PATS MAKE ANOTHER MOVE

The Patriots signed ex-Jet TE Chris Baker this morning, according to sources. Baker was released last week. He caught 21 passes last year, for 194 yards and 0 TDs. He's a 7 year veteran.

The Pats have gotten inconsistent production from their TE position, but I don't think Baker does anything but take up a roster spot and be used as a 3rd tight end in power formations.

Sources:
The Jets Stream
ESPN.com

PATRIOTS SIGN FRED TAYLOR

It isn't official, but multiple sources have reported that Fred Taylor is or will soon be a New England Patriot.

Taylor is 33 years old, which is way up there for an RB. He rushed for 556 yards on 143 carries last year (3.9 YPC), and only got into the end zone once. But in 2007, he ran for 1,202 yards on 223 attempts, or 5.4 yards per carry.

The Pats have struggled to find consistency in their running game. Even in '07, Maroney had great days, then others when he couldn't get past the line of scrimmage (See: Super Bowl). He's also struggled to stay on the field.

Sammy Morris rushed for 727 yards in '08, but he too is getting old. Kevin Faulk added 507 yards.

A combo of Maroney-Taylor-Morris-Faulk could be fun to watch. Reducing carries should keep Maroney fresh, and perhaps get the type of performance from him we saw when Corey Dillon was in the backfield.

At runningback, the Pats are as set as they're going to get.

Source:
Reiss's Pieces

RELENTLESS

The Bruins have scored 12 games in 2 games. In their last 4 periods of hockey, they've scored 9 times, and allowed 0 goals. That's domination. Plain and simple.

Tim Thomas recorded his 100th career win, and his career high 4th shutout of the season. He was undoubtedly the #1 Star of the game, stopping 35 shots, and getting an assist on Michael Ryder's power play goal.

Speaking of Michael Ryder, he has 3 goals and 2 assists since coming back from his face injury. Chuck Kobasew also had 2 goals last night. Matt Hunwick had a goal and an assist, and blocked 3 shots. Byron Bitz had his 3rd goal in 2 games, and has become a force on the ice. I'd like to see him get some extra time on the ice. He traffics the slot, and he's strong with the puck.

In the last 2 games, 19 Bruins have recorded points. Only Shane Hnidy has had ice time and hasn't been on the scoresheet. But he was +3 last night, and had a great game.

The Bruins are also fighting as a team. Even Marc Savard dropped the gloves, or at least he tried to. And Shawn Thornton took down 6' 5" 230 pound George Parros AND his mighty mustache.





The Bruins host the Capitals 1:00 PM Saturday afternoon in a potential preview of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Source:
ESPN.com

Photo Credits:
AP Photo/Winslow Townson

SOX FALL TO PIRATES IN THE 9TH

Jon Lester started Thursday afternoon's contest and pitched 2 scoreless innings. Other notable performances:

Julio Lugo: 0/3
Dustin Pedroia: 0/2, BB, R
David Ortiz: 0/3
JD Drew: 0/2, BB, R
Jason Varitek: 0/2
Jeff Bailey: 1/2, 2 RBI
Hideki Okajima: IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 R, K

Red Sox visit the Rays Friday afternoon.

Source:
ESPN.com

Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Steven Senne

GABE PRUITT ARRESTED

Early this morning in LA, Gabe Pruitt was in his car, stopped at a green light, when an LAPD officer pulled him over. I don't know how you pull over a stopped car, but whatever. The officer determined he was drunk, and now he's in LA jail.

Pruitt's the backup point-guard, which just so happens to be the position that Stephon Marbury plays.

And according to the New York Times, Marbury's pretty sure he'll be signing with the Celtics on Friday.

NY Times Story

Source:
Boston Herald

CELTICS LOSE WHAT COULD BE THEIR LAST PRE-MARBURY GAME

To quote Mister Kevin Garnett...

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!

Just like a loss to the Clippers is possible. Just like Stephon Marbury in green and white is possible.

The Celtics fell the Clippers 93-91 Wednesday night