Media Movement All Over The Place

Posted by Bruce August 15, 2008 (6 days ago) at 8:30 am

Last night we learned about the changes at the Globe, which included Tony Massarotti moving over from the Herald, and Chad Finn earning himself a sweet promotion.

This morning, David Scott has more on the move, but also reports on new hires at weei.com, which include Jeff Goodman, Alex Speier and wait for it…Ron Borges.

Ron Borges? 

Seriously? Ken Powers wasn’t available? Mike Barnicle turned them down? Patricia Smith wasn’t interested?

My interest and enthusiasm in their new venture just sunk considerably. They were doing things right all the way up until that point. Michael Felger, Rob Bradford, Goodman and Speier are all relatively young guys who understand how things work in the new age of sportswriting. For the most part they have a fresh perspective on things, and don’t stir up stuff just to get noticed (well, except for Felger.)

Borges throws all that out the window. The quotes from Dennis and Callahan in Scott’s piece are just nauseating. Yeah, I’m sure Bill Belichick is shaking in his shoes at the thought of Borges back in Foxboro. That’s provided of course that he knows how to get there. He hasn’t been seen down there in a long time, even before his (wink wink) retirement from the Globe.

I had high hopes for this new weei.com. Borges just about kills it for me. You hire him, you lose your credibility. Simple as that.

Bad move, guys.

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The Red Sox hitters are surely sorry to see the Texas Rangers pitchers leave town. Boston finished off the sweep of the Rangers with a 10-0 victory at Fenway Park last night. The Red Sox scored 37 runs in 3 games off the Rangers…

Globe beat reporter Amalie Benjamin has the game story. Jeff Horrigan has the Red Sox continuing their hot hitting since the Manny Ramirez trade. Paul Kenyon has the Red Sox finishing off their roundup of the Rangers. Jeff Goldberg has Daisuke Matsuzaka once again letting the runners on, and once again not letting them score. Bob Stern has the Red Sox pounding the Rangers one more time. Garry Brown has more on the demolition at Fenway. Phil O’Neill has another big inning leading the way for Boston.

Tony Massarotti has David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis proving to be a formidable 3-3 combination. Barbara Matson has Ortiz especially sorry to see the Rangers go. Ortiz has regain his power stroke in this series, and even enjoyed an early departure last night. Still, I can’t help but remember the reaction from the media when Pedro Martinez left the ballpark early after a start. I’ve got absolutely no problem with Ortiz (or Pedro) going home early, but it’s interesting to note the difference in reaction. Steven Krasner analyzes the lack of success by the Rangers pitching in this series. Massarotti says that the Blue Jays will provide a much stiffer test for the Boston bats.

Marty Dobrow has a minor league notebook in the Globe, and examines a rash of oblique strains in the Red Sox organization. Rich Thompson’s minor league notebook has Bartolo Colon on the road back to the majors.

Benjamin’s notebook has Jon Lester trying to help out Clay Buchholz. Horrigan’s notebook has Dice-K once again walking a tightrope last night. The ProJo notebook has more on Matsuzaka. Goldberg’s notebook says that Kevin Youkilis is making a case for league MVP. Brown’s notebook has Paul Byrd getting ready for his first Red Sox start tonight. O’Neill’s notebook also makes the case for Youkilis as AL MVP.

Patriots

Over on Patriots Daily, Scott Benson examines whether the Patriots can or will carry five running backs on their roster.

Christopher L. Gasper has a look at the Patriots signing of veteran safety John Lynch. Christopher Price has more on the Lynch signing. Carolyn Thornton says that Lynch could end up being a big presence in the Patriots secondary. Eric McHugh thinks Lynch should fit well here. Jennifer Toland writes that Lynch could fill the void left by Tank Williams being placed on IR. Mark Farinella looks at this year’s carbon-dated addition to the Patriots roster.

