We’re Playing Catch Up over at Patriots Daily this morning with a recap of the offseason thus far, some thoughts going forward, and a new version of the Patriots Draft Rumor Inventory.
The Celtics had an easy one at the Garden last night, brushing off the pathetic Miami Heat by the score of 88-62 before another sellout crowd. Leon Powe led the way for Boston with 17 points and 13 rebounds off the bench.
Marc J. Spears has Paul Pierce and company handling their business against the squad of D-Leaguers that the Heat put out on the floor last night. Steve Bulpett has the Celtics holding the Heat to just 17 field goals – a record in the NBA shot clock era. Robert Lee has the Celtics sending a message to the rest of the teams on their schedule last night. Scott Souza has the Celtics handling their business last night. Bill Doyle says that last night’s lopsided outcome was certainly no surprise. Jim Fenton has the Celtics getting into the record books with their defensive performance last night.
Kevin Henkin offers thoughts on the good, the bad and the really ugly from last night’s game. Bill Burt has a look at second year point guard Rajon Rondo, and notes that he as already exceeded whatever expectations that many had for him. Tim Weisberg says that KG for MVP isn’t going to happen this season.
Spears’ notebook has Doc River and Pat Riley taking different approaches to scouting the NCAA tournament. Bulpett’s notebook observes that with a veteran roster like the Celtics have, their time is now. Doyle’s notebook has Paul Pierce improving his free throw shooting in order to get his mom off his back on the matter.
Red Sox
The New Hampshire Union Leader is doing a six-part series on the Red Sox player development system, written by the very capable Alex Speier. Yesterday saw the first part of the series, Productive farm system allows Sox flexibility while today’s second part, Boston’s now-bountiful farm system had gone fallow examines the state of things when the current ownership group took over in 2002.
Dan Shaughnessy has the Red Sox looking a little wobbly yesterday as their long road odyssey hits day number 12. Sean McAdam has the Red Sox getting ready for a tough April schedule to begin the season. Tony Massarotti says that Clay Buchholz is on the clock now, needing to prove that he was worth holding on to, rather than being included in a package for Johan Santana. Jeff Goldberg has Buchholz ending camp with a 10.03 ERA. Bob Stern says that the Red Sox bullpen is set in ink.
Jeff Horrigan and John Connolly have Tim Wakefield and Kevin Cash appearing to be in sync as a new battery combination.Joe Haggerty says that Alex Cora provides the Red Sox stability with his utility play. Massarotti says that Kevin Youkilis‘ home run on Saturday night deserves an asterisk. Goldberg says that the Red Sox owners will do anything to please fans. Nick Cafardo believes that the A’s could be a dangerous team this season.
Neil Swidey had a feature on Jacoby Ellsbury in the Boston Globe Magazine yesterday.
Gordon Edes’ notebook reports on Bobby Kielty taking his time on deciding whether to report to Pawtucket or exercise an out clause in his contract and seek another job. Horrigan’s notebook has more on Kielty exploring all his options. McAdam’s notebook also focuses on Kielty who says he has an major league offer from another club.
Bruins
Kevin Paul Dupont looks at the playoff picture as the Bruins dropped a 2-1 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres last night. Steve Conroy notes that the point earned by the Bruins puts them in a three-way tie at the bottom of the playoff standings.
Fluto Shinzawa’s notebook has Jeff Hoggan making his 2008 debut for the Bruins last night. Conroy’s notebook has more on Hoggan’s debut.
Patriots/Misc
Mike Reiss has the Patriots lining up a Foxborough visit with Arkansas running back Darren McFadden. Karen Guregian says that camera-gate is a hot topic at the owners meetings. John Tomase has Tom Brady’s right ankle feeling fine these days.
Nancy Marrapese-Burrell and John Connolly have Boston College getting back to the Frozen Four with a 4-3 win over Miami (Ohio) yesterday. John Powers has more on the Eagles heading to Denver.
Shira Springer has a Globe front page story on the issue of air quality for the summer Olympic games in Beijing.
Boston Sports Media Watch 
Can someone please remind Tony that the deal wasn’t as simple as Lester/Ellsbury or Buchholz/Ellsbury for Santana. It was those players for Santana AND a 6/7 year deal for 17-20 mil per year. That’s alot of ching for alot of years, especially considering the Sox have been trying to get rid of Manny’s similar deal almost since day 1.
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