Opening day….in March. Dan Shaughnessy says today is a whole new world, because the Sox have never played a March game before. If Manny hits a home run today, expect Dan to call him “Mr March” for the rest of his career. He predicts his Pedro no hitter again, unless of course the dreaded reverse-lock theory kicks in. Tony Massarotti says that Manny and Nomar are due for a big year at the plate. Someone at the ProJo (Sean McAdam?) goes over ten questions related to this years club. Number ten is one of those little things that bug me.

10. Can the Red Sox win it all?

Haven't you been paying attention the last 85 seasons?

That cha-ching you just heard was Shaughnessy paying commission for the sale of another book about that dead guy. (I’m boycotting the name of the book and the theory…not gonna say it anymore) David Heuschkel looks at Grady Little, heading into his second season with the Sox, his relationship with Theo Epstein, the players and if he’s going to be tougher this year. Bob Hohler also looks at Grady. In that piece its somewhat amusing to read the 80-something Johnny Pesky refer to the GM as “Mr Epstein”. That’s old school, folks. In a good way. It’s opening day, 2003, and Jeff Horrigan notes that Shea Hillenbrand is still here. The Metro unveils its Baseball Preview. Alex Speier was a busy guy, doing a short piece on Manny, 10 reasons why the Sox can’t win it all, 10 reasons why they can, predictions for 2003, (Red Sox are Wildcard, Twins win it all) and finally, Bill James pokes fun at the term “bullpen by committee”. One alternative they came up with was OTUB (Optimal Targeted Usage Bullpen) Kevin Gray looks at an improved Red Sox team, and makes his predictions. (Sox lose in six to the Braves in the World Series) Gordon Edes looks at Lou Piniella set to take the helm of perhaps the most inept franchise in baseball. In Tampa, Joe Henderson expects the hiring of Piniella to pay immediate dividends. Carter Gaddis has a look at today’s opening day starter for the Rays, Joe Kennedy. The Projo has a look at native son Rocco Baldelli. Steven Krasner says the Rays center fielder isn’t nervous heading into his MLB debut. They’re making comparisons to Joe DiMaggio in Tampa for Baldelli, if only because he’s going to wear # 5. For the pay articles, Howard Bryant comes up with five ways baseball can strengthen and improve itself. He suggests teams to be contracted, six total. He suggests going with an eight man lineup. No DH or pitcher batting. No music before every at bat. Steve Buckley says the new owners can finally call this team their own. He describes their changes as follows:

So here we are. Boy general manager, bullpen by committee, seats on the Green Monster, and stat wizard Bill James.

The new owners allowed advertising to be placed on The Wall, and yet more box seats to gobble up precious foul room. They turned longtime broadcaster Sean McDonough into a part-time employee.

The expansion of Yawkey Way into a gameday street festival continues. And let's not forget about the red uniform tops.

Ugh. Bullpen by committee. How many times do we need to point out that a bullpen is by nature already a committee? It’s closer by committee. (or OTUB) Wasn’t Sean McDonough already a part-time employee? But with the shots Sean has taken at Buckley on the radio recently, it sure was nice of Buck to acknowledge Sean’s status as a good announcer. The notebooks are all about Pedro and the missed deadline. Hohler’s notebook says Pedro will try to not let the situation bother him. Horrigan’s notebook says it’s possible this is Pedro’s final year with the Sox. McAdam’s notebook says there is a difference in opinion between what Pedro feels he’s worth and what the owners feel he’s worth. The owners are still waiting for that “market correction” to take place. If they keep waiting for that, it’s bye, bye, bye.

There are a ton of college hockey and hoops articles in both the Herald and the Globe. Those links will get to the stories.

Stephen Harris looks ahead to tonight’s Bruins/Lightning game, with the B’s still looking to clinch that playoff spot after a few blow opportunities already. Nancy Marrapese-Burrell looks at a change in the coaching of the forwards on the Bruins, requiring them to skate with more energy. John Molori looks at how PJ Stock is not benefiting from sales of t-shirts bearing his name.

Steve Bulpett notes that Jim O’Brien wasn’t too ticked off at Paul Pierce for ignoring his order to switch men on defense while Ricky Davis was lighting him. Pierce took the order as a challenge on locked down on Davis the rest of the game. Shira Springer says the Celtics still need to work on their halfcourt defense if they’re to finish the season strong.