Karen Guregian says that adding Dom Capers to the coaching staff might be the best move the Patriots made in the offseason. Thornton has rookie QB Kevin O’Connell doing all he can to learn from Tom Brady. Guregian has more on the rookie learning how to play the position in his first NFL camp. Farinella has a look at Kenny Smith, who gets a feature written about him for the second day in a row. Thompson has punter Chris Hanson secure in his role with the team.

Price tells us what to watch for during Sunday night’s game. Ian M. Clark has a Ruud family reunion on tap for Sunday night. Mike McMahon looks at former Boston Patriot Daryl Johnson going into the Morgan State Hall of Fame.

Gasper’s notebook has Jason Webster getting close to returning to action for the Patriots. Guregian’s notebook has more on the signing of Lynch. Toland’s notebook has Dean Pees talking about some of his young players on defense. McHugh’s notebook examines the impact on he safety depth chart that the Lynch signing will have.

Misc

Steve Bulpett and Marc J. Spears report on the Celtics signing first round pick J.R. Giddens.

Spears also has the United States’ men’s basketball team taking care of business with Greece yesterday.

Mark Blaudschun has a media column on NBC Sports reporter Bob Neumeier. Neumy mentions that WEEI wasn’t “fair” in their contract offer to him, which is why he left his show with Dale Arnold.  

Shawn Crable follow-up

Posted by Reiss' Pieces August 7, 2008 (2 weeks ago) at 3:10 pm

On the second day of training camp, Bill Belichick talked about how the Patriots, like other teams, had placed a higher value on certain parts of their draft board than in past years.

Players like a third cornerback, third receiver, third-down running back, and second- and third-down rusher were closer to starter-like status based on their growing importance in today's game.

At that time, I wrote that the second- and third-down pass rusher was a point of particular interest and that rookie linebacker Shawn Crable, one of the team's third-round picks, was a player who seemed targeted for that role.

Following up on that thought through 18 training camp practices, Crable has created some havoc as a rusher. Initially, he probably does project mostly in a second- and third-down rushing role.

But after watching him to this point, he should not be overlooked as a possibility to emerge as a full-time outside linebacker in the 3-4 alignment at some point. While his legs might not look the part -- and might make one question if he can set the edge in the running game against bigger tight ends and tackles -- he has other attributes (e.g. long arms) that help him in that challenging aspect of playing the position.

Crable said that element of containment has been one of his biggest adjustments coming from Michigan.

"You're the end of the defense, so you have to set the edge and can't let plays get outside," he said. "In that terms, it's a lot different because the guys here are a lot stronger than they were in college."

Walkthrough session

Posted by Reiss' Pieces July 29, 2008 (4 weeks ago) at 10:33 am

FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots have taken the field for their ninth practice since training camp opened last Thursday. This session, held on the upper practice fields behind Gillette Stadium, is a walkthrough, with players in shorts and T-shirts.

Walkthroughs are light practices in which players slowly go through parts of the playbook.

It is likely that coach Bill Belichick identified a few items that he wants the team to work on tonight in full pads, in the presence of the NFL referees who are in town, and the team is touching up on those areas this morning.

Three referees are here, and they are wearing their official uniforms on the practice field this morning. Butch Hannah, a respected umpire who dons number 40, is one of the officials in town.

On a personnel note, TE David Thomas is on the field for the walkthrough. Thomas had left yesterday's practice, under his own power, with a member of the team's training staff.

An Open Letter

Posted by Randolph Charlotin July 23, 2008 (5 weeks ago) at 11:58 pm

Dear Rookies,

 

Welcome to the NFL, the greatest pro league in North America despite the fact there isn’t a franchise outside of the United States (For now. We’ll see about Buffalo). To the draftees and rookie free agents, you are now a part of the New England Patriots, the premiere franchise in the league and the team of the decade. Appreciate the fact you are on one of the few teams with a legitimate chance to advance in the playoffs and win it all. There are a lot of guys that envy your position.

