Celtics get the guys they

Celtics get the guys they wanted, after a little maneuvering and drama. After the Celtics selection of Troy Bell was panned by WWZN analysts Sean Grande and Ryan Russillo, Celtic fans on internet groups and mailing lists were calling Danny Ainge stupid and the pick moronic. After the Jones pick at 20, people were apoplectic. When the trade was announced, the WWZN crew declared the Celtics draft pulled from the fire. More fans were happy, while some are steamed that the Celtics didn’t select a European, especially Maciej Lampe, who slid all the way to the Knicks with the first pick of the second round. Lampe reportedly has a very difficult contract to get out of, and may not play in the states for a year or two. He is also said to be a very soft player. But to some, the allure of the European player is too much, and Ainge will be branded a moron from this point on for not taking a foreign player. Chad Ford of ESPN.com had said yesterday afternoon in a chat that if the Celtics picks ended up being Banks and Perkins that he would automatically give them an “F”. (He changed it to a “C” for his official grade.) The local media seems pretty happy with the picks. Bob Ryan says Danny Ainge’s plan “A” seems to have been a success. Steve Bulpett says some cloak and dagger antics by the Celtics upset some other NBA front offices, which has Red Auerbach smiling. Peter May (Let’s give him credit) correctly picked the Celtics selections in his mock draft yesterday, today he has a look at the draft in general with the risers and sliders. Shira Springer looks at the picks of Banks and Perkins. Lenny Megliola gives Troy Bell an assist for helping the Celtics land Banks, but is wary of the Celtics dealing with Jerry West. Mark Murphy thinks this could be a good start to the Ainge era in Boston. Christopher Price has the thoughts of Danny Ainge on Marcus Banks. Carolyn Thornton says the Celtics achieved their aims with the trade last night. Jeff Goldberg says that Ainge and the Celtics knew they’d have to move up to get Banks. Kevin Gray looks at Matt Bonner, as the New Hampshire native was selected by the Bulls and traded to the Raptors last night. Michael Vega looks at Troy Bell, teased by the Celtics, but happy with Memphis. Mike Shalin also has a look at Bell, who might’ve been taken by New Orleans at 18 if the Celtics hadn’t grabbed him for the Grizzlies at 16. Springer’s notebook looks at second round pick Brandon Hunter, who led the nation in rebounding last season. Murphy’s notebook looks at whether Banks can step right in and run the show.

Note: If Eddie Andelman claims credit for the Perkins selection in any way shape or form today after his proclamation earlier in the week that the Celtics should draft a “big high school kid” then a group should immediately be formed to go to the WWZN studios and throw chinese food at him.

Pedro finally gets a win. Bob Hohler looks at a workmanlike game in stifling heat. Michael Silverman says the Sox will hate to see the Tigers leave. Christopher Price has the quick and dirty lowdown from Fenway. Paul Kenyon says every win is important. Tom Yantz also says there is regret that the Tigers are headed out of town. Dan Shaughnessy looks at the effort of Pedro, who avoided the dreaded “reverse lock” theory. He concludes with this:

It was Pedro's 92d career win with the Red Sox. He needs 100 to catch Roger Clemens and Cy Young at the top of the Sox list. With good health, more bullpen help, and another $100 million, it's certainly possible.

I’m trying to figure out if he’s being snide or sincere here. Joe Burris looks at Trot Nixon having fun in the sun yesterday. Steve Buckley looks at Jason Varitek’s homer off the Pesky pole yesterday, and thinks that Troy O’Leary in 1996 was the last player to hit the pole. Michael Gee says Brandon Lyon looked like a true closer yesterday. Alex Speier also looks at Lyon’s two inning save. Gee’s pay column says that the Red Sox free agent class of 2004 all drove up their prices against the Tigers. In Buckley’s pay column, he’s not disappointed that Pedro didn’t pitch a no-hitter yesterday. He’s glad he just got the victory. Aaron Harlan looks at Damian Jackson, who had the wind knocked out of him after a couple ugly incidents in the outfield. In Yantz’s notebook, Jackson’s efforts earned him praise from John Henry. Kenyon’s notebook looks at Little’s theories on resting players. Silverman’s notebook also looks at Jackson’s adventures and also have Kevin Millar looking ahead to the Marlins. Hohler’s notebook has Little proclaiming Varitek an All Star.

Michael Smith looks at Matt Hasselbeck, coming into his own in Seattle.

Bill Griffith exhorts his NESN colleagues to broadcast the Springsteen concert on the cable network. Jim Baker looks at Lisa Guerrero joining Monday Night Football, and has her giving Eddie Andelman and his wife Judi credit for getting her started in the TV business. Maybe we can give Eddie credit for discovering her…

UPN38 has Red Sox/Marlins at 7:00. ESPN Classic looks at the 1986 Celtics at 7:30.