I missed most of Fox25’s Sports Sunday, but did see that Butch Stearns is concerned about Tom Brady’s shoulder, and wonders if Rosevelt Colvin is feeling the pressure. He did, however “Last Blast” those who still think the possible trade over the winter was simply Fossum for Colon. He pointed out Hillenbrand would also have been gone. Jeff Horrigan noted today was voluntary workout in Tampa for the Sox, and Manny was there, working harder than anyone.

WHDH Sports Xtra was shown from the Tropicana Dome in St. Petersburg, FL and the main topic was of course, the Red Sox. Highlights of Manny working in the field today were shown. Grady Little says the team is so healthy its almost scary. Highlights from the day and weekend in sports were shown.

Joe Amorosino and Gene Lavanchy next talked Sox from the Tropicana Dome infield. The big topic was Pedro…his contract, his threats, Amorosino had talked to Pedro the previous night as said that Pedro has been able to separate the contract from this performance. He was the last one to leave spring training, and talked for one last time about his contract situation. Pedro feels that he almost has to prove himself this year as if he was going into a free agent year. Next year could be his last year in Boston which would seem really weird. Why now and not the end of the season? He’s expecting and wanting to finish his career in Boston and that’s why he wants to get it all done now. The owners have told him they’re going to try to get something done, so he’s a little more optimistic, but nothing has happened so far, and once the season starts he’s not going to be a distractions. The thought of being in another uniform has happened and might happen more, as soon as tomorrow, because he’ll be in the season not having had the option picked up, and it could be his last year here. He’s looking forward to tomorrow when he doesn’t have to talk about it anymore. The interview closed, and back to Amorosino and Lavanchy. Amorosino said that “If the Red Sox don’t miraculously come to some type of an agreement with Pedro’s agent, he will not finish his career in a Red Sox uniform, and Gene, that’s a shame”. Lavanchy asked if he had the feeling that some surprise announcement might come tomorrow, and Amorosino said he did have a feeling, whether it was before the game, or in a sixth inning press release. It doesn’t make sense to at least pick up the 2004 option.

Tony Massarotti and Don Orsillo were on to talk Pedro and his contract situation. Gene says why not pick up the option, Tony disagrees, it is not good business to pick it up now. If Pedro wants to stay here, he’ll stay. Orsillo feels that the Sox should pick it, especially with how bad pitching is now around the league. The money is slowly going down around the league, they need to take care of him. Massarotti says you can’t be sure he isn’t going to blow out his shoulder and be done. You can’t pay for past performance. The Red Sox get no benefit by picking up the option now. Tony says all the people saying to pick it up now are the same ones that are going to say the Red Sox were stupid to do so if he blows out his arm 6 weeks into the season. Will he really not talk about it now that the season is starting? Orsillo says yes, he can focus. Massarotti says no chance really that something happens with the contract tomorrow. Lavanchy says the last guy most Sox fans would expect showing up for a voluntary workout, Manny was out there working hard today. Orsillo said Manny is one of the hardest workers he’s ever seen, he’s always one of the first to the ballpark. Tony says Manny if he’s into it all season, could win the Triple Crown. Nomar looks terrific too, both could have monster years, and the thought of having all the guys on base in front of those two is something to think about . Don’s prediction is the Yankees win division, But Red Sox are the Wild Card winner, AL Champs and World Series winner. Tony picks the Red Sox to win the division, but the A’s to win the AL, and the Dodgers as the World Series champs. Lavanchy picks Red Sox as AL East winner, Oakland wins the AL and the World Series.

The last segment was a Gary Gillis segment looking at the Bull Gang crew at the Fleet. Gillis particpated in the floor changeover from Hockey to Basketball.