 

Congratulations on your new contract, valued at more money you have seen in your life. Heck, a couple of you guys became instant millionaires.

 

Now it’s time to earn that money. Unlike the other pro leagues, your contract isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. The only guaranteed money is the signing bonus. The base salary is paid out every two weeks over the course of the 17-week season. You have to make the team for the full season to get all that money.

 

The good news is, for some of you at least, you will have a chance to cash out. The linebacker and corner back depth took a hit in the off-season. There are opportunities to earn significant playing time, if not become a starter.

 

First let’s look at the linebacker position. OLB Rosevelt Colvin is no longer on the team and ILB Junior Seau’s plans are unknown. Does he retire for good or will he play another season after getting so close to the ring that eluded him throughout his 18-year career?

 

Don’t wait for Seau to make up his mind. He’s old. It probably takes him longer to do than nowadays. Talking about age, look at the remaining starters: Tedy Bruschi is 35 while both Mike Vrabel (32) and Adalius Thomas (30) add one to their respective age in August. There’s one starting job open for now, but in a few years, the veterans will step aside.

 

If you can’t supplant a starter, try to be their back-up. You might be able to leapfrog Eric Alexander or Pierre Woods. It doesn’t matter that you weren’t drafted like Jerod Mayo, Shawn Crable, or Bo Ruud. That doesn’t mean a Gary Guyton or Vince Redd can’t make the team.

 

Similar opportunities are available in the secondary. Three defensive backs (CBs Asante Samuel and Randall Gay, FS Eugene Wilson) left as free agents. The team is down a starter and the top reserve. There’s also a question mark regarding a returning starter. CB Ellis Hobbs was hobbled by a hernia and a torn labrum in his shoulder. He needed surgery to repair the damage. Is he 100 percent right now? If not, that’s more repetitions to show you deserve to play.

 

And while it’s a competition, don’t be afraid to pick the brains of the veteran free agents. Fernando Bryant, Jason Webster, and Lewis Sanders can teach Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite a lot about technique and a few secrets on how to play corner in this league.

 

Anyone, if you want to improve your chances of sticking with this team, here’s a tip: be very versatile. Head coach Bill Belichick loves a athlete who can play more than one position. Don’t think he drafted Matt Slater just for his receiving skills. Already Slater played safety, returned kickoffs and punts during minicamp. Belichick might not be done with him.

 

So if you’re asked to play out of position, don’t hesitate. DT Richard Seymour played fullback in goalline situations in the past, and Vrabel caught eight TDs as a tight end for the Pats. Whether it’s switching from offense to defense or special teams, go do it if asked. I fully expect athletic quarterback Kevin O’Connell to take time from becoming the third string passer to play with the coverage unit.

 

The rest is up to you. The basics are universal: work hard, study hard, go all out, and all that good stuff. On a championship-caliber team, roster spots are few and far between. That’s why out of nine draft picks in 2007, only one, safety Brandon Merriweather, made the active roster.

 

Now someone do me a favor and make sure Mayo reads this after he signs his contract and reports to training camp.

 

Read more at http://www.newenglandpatriotsnews.com/randolphc/weblog/

Flash! Belichick smiles!

Posted by Ted McEnroe May 29, 2008 at 3:37 pm

Of course, he’s not talking about the Patriots…

Belichick flaunts his Celtic Pride

Posted by NECN - Sports May 29, 2008 at 3:13 pm

(NECN: Foxboro, Mass.) - Apparently, there is a way to get Bill Belichick to be a chatting machine, and even smile! The secret? Don't ask him about the Patriots.

Belichick talked up his Celtic Pride today at the team's passing camp, praising the team for their Game 5 win over the Detroit Pistons, which he and Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi took in from courtside Wednesday night.

read more

No Surprises

Posted by Randolph Charlotin May 13, 2008 at 5:51 pm

Excuse me as I channel my inner Dennis Green after seeing the Spygate videos: They are what Goodell said they were!!!

