a potential run.

"[Running] would be fun. The whole spotlight media crap, not so much," the former major league pitcher, who helped the Boston Red Sox win the World Series in 2004 and 2007, told Boston radio station WEEI on Thursday. "But [a run] would be a lot of fun because pretty much anybody that you're fighting against in office right now doesn't really have much of a leg to stand on right now.

"There's nobody you can go up against that you couldn't probably drag out a laundry list of stuff and say, 'Listen, this person's already proven that they're status quo, that they're business as usual, and we need anything but in every way shape and form moving forward."

A registered independent and longtime Republican supporter, Schilling wrote on his blog that while his family and video game company, 38 Studios, are high priorities, "I do have some interest in the possibility (ESPN)."

Ok first off Schilling you are a fucking liar. You love the media, you are actually part of the media. You shoot your mouth off on the radio all day, so don't act like that isn't why you are doing this. We have seen it so many times that there are guys who just can't leave the spotlight (Favre). Schilling knows he can't play anymore, but this would put him back in the media focus. No one should be surprised by this. He has had his hand in politics for awhile, and is just a fucking media whore. I respect everything he did for the Sox, and I do believe he pushed them over the hump, but man he makes it tough to like him...

Jason Bay Extension Talks Update

"During the All-Star break Jason Bay's agent spoke with the Red Sox about extending his client's stay in Boston, but talks didn't develop significantly, according to Alex Speier of WEEI.com. However, the two sides would like to keep the free agent-to-be on the Red Sox. Earlier in the year WEEI.com reported that Bay was seeking a three or four year deal worth about $14MM per season. The Red Sox, however, pointed to Adam Dunn's two-year $20MM deal as a point of reference for the discussions. The market for outfielders hasn't settled since then and that has contributed to the slow pace of the talks (WEEI)."

I really wish they would get this deal done. Even with Bay struggling lately he has been playing like an MVP candidate for most of the season. He plays solid defense, is a great hitter, and keeps his mouth shut. I do think he will stay with the Red Sox, and I really don't think he is looking for a crazy amount. It just hurts when Drew is making $14 million a year, but I still think the Sox can get Bay for a 3 year $38 million, just because of the market....

Ainge Bashes Rondo

Well I guess all these rumors are true....

Speaking this morning on WEEI's "Dennis and Callahan" program, Ainge said Rondo needed to take more of a leadership role and revealed the 23-year-old was fined for showing up late to a game.

"We expect him to play by the rules and be a leader as a point guard. We need him to be more of a leader," Ainge said. "There were just a couple situations where he was late this year, I don't know if he was sitting in his car, but showed up late and the rest of the team was there. We have team rules and you have to be on time. He was fined for being late, he said he was stuck in traffic, and it's just unacceptable."

Ainge was also critical of Rondo's play during the Celtics' second-round loss to the Magic.

"As we saw in the Orlando series, they left him wide open," Ainge said. "His presence hurt us in winning right now because his man went and doubled onto Ray [Allen] and Paul [Pierce] and made it difficult for us." Ainge said Rondo wasn't "that disruptive of a player," but that he still hasn't fully matured (Boston.com)."


I have to admit I am shocked Ainge would come out and say these things. In what way does this help the Celtics? Ok, let's just say for a second that the team really doesn't like him. Why would you let the rest of the league know that Rondo has an attitude problem? Doesn't seems like it would help his trade value. Anyways, the story goes that Rondo showed up late to a couple of the playoff games and the players/coaches had a serious problem with that. There are also rumors saying Rondo doesn't practice as hard as he should, and the only way they would could him to practice his jump shot what when Garnett challenged him. This is all getting very interesting, and if Ainge is willing to come out and speak against him, then you have to think they are going to deal him soon.....but we will see.

Schilling Expanding His Radio Role

"WEEI said that former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling will be expanding his relationship with the local sports radio station (Boston.com)."

This pains me, because you know he is going to just shoot his mouth off all the time now. It was bad enough when it was coming from his blog, but now we have to hear what Schilling feels about everything over the air. If you are not from Boston be thankful that you don't have to witness Schilling ruining the only good show on WEEI (The Big Show with the Big O). Schilling did awesome things while he was in a Sox uniform, but it is really hard to keep liking a guy who constantly puts his foot in his mouth. While he was just blasting people on his blog, I could just put my head in the sand and just not listen, but you know a lot of people listen to this show, and now we are going to hear Schilling feelings on everything....ALL THE TIME!

Rabble.

Guess Who's Back

That's right. The myth, the man, the legend has returned to the sports scene in the City of Champions. Will Leitch will be writing a new column every other week for WEEI.com. His first dropped on Monday and it was a scintillating read, as always. Here's a taste -

My search for urbane, cultured, logical sports fans – the way we Cardinals fans like to portray ourselves when we’re not sporting mullets – ultimately led me to Boston. Boston sports seem to have so much drama … even when your teams are winning. (Like, uh, now.) Even the silly dramas, like Manny, have something Shakespearean about them. They even have permanence; Boston sports fandom is steeped in lore, in tradition, in something lasting. In a way, you’re kind of Midwestern. With the volume turned up a bit, anyway. But this is just a theory. I am not a Bostonian, and I never will be. But there’s no more fascinating sports city in America, and sometimes I wonder how easy it is to tell that when you’re so far on the inside.

The goal of this column is to look at Boston sports through an outsider’s point of view, in a hopefully amusing, enlightening way. Or we’ll at least have some genitalia jokes. Listen: I have no idea how this is going to work, and I’m pretty certain I’m going to write something extremely ignorant and unaware, likely in every column. I promise that if I make a single chowdah joke I will give you my home address, and you will be formally invited to come over and beat me to a bloody pulp. But let’s get ‘er started here. We’re a couple weeks from the best two months of the sports season, and Boston will be right in the middle of it. As always.

As a complete sidestep away from sucking Leitch off, I must say, what WEEI is doing for the online site is nothing short of amazing. In less than two months, they have stolen away major talent from the Globe and the Herald along with lining up some of the best writers these interwebs have ever seen. The new site went live yesterday and it promises to only get better with time.