Tidbits. Yes, I Used That Word

Posted by Adam Hart October 14, 2009 at 9:51 am

It’s a strange time for Boston sports. The Red Sox ended in disappointed, the Patriots and Bruins are finding their respective footing and the Celtics are in preseason play.

Here are some thoughts:

RED SOX:

• Wishing David Ortiz’s contract was up after the ‘09 season.
• Wouldn’t mind seeing Mike Lowell DH at home during the ‘10 season, should he stay with the team. If “DH” is used as a verb, as I just did, does it become “designated hit”?
• Casey Kotchman hasn’t passed “they eyeball test” in his short time with the Red Sox. How can he generate any power with that swing? Slick in the field, though.
• How’s this for a ‘10 rotation: Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Daisuke Matsuzaka, combo Tim Wakefield/Junichi Tazawa? Because you know Wake won’t make it through a full season.  This may be the perfect storm, as Beckett is a free agent following the season.

PATRIOTS:

• Winning the next two would be nice, but there is no telling what will happen in the second game — the game against Tampa Bay in England. The grass over there is so thin, players tend to lose their footing. May be a game that comes down to the running attack. Presumably without Fred Taylor in the mix, that’s a scary proposition.
• Not exactly sure where Junior Seau fits. The Pats have had success with the 4-3 base, but his addition would give the team two solid inside linebackers. Maybe he provides the flexibility to switch back-and-forth between the 4-3 and 3-4 base.
• Don’t worry. Tom Brady will put it all together. Although, I really didn’t like this quote following Sunday’s 20-17 loss to Denver: “I think as you get older in this league when you lose games you just understand — you congratulate the other team and you’re excited to get back to work on Wednesday.” Not really comfortable with my quarterback “just understanding” that losses happen. Maybe I’m nitpicking, but that complacent attitude isn’t the Brady we knew in 2001.

CELTICS:

• On the other end of the spectrum, I like Rasheed Wallace’s attitude. 72-10 is attainable. …If everyone can stay healthy and such.
• Caught some of the preseason game with the Nets the other day. I forgot Big Baby is back with the team.

BRUINS:

• That next big thing, Tuukka Rask? Not looking like it thus far. And people wonder why GM Peter Chiarelli locked up Tim Thomas. The guy may be unorthodox, but he has proven himself at the NHL level. Rask, on the other hand, still has the chance to become the next Andrew Raycroft, Blaine Lacher, etc.
• I really don’t appreciate the style of play Andrew Ference brings to the ice.