On WBZ’s Sports Final Dan Roche was in St. Petersburg reporting on the Sox opener tomorrow. Some clips from the voluntary workout today, Giambi and Walker were among those talking. Walker said in Atlanta the other night 25 of them went out to dinner together. A clip from local guy Rocco Baldelli was shown, he makes his MLB debut tomorrow. Dan Shaughnessy then joined Roche, and predicted between 80 & 100 wins for the team, narrowed it down to low 90’s. He can’t figure this team, doesn’t know how the corner infielders will play, Roche a few times mentioned the “bullpen by committee” (Isn’t a bullpen by default, a committee…it’s closer by committee) they don’t know how that is going to work. Shaughnessy says it will last only until one guy steps up. The owners are all coming in tomorrow, could something happen with Pedro? No prediction on that, other than Dan predicting his Pedro no-hitter for tomorrow. Alice Cook then had a Pedro segment. He feels more secure now with his health, and that he now knows he doesn’t need his best stuff to pitch well. As for the contract after tomorrow it is a dead issue, he does not want the distraction for himself or his teammates. His demeanor on the days he doesn’t pitch was shown, he thinks it shows the fans he’s a person. As for winning it all, he wants to do it…here. Gordon Edes and Steve Buckley then joined the show. Pedro’s contract…some talk today, but the owners feel the market may go down. Edes says it will not be a distraction for Pedro, because there’s no downside as long as he pitches well. The Red Sox owners want to set a new benchmark on this CBA, bringing he salaries down, they only offered Lowe a two year deal. Buckley has no concerns that his contract situation will effect him this year. Edes feels Pedro’s threat to leave after next year if they don’t pick up the option now is legitimate, but Pedro has wiggle room here. Buckley honestly believes that Pedro wants to be in Boston, even though he’s already made comments about what it would be like to play for the Yankees. Edes brought up Kevin Brown being allowed to walk by Lucchino after leading the Padres to the World Series. They agreed he’d be “killed” in this town if he let that happen.

Howard Bryant was on next with Lobel. He also disagrees with the closer by committee. (he got the term right though) he thinks Robert Person might end up being the closer on this team. He thinks the Yankees are vulnerable. The core group from just a few years ago has changed. Giambi and the other newer guys might be under a little pressure from the guys who have been there awhile because they feel the newer guys aren’t intense enough. They talked a couple minutes about the chemistry on the Yankees and what effect the David Wells book might have on it.

The next topic was about the issue of race in the Boston sports media, Bryant, Michael Smith, and Steve Burton were on to discuss this with Lobel. Lobel joked which one in this picture doesn’t belong. He then noted that 10 years ago this would not have happened. They talked some about Bryant’s book, and that African-Americans were slow to be accepted onto newspapers as well. Only one beat writer covering an MLB team right now. Michael Smith thanked Larry Whiteside for opening doors for all of them. Smith noted there are only two or three black sports editors in the country to have the power to be hiring. Lobel noted the disproportional numbers, with so many athletes of color and so few media of color. Burton said ones who make it need to help others. He pointed out the scarcity of blacks in the coaching ranks, giving the NFL as an example. Right now, Bryant says the only thing that makes him feel special, and not in a good way, is when he looks around and sees how few of them there are. Lobel asked if their race makes it easier for them to get access to the players, Smith said for him, it’s been more about his age and pop culture interests that he might have in common with the athletes, not so much his race. Bryant says they need to perform as well, the last thing anyone wants to be known as is an affirmative action hire. He also noted there might be a perception among other media that there is favoritism. He recalled being at a World Series and talking to Dwight Gooden, and a white reporter coming up and telling Gooden that just because he (Bryant) was a brother, that didn’t make him a good guy. Reuben Sierra once also get him a slap and said “Good to see you in here, brother” meaning that it was good in that they don’t see many reporters of color in the room, but Bryant needed to also make it clear that just because they had race in common, he “wasn’t going to carry his water for him.”

Some quick Final Four talk was followed by quick Pedro talk. If he quits today does he make the hall of fame? Burton says yes. Bryant noted that he needs to play 10 years, would need a waiver otherwise to get considered, but he was the top in the game for a sustained period of time, so yes, he’s likely a Hall of Famer. Back to the race issue, Burton doesn’t want a player coming up to him just because he’s black. Bryant noted that with white players and white media there isn’t those connections, so much as there are with African Americans, who often share a bond of culture and interests. He recalled Robert Person and he having a good talk after the incident this spring. It didn’t become a story, but they were just able to have a good talk about culture and so forth. He also brought up what happened to Patricia Smith, who knows what she is doing right now? We all know what Mike Barnicle is doing these days. Smith is appreciative of what others have done, it isn’t hard to be who he is in this town now.

The Globe with a couple corrections on Saturday for the Friday edition.

Correction: Because of a reporter's error, it was misstated in yesterday's baseball preview issue that pitcher Jesse Orosco was the only participant from the 1986 World Series still playing. Roger Clemens also played in that Series.

Correction: Because of a reporter's error, a story in yesterday's editions incorrectly stated which shoulder Tom Brady separated last year. He hurt his right shoulder.

It’s admirable that they make the corrections. Even if they are a bit hard to find.

Media Madness Round of 16. Winners in bold.

