David Scott leads off with a full edition of Scott’s Shots, including the Globe’s efforts to hinder Gordon Edes’ move to Yahoo! Sports.
The Red Sox fell to the Angels for the second day in a row, despite an impressive debut by Justin Masterson. The righthander went six innings, allowing only one run and two hits in that span. Jeff Horrigan has Masterson’s debut getting ruined by a bullpen implosion of 2003 proportions. The aforementioned Gordon Edes calls Masterson’s performance “inspiring” and says there is little doubt he will be back, sooner rather than later. Paul Kenyon says that in the future, yesterday won’t be remembered for a Red Sox loss as much as it will be for Masterson’s debut. Paul Doyle has things getting away from the Red Sox late in this one. Eric Avidon has the Red Sox wasting the masterful first outing from Masterson. Jennifer Toland has more on the rookie’s strong debut being wasted by the Red Sox bullpen. Joe Haggerty wraps up the game stories.
Steven Krasner offers up some first impressions of Masterson based on his performance yesterday. He also makes Mike Adams proud and engages in a little Manny bashing. Amalie Benjamin has a look at Masterson’s whirlwind 24 hours, and concludes that he’ll be getting another chance with the Red Sox real soon. Kevin Gray has more on Masterson, including comments from a National League scout. Rich Thompson also has a look at Masterson, who provided the Sox with a quality start against the second-best lineup in the league. Fran Sypek notes that yesterday was a glimpse of why Johan Santana is not in a Red Sox uniform right now. Bob Stern says that Masterson found out yesterday that life isn’t fair.
Jon Couture has the Sox bats unable to cover for the spotty bullpen yesterday. Sarah Green has Jed Lowrie leaving the Sox with a conundrum. Thompson has Coco Crisp looking good in his return from a hamstring injury. Tom Yantz looks at a Red Sox connection to Division III Trinity College in Hartford.
Edes’ notebook has Bobby Kielty needing surgery on his hand, meaning the Sox might have to hang onto Coco Crisp longer than they had expected. Horrigan’s notebook has the Red Sox not even taking Daisuke Matsuzaka to Tampa with them yesterday, choosing to leave flu-ridden pitcher home to rest. The ProJo notebook has Crisp making it tough to keep him on the bench. Doyle’s notebook has more on Crisp. Toland’s notebook also reports on the return of Coco to the Red Sox lineup.
Celtics
On the BSMW Full Court Press, Matt Richardson weighs in with some more reflections on Wednesday night’s game.
Marc J. Spears examines the Celtics success on the road this season as they get set to hit Atlanta for games three and four. Mark Murphy has Satch Sanders comparing Kevin Garnett’s defensive presence to Bill Russell. Steve Buckley says we should all take time to appreciate Garnett’s countenance. Bill Doyle has the Celtics believing they can still play better.
Steve Bulpett says that Mike Bibby might find himself surrounded by green even during home games in Atlanta. Scott Souza has Kendrick Perkins falling into Bibby’s trap at the start of game two. Robert Lee has Rajon Rondo hitting on all cylinders right now. Mike Fine says that Rondo’s film preparation is second to none. Jeff Howe has the Celtics attempting to keep their cool in Atlanta.
Nancy Marrapese-Burrell has Comcast SportsNet’s Mike Gorman thoroughly enjoying this run with the Celtics this season. Murphy’s notebook has Doc Rivers hoping his team keeps their heads when things get chippy in Atlanta, as they’re bound to get at some point. Lee’s notebook has an update on Pierce’s back injury.
Patriots
On Patriots Daily, Scott Benson posts his draft board for the Patriots, making his best guesses as to what the braintrust in Foxboro might be looking for throughout the two days of the draft. The Patriots Daily staff also participated in a mock draft for NBCSports.com.
Mike Reiss says that the top of the draft is now as much about money as it is about the talent available. Karen Guregian talks to Roman Phifer about playing inside linebacker for the Patriots. Steve Conroy says that the Boston College Eagles have plenty of pro prospects.
After talking with Phifer, Guregian looks at the linebackers available this weekend. David Heuschkel says that the Patriots need to find a linebacker this weekend. Rich Garven has the Patriots going for defense with that first pick. Hector Longo says that the Patriots simply need an impact player at #7. David Brown would like to see them address the secondary, as would Mark Farinella.
Eric McHugh and ohn Tomase take a crack at mock drafts. Jim Donaldson has been around the Patriots for 30 years, so he puts together a 30 year “dream draft” for the franchise. Reiss looks at the wide receivers available in the draft.
Bob Ryan pays tribute to Don Gillis, the Boston TV legend who passed away earlier this week at the age of 85. Marvin Pave has an obituary for Gillis.
Boston Sports Media Watch 