CELTICS FALL TO HAWKS

Kevin Garnett finished with 32 points and 10 rebounds (16th straight playoff double-double for KG), and every Celtics starter was in double figures, but offense wasn't the problem for the C's, it was defense.

Atlanta outrebounded Boston 43 to 35, shot 47.4% from the field, and 55.6% from 3. The Celtics just didn't have that defensive edge that they had in games 1 and 2. The Hawks, for their part, played one of their best games all season. They didn't make any mistakes, and took advantage of every Celtic miscue.

But losing this game is far from the end of the world. Atalta's exuberant post-game celebration should light a fire into the C's. And to be honest, winning this series in 5 games will be much better than a sweep, which would have resulted in 9 days off for the boys in green.

Game 4 is Monday night in Atlanta.

Source:
ESPN.com

Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Gregory Smith

GREAT START BY BUCHHOLZ WASTED

A brilliant 8 inning start was wasted as the Red Sox hitters failed to do anything significant at the plate. Buchholz had a 1 hit shutout going after 7, but allowed a pinch hit single and a 2 run homer to give the Rays a 2-1 lead. Some may question Francona for leaving Clay in the game, but I have absolutely no problem with it. His stuff was electric and he was confident.

The Sox only managed to get 5 hits off Tampa pitching, all of them singles. Ellsbury's infield single in the 5th accounted for Boston's sole run of the night. Pedroia was 0 for 4 with a strikeout, a double play, 4 men left on base, and 2 men left in scoring position with 2 outs.

David Ortiz was scratched from Saturday's lineup with a bruised knee he received while stupidly diving headfirst into first base. Sliding headfirst into first is just moronic. There's no tag to avoid, and sliding like that invariably slows you down (friction).

Sean Casey was placed on the 15 day DL with a hip flexor strain he received while rounding third the other night. His spot on the roster was filled by Brandon Moss who was called up from AAA Pawtucket.

How many baseball injuries occur while running the bases? It seems like running the bases is more treacherous for baseball players than riding a motorcycle with no helmet and no license is for football players.

Josh Beckett returns to the mound Sunday afternoon to face James Shields.

Source:
ESPN.com

Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Mike Carlson

PATRIOTS DRAFT TERRENCE WHEATLEY - CB - COLORADO

With the departure of Asante Samuel and Eugene Wilson, the Patriots are in desperate need of defensive backs. He's not a "stud" CB, and many draft experts predicted him being drafted much later than the 2nd round. But he's a solid player. He's had some injury trouble with his wrist, but nothing glaring. He's a good size for DB at 6' 0" 170 lbs.

In his senior year with the Buffaloes, Terrence had 5 picks and 11 passes broken up. He also had 42 tackles, 1 of which was for a loss. He also returned kicks for CU. He
returned 37 kickoffs for 919 yards (24.8 yard average).

The third round begins tomorrow morning. It should be interesting because the Patriots have three picks in the 3rd.



Sources:
ESPN.com
SI.com
Rivals.com

PATRIOTS DRAFT JEROD MAYO - ILB - TENNESSEE

With Junior Seau being a flake, the Patriots were forced to address their possible hole at inside linebacker. Even if Seau returns, having a young and versatile playmaking linebacker will be a huge plus.

The Pats were expected to take a cornerback with this pick, but frankly, we needed some help at inside linebacker. Seau, even if he comes back, is ancient, and nowhere near the playmaker he used to be. Bruschi is still solid, but has aged into more of a Ted Johnson type of solid as opposed to making the game winning tackle or sack or INT solid he was in '03 and '04.

There are also plenty of CBs out there. And I'd rather the Pats get a pair of solid CBs in the 2nd and 3rd rounds as opposed to just one stud CB in the 1st. We don't need one more defensive back, we need several. We need depth at that position.

PATS TRADE PICKS

The Pats traded their 1st round pick, as well as their 5th rounder, to the Saints for New Orleans' 1st round pick (10th overall) and 3rd round pick. This is simply a phenomenal move in terms of value. The Patriots could probably get the same player THEY wanted at #7 with the 10th pick, but now they'll get him for slightly less money, and get an additional pick in the 3rd. Absolutely brilliant.

MATT RYAN GOING DOWN SOUTH

The Falcons, in desperate need of a new face to market to their relatively apathetic Atlanta fans, selected Matt Ryan, QB out of Boston College. Frankly, I think Matt Ryan is a bit overrated. He's a solid passer, but is much better at managing a game than being a "gunslinger" which is what he was his senior year (and had 19 INTs). BC had a relatively easy schedule for most of their 2007 season, and Ryan's numbers were juiced significantly thanks to opponents like Bowling Green. In tough games against tough opposition, he struggled. Under consistent pressure and he turned into Drew Bledsoe. He has a lot of work to do on fundamentals, particularly learning to step up into pressure instead of stepping back away from it. Not a bad pick for the Falcons, who could use some good ink and some positive anticipation, but Ryan is still a project.



Source:
ESPN.com