Bob Lobel (1) vs. Pete Sheppard (12)

Before the game, Lobel says:

Andy Hart of Patriots Weekly gives an update on Antwoine Womack. David Pevear has more on Tom Brady’s media session yesterday, as does Eric McHugh. Oh yeah, Tom King, too. Len Pasquarelli has a few Patriots tidbits in his column today, he says a Tebucky to New Orleans trade might happen around draft time. He says to look for the Patriots to make more moves later in the free agency period, as that seems to be their pattern. Yesterday, Dave Anderson of the NY Times blasted Bob Kraft for his proposal to expand the playoffs. He asks us to consider the source, since the Patriots would’ve been in had there been another Wild Card team last season. *sigh*

Del Jones looks at the work done on Fenway, including the Monster seating. Alan Greenwood says that there are still many unanswered questions about this Red Sox team.

Day two of being unemployed. Does this mean I’m now a bloodthirsty shut-in? When does my fellowship of the miserable membership kick in?

How soon before Gerry Callahan leaves the sports sector altogether and becomes a full time news/political commentator? I can see this happening.

More on the Red Sox. The post below this one deals with most of the articles featured in the Baseball Preview editions in the Globe and Providence Journal. David Heuschkel looks at the team as they break camp. Bob Hohler says there are no more excuses for this team. It’s built to win. It must win. Jeff Horrigan and Nick Cafardo look at Brandon Lyon, once a long shot to make the team, Grady Little called him the most pleasant surprise of the spring. Alex Speier looks at slugger David Ortiz, ready for what awaits him in Boston. Bob Hohler also looks at how bad the Bullpen was last year, and how it has been restocked for this year. Bill Griffith looks at the Red Sox TV and Radio coverage for the upcoming year. Kevin Gray looks at the New Hampshire flavor among the Red Sox operations staff. William Moran catches up with former Sox hot prospect Brian Rose. Alan Greenwood weighs in on Pedro. The Herald’s notebook reveals that the Monster seats may indeed be ready for the home opener.

The Bruins salvage a tie with the Flyers, Nancy Marrapese-Burrell feels the team played well for long stretches last night. Dan Hickling says the Bruins almost beat the Flyers at their own game. Stephen Harris says the Bruins might have earned a little respect in Philly, where they were labeled a “soft touch” team coming in. Marrapese-Burrell’s notebook says that Jeff Hackett is likely to be out another week. Harris’ notebook reports that Hackett was gripping a stick in practice yesterday and the other injured goalie, Andrew Raycroft was able to do some skating. In Hickling’s notebook, he says with the trade deadline past, O’Connell picked the right time to move into the head coach position.

Just because the Celtics now have a back to back with the team with the fewest wins on the NBA, don’t think Jim O’Brien is feeling any better, that, according to Peter May. Only one other Celtic story, Steve Bulpett says the team needs to regain its mental toughness. That and remember how to play defense. Chris Collins of NECN reports that Jim O’Brien has approached ownership about a new contract and that he’s been given the brush-off. He’s also said to be furious about not being in the loop on the Baker situation. Collins also reported that Chris Wallace’s name has emerged as a GM candidate in Charlotte…we can hope, both for Wallace and for the Celtics that that is true. A good guy (the only member of the Celtics to attend the funeral of Tony Delk’s father) who needs to start over somewhere else. And yes, it was a game day for the Celtics the day of the funeral. I meant that as a compliment to Wallace for going, not an indictment to the rest of the team for not going. It was a nice gesture by Wallace to go.

Tom Brady met with the media yesterday from Patriots training camp. If you don’t want to read the stories, you can view the video on Patriots.com. In print, Michael Smith reports on Brady finally getting a chance to catch up on that thing called life. He also reports on Brady’s contract restructure, which Christopher Price notes, isn’t as noble a gesture as it sounds. Interestingly, word of Brady’s contract restructure was making the rounds of Patriots message boards on Tuesday night, the first media story wasn’t until Felger mentioned it yesterday. Michael Felger reports on Rodney Harrison also meeting with the media, he’s excited to be here, and has already been to dinner with Lawyer Milloy. No mention of dinners with Tebucky Jones…Michael Parente also looks at Harrison, noting he’s changed his offseason routines with the move to the Patriots. He also weighs in on Brady. Back to the subject of contract restructures, it appears Troy Brown’s cap hit has changed, as cap genius Miguel notes: “The NFLPA site used to report Troy Brown’s salary as $1,750,000. It now reports it as $755,000 so it appears that the Patriots converted $955,000 of Brown’s old salary into a signing bonus in order to save $497,500 on the cap.” From what I understand, there was an option triggered, which guaranteed a portion of his money, and thus reduced the cap number by that amount.