Much like the former Arizona Cardinals head coach knew what to expect from the Chicago Bears during that Monday night game, I remembered NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s description of what were on the tapes they confiscated from the Patriots. After seeing the clips against the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and so on, it pretty much matches what Goodell said he saw when they took the first tape during the season opener against the New York Jets.

That’s why it’s funny to hear the uproar after the media viewed the films. What did they expect to see? Did they think it looked like Heidi skipping through tulips?

Besides the video, there are a few points to bring up: Belichick lied about mistinterpreting the league rules. If he thought it wasn’t a violation, he wouldn’t had ordered Matt Walsh to be careful to not get caught. There is/was no Stl Louis Rams Super Bowl walkthrough tape, and these tapes were not used for later in the games they were recorded, just for future use.

Is this the end of Spygate? Far from it. That book is closed, but just like jurors from high profile court cases, everyone wants to write their own book on the subject and tell their own version.

The Commish Passes on More Penalties

Posted by Mike Giardi May 13, 2008 at 2:06 pm

The NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, has spoken, and he doesn’t think there’s any new news to further “Spygate.” In fact, Goodell saying he does not anticipate any further penalties or sanctions against the Patriots or their coach, Bill Belichick. That’s has to have Pats fans breathing a sigh of relief.

However, the news doesn’t end there. ESPN’s Sal Palontonio spoke with the NFL’s counsel, Greg Levy, following their meeting with former Pats video assistant Matt Walsh. And while there is no tape of the Rams walkthrough in 2002 (prior to the Super Bowl), Levy did have some new information for the 4-letter network. According to Walsh, he watched that practice, and relayed information to then-Pats wide receiver coach Brian Daboll (now working for the Jets) following the Rams walkthrough in 2002. Included in that conversation, the fact that the Rams were making an adjustment with their tight end against certain formations. Might that be pertinent to the Pats preparations, or how they reacted to that during the game? I don’t know, and I guess we’ll never know, unless someone on the Pats team or coaching staff chooses to speak out at some point.

Other information of note: a) that Walsh was told to be “careful” when filming. That came from his supervisor, Jimmy Dee, b) Goodell didn’t buy Bill Belichick’s explanation then, or now, c) Walsh alleging that the Pats let players on injured reserved practice (a no-no) and that players Super Bowl tickets were scalped. Those last two will be examined further by the league office.

Matt Walsh Day

Posted by Randolph Charlotin May 13, 2008 at 7:26 am

It’s a put up or shut up moment for former New England Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh. He either has the drop on head coach Bill Belichick and his Spygate practices or Walsh proves to be an exaggerator with a desire for 15 minutes of fame.

I’m not sure what will be said with his meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, but this is what I am hoping for. Either way, hopefully this conversation finally closes the book on Spygate.

Part two will be Walsh’s interview with Philadelphia senator Arlen Specter. But who cares about what comes out of this? Specter made up his mind and is sure the Patriots had unfair advantages when they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in two AFC Championships and the narrow victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIV.

Specter is hoping for anything, however minor, to support his beliefs and will exaggerate Walsh’s statements to satisfy the fan in Specter. The Philly Senator has already been critical of the NFL’s handling of Spygate. Converting any shred of reasonable doubt regarding Belichick’s possible advantage into absolute truth is Specter’s goal. It’s what many fans do when their team doesn’t win.

I respect the fan in Specter, but I’d rather he act like a Senator and fix real problems. I’m paying almost $50 to fill my gas tank.

Face Off: Spygate is a…

Posted by Ted McEnroe May 12, 2008 at 5:06 pm

…load of garbage? Black eye for the Patriots? Unfair burden for the players who won three Super Bowls? Chris and Mike square off in the this week’s Face Off. Give them a listen, and then give us a blogful. Submit your comments on ‘Spygate’!

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