A disappointing night for the Celtics, but a number of very good articles in the newspapers from this morning. The Red Sox trade away Byung-Hyun Kim, there are a number of articles on the Red Sox and Yankees (every day, it seems) and a good number of football articles, including some interesting pieces from Mike Reiss and Eric McHugh.
Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks sent the Celtics to their fourth straight loss last night, a 112-100 setback which had Doc Rivers closing the lockerroom for 30 minutes following the game. However, Shira Springer says that Rivers has not yet hit panic mode with his club. Steve Bulpett says that last night will likely see an exodus from the Celtics bandwagon, and if the team doesn’t improve their fundamentals, it could be a quick transition to the Red Sox. Carolyn Thornton notes that one thing Rivers emphasized to his team was the need to stick to the game plan. Lenny Megliola takes a look at Doc Rivers’ concerns with his team and gets input from Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker as well. Peter May has an article on Mavericks coach Avery Johnson, who started the season as a player, but is now the head coach of the team, replacing Don Nelson. Michael Gee (subscription only) says that the Celtics need to share the ball on offense better instead of breaking down into a 1-on-1 team. Mark Murphy has a pair of articles on Antoine Walker, the first looking at his recent struggles from the field, and River’s annoyance at Walker inserting himself into a staredown between Kendrick Perkins and Nowitzki. The second piece from Murphy has Mark Cuban expressing some kind words and admiration for Walker. Springer’s notebook has more on Walker’s struggles, and incident with Nowitzki. Bulpett’s notebook has Rivers taking comfort in the standings. Thornton’s notebook has more from Cuban on Walker.
The Red Sox finally shipped Byung-Hyun Kim out of town yesterday, sending the submarining right hander to the Rockies. Gordon Edes, Jeff Horrigan, David Heuschkel and David Borges all report on the trade, which was done in a pretty creative manner which will end up saving the Red Sox some money as to opposed to if they had kept Kim. Is Eddie Andelman taking notes? Theo saved the minority owners some money! Tony Massarotti has more on Epstein erasing his only critical blunder. Chris Snow has an enjoyable article about Red Sox third baseman Bill Mueller. Get off your knees Chris. (That’s a reference to another Andelman comment) Christopher Price files a notebook-style piece on thoughts from Spring Training. Buddy Thomas (is he a Yankees fan in addition to a Colts fan?) makes his baseball predictions, division by division.
The Herald trots out another pair of Upside/Downside dueling articles, this time on baseball addressing its problems. Steve Buckley takes the upside, saying that the league and players are working to correct issues such as steroids. Karen Guregian says that the damage is already done, and that fans are unlikely to forgive and forget. Buckley has a subscription column in which he says that an effort to get the Red Sox and Yankees to line up and shake hands before the game on opening night would be an “overly contrived stunt” and “terribly patronizing to kids”. I would agree. Many on both teams don’t like each other, but they do have grudging respect for the other team. As Buckley says, just play ball. Rick Massimo has a review of the book, Blood Feud: The Red Sox, the Yankees & the Struggle of Good versus Evil. The review describes it as a book “by, and for, fans — it combines history with the slow savoring, and reliving, of the Red Sox’ ultimate triumph.” Howard Bryant (subscription only) writes that once again the two team division of the AL East is ready to start play, noting the farce that is the “random schedule” as the Sox and Yankees each open at home against each other, open the second half against each other, and finish the season against each other.
Edes’ notebook reports on Tim Wakefield’s contract situation. The knuckleballer’s deal ends after the season, and while there were contract talks earlier in the spring between the two sides, it appears nothing will get done until after the season. Horrigan’s notebook looks at Mike Myers returning to the Red Sox. The lefty reliever feels like he never left, and is happy to be here. Borges’ notebook looks at one of the strengths of the Red Sox, a very deep and talented bullpen topped off with one of the best closers in the game.
Mike Reiss has a very good article on Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who spoke last night at Bryant College, speaking on a number of topics, such as building a team, developing a career, some tales from coaching, and when asked about Tedy Bruschi, he said that he comes in everyday, he’s getter better, and has a smile on his face like he always does. This would probably be the type of article that would drive certain other writers in town nuts. They would accuse Reiss of waving the pompoms, or ingratiating himself, but I believe this is the type of thing the fans want to read. I’m guessing it will be one of the most read links on this site today. Michael Felger reports on the progress of Rodney Bailey, who is eager to get out on the field and contribute this season after missing all of last year with a torn achilles. Eric McHugh has a short piece on Patriots assistant coach Josh McDaniels, but he also has a piece on McDaniels’ father, Thom, who mentored Maurice Clarett in high school, and who believes the running back just needs some “tough love”. Could he get that with the Patriots? With the direct connection to a member of the Patriots coaching staff, who knows? John Altavilla has a look at the NFL Draft, but mostly from the perspective of the Giants. Nick Cafardo has a report on the NFL looking to toughen its own steroid policy.
Mark Blaudschun looks at an older, wiser Rick Pitino, able to enjoy coaching once again.
John Molori’s Media Blitz lists out a number of items in the sports media world as of late, and looks at them from a good news/bad news perspective.
Dennis & Callahan announced this morning that Curt Schilling will be a guest of the program each Tuesday during the 9:00 hour starting next week.
TNT has Bulls/Cavs at 8:00 and Timberwolves/Lakers at 10:30. ESPN has the NIT championship, South Carolina/St. Joseph’s at 7:00. NESN has Red Sox/Diamondbacks at 8:30.
Boston Sports Media Watch 