Baseball Preview Wrapup

Opening day is almost here. Today we’ve got baseball preview editions in a couple of newspapers. With the Red Sox bullpen strategy one of the most talked about items in baseball this year, the Globe decides to take an in-depth look at the bullpen, it’s use throughout the history of baseball and some of the biggest personalities involved. Gordon Edes starts off looking at how the role of the closer has risen in stature he also defines the roles in the modern bullpen and lists the best current and all time in each role. Bob Richardson looks at the very early uses of relief pitchers, back in the 19th century game, and early in the 20th century. Dan Shaughnessy remembers the Monster, Dick Radatz, and his impact on how relief aces are used today. Edes looks at Al Hrabosky…the mad Hungarian of the 1970’s. Even Bob Stanley gets from ink from Edes and remembering the role the former Sox pitcher had, and has his current thoughts on bullpen philosophy. Bob Ryan profiles the guy who really started the closer role as it is defined today, Dennis Eckersley. Edes also looks at the bullpen employed by the World Series champion Angels, highlighted by young Francisco Rodriguez. Edes looks at Jesse Orosco pitching in the majors since 1979, still getting people out. He then turns his attention to the maddening lefty/righty matchups. Edes wraps up his coverage with a look at the bullpen coaches.

Whereas the Globe focused on the bullpen, the Projo focuses on the other big controversy of the spring, the use of numbers and hiring of Bill James. Art Martone (pro-stats) and Steven Krasner (anti-stats) In my opinion, Krasner does not come off well in his arguments. You’d think by reading his article that He thinks that the Red Sox were solely relying on Bill James to evaluate players. They’re not. His contributions are simply just another something to factor in the total equation. He also mentions using very small stat groups and how misleading they can be. If he had even looked at a Bill James book, he’d know he doesn’t work that way. Not good arguments there. Maybe he just didn’t want to get into it with his boss, Martone, too much. Martone notes how one of the most famous moments in baseball history could’ve been very different if one of the managers was aware of some simple numbers. The concept of using statistics more in baseball has been around for a long time, but has been slow to be accepted. A dawn of a new age around Fenway, Sean McAdam takes an in-depth look at the changes Theo Epstein is making in the Red Sox thinking and philosophy. As for Bill James, Brandon Musler has a look at James and notes some of his comments from the past on Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, the Easler for Baylor trade, trading Bobby Ojeda to the Mets, Dave Henderson, He wrote about Lou Gorman rueing the day he traded Jeff Bagwell…before Bagwell had a single at bat in the majors, and got the trade for Lee Smith right as well. There are a TON more articles in the Projo rreview, mostly short, there are profiles of all the news guys, a position by position analysis, and predictions on the team.

A few notes:

Looks like the poll got “hacked” again. Last night it there was about 300 votes, and 80% said they were listening to WEEI less. Now there are 750 votes and it’s split almost 50/50. Today’s traffic is no higher than usual. I take this as a sign that I’ve made it here, people need to hack my little poll because they can’t stand to see what it is telling them. Someone must be pretty insecure to be doing that…

I hope to have the Mediamadness next round up tomorrow.

My job…many have asked what I did. I worked the last four years at New Hampshire Public Television. My position was eliminated due to “escalating expenses with diminishing revenues.” I worked in Information Technology. Jack of all trades, master of none. Did mostly desktop support on all versions of Windows, supported Microsoft Office products and worked on NT/2000 and Novell Servers. I was hoping to change career paths and find something related to what I’m doing here.

It appears Michael Felger was incorrect this morning in reporting Damien Woody’s salary this season as $375,000. From his NFLPA page, Woody is due to make $530,000 this year.

Celtics put six guys (including Kedrick Brown) in double figures, Pierce scores 25, Walker is a rebound and two assists shy of a triple-double, Celtics only turn the ball over 8 times…and get waxed. Six losses in a row. Peter May says the team is in a “certifiable, embarrassing, and worrisome slump”. Steve Bulpett has Paul Pierce reaching for a positive as the Celtics guard says that maybe a little adversity will be good for the team. Carolyn Thornton has the story of the game for the Projo, and Christopher Price reports for the Metro. Andy Nesbitt has more on Pierce and Walker, who stuck around to face the music and talk about what the team needs. Mark Murphy looks at Antoine Walker, once again the target of boos at the Fleet. As for Pierce, Lenny Megliola points out that he’s likely hurting as well, but the focus of his article is that the Celtics were disgraced last night. Murphy also talks war with a few Celtics, find out how they stay informed, and chats with Grant Long about his uncle who went to Vietnam, lost an arm, and received the Purple Heart. Price also looks at the remaining schedule. Into the notebooks…Thornton’s notebook says Pierce’s back is still hurting him. May’s notebook says something will happen on the Union front with Vin Baker in the next few days. In Bulpett’s notebook, Pierce thinks the team will be ready for the playoffs.

