Cherington Era Under Way At Fenway

NH’s Ben Cherington officially took over at Red Sox General Manager yesterday, speaking at an afternoon press conference at Fenway Park.

Reaction from the event is mostly positive this morning, as Cherington takes over a talented but troubled team that looks to return to contender status in 2012.

A lifetime of preparation for Ben Cherington – Kevin Gray in the NH Union Leader gives you the background of the new GM. Bill Burt talks to Cherington’s mother about her son’s new job. Steve Buckley says that Cherington and his family know what he signed up for with this job. Bob Ryan notes that Cherington is another certified member of Gammons Youth.

Ben Cherington steps up to the plate – Gordon Edes has Cherington taking on thorny issues head-on, giving a lesson to his absent bosses yesterday. Sean McAdam says that while the GM has changed, many of the philosophies will remain. Peter Abraham has the new GM eager to get started. Scott Lauber has Cherington finally getting the opportunity that he has waited so long for. Tim Britton says that Cherington has been preparing for this job for a long time. Tony Lee says that Cherington’s introduction yesterday was impressive. Mike Fine says that Cherington will try to keep some things the same, while bringing his own twist on certain things.

Epstein, Cherington inspire emotional tale of two cities for Red Sox – Alex Speier looks at a day that was all over the map for the Red Sox front office.

As Cherington signs on, Red Sox issues await – Maureen Mullen runs down the list of issues that Cherington must address. Visiting Carl Crawford this offseason as he works in the batting cages is on the list.

John Lackey injury blessing in disguise – John Tomase says that Tommy John surgery and a year off might be the best thing for both Lackey and the Red Sox.

Pap, Papi figure to test free agent market – Lauber’s notebook has the Red Sox top two free agents likely to at least test the free agent market. The Patriot Ledger notebook has more on Lackey’s surgery.

Brady has found Steel Curtain to be no barrier – Greg A Bedard looks at Tom Brady’s success against the Steelers’ defense.

Transition Game: Several positional battles still taking place on Patriots roster – Christopher Price looks at a few spots in the lineup where there is competition for the starting role.

Patriots still waiting on Albert Haynesworth – Karen Guregian says that the Patriots lineman talks a good game, but they need him to finally play one.

How does Kevin Faulk fit in RB mix? – Chris Forsberg looks at where the returning veteran will fit in the lineup.

Sebastian Vollmer eyes return to give line a boost – Ian Rapoport has the Patriots tackle “hoping” to play this week.

On a pretty good run – Monique Walker has BenJarvus Green-Ellis remaining a steady contributor.

Brandon Deaderick works toward return on line – Rapoport’s notebook has the second year lineman eager to get back. The Globe notebook from Gary Washburn has more on Haynesworth. The Patriots Journal has the team almost at full strength heading out of the bye.

Bruins hope to get back on track vs. Habs – Mike Loftus has the Bruins hoping that a pair of matches with their hated rivals will get them going.

Bruins aim to break bad Hab-its – Stephen Harris has the Bruins hoping the home-and-home series will get them on track.

Chiarelli preaches patience – Nancy Marrapese-Burrell has the Bruins GM insisting his team will come around.

Bruins better in net than what they’ve shown – Joe Haggerty says that the skaters around the goaltenders need to improve.