With just a few days to go to opening day, there’s still time to stir the pot and strike fear into the hearts of Red Sox fans. While Jeff Horrigan and Nick Cafardo play up the doomsday countdown scenario regarding Pedro, I prefer to go with Sean McAdam’s version, which is more positive, and hints that perhaps the Sox and Pedro might be close to getting something done. (Hint – If you don’t want to get irritated, skip the first two, and go directly to McAdam.) Even Dan Shaughnessy avoids going the doomsday rout, instead praising Pedro for his maturity. Maybe Dan really has turned a new leaf… One question from his column though, he says:

let me go on record yet again and predict an Opening Day no-hitter from Pedro Monday in St. Petersburg, Fla.

I like that. Much better than a prediction that he blows his shoulder out opening day. I haven’t kept close tabs on Dan’s appearances lately, where else did he “go on the record” and say this? A Barnicle show? The NESN Globe SportsPlus program? I’m not being cynical, I want to know where else Shaughnessy is spreading his message of cheer and goodwill. Speaking of the SportsPlus program, Gordon Edes gives us some snippets from his one-on-one interview with Sox GM Theo Epstein which will air tonight. Tony Massarotti also weighs in on the Pedro issue, urging everyone to relax. David Heuschkel looks at the Sox pitching staff taking shape, with the release of Frank Castillo yeserday. He looks at the remaining candidates and their chances at sticking. It would appear that Steve Woodard might have the best shot. An intriguing guy is Hector Almonte. Of course, 96 MPH fastballs are always intriguing and nice to have in your bullpen. Sean McAdam has more on the release of Castillo. Kevin Gray makes his first trip to spring training this year, and finds amusement in Manny, and less amused by Casey Fossum. If you’re signed up for the Herald’s columnists, you can read Steve Buckley and get Nomar’s thoughts on his pal Lou leaving town. Cafardo and Horrigan continue to be joined at the hip, as their notebooks are as similar as their articles today. Cafardo’s notebook is about Castillo’s release and Nomar is happy for Lou. Horrigan’s notebook is about Castillo, Lou and Nomar taking a shot to the head yesterday. McAdam’s notebook looks at Pedro’s performance yesterday.

Stephen Harris looks at the Bruins facing a big test tonight if they want to be considered legit. Frank Dell’Apa also notes that the Bruins will clinch a playoff spot with a win tonight. Harris’ notebook looks at Joe Thornton trying to win the scoring title.

Michael Felger reports on the Patriots getting a restructured deal done with Tom Brady to free up some space (2.1 Million) to sign their upcoming draft picks. He assesses their progress this offseason and notes that they have all their starters under contract. That includes offense, defense and special teams. And they’re under the cap by a couple million at the least. Not bad, I’d say. Ron Borges reports on the decision not to change to overtime rules, and gives Belichick praise for his proposal for solving the OT problem…simply move the kickoff spot up five yards and make the team that gets the ball first work a little harder. At the end, the article quotes the Herald as it’s source for learning about the Tom Brady contract restructure. I found that slightly curious. Mark Farinella has a look at the beginning of the offseason program, and thoughts on the Pats moving their training camp to Foxboro. Picking up my Sports Illustrated, the Scorecard by Peter King was interesting. It’s about the changes Bill Parcells is making in Dallas. I liked this bit:

Parcells's coaches -- he has five holdovers from Dave Campo's staff -- don't even chafe when he tells them that past disciples, such as defensive guru Bill Belichick, did things better. "He talks about Belichick all the time," says defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. "You think that doesn't motivate me?"

Hector Longo compares Carmelo Anthony to Antoine Walker, gives the Patriots a “D” for their offseason moves to date, and urges fans to enjoy Nomar while you got him. Luke Meredith says goodbye to Lou and has mostly baseball related thoughts in the Unsilent Majority.

Well, the axe just fell at my day job. I’ve been laid off. More details to follow, but if you have any job offers, feel free to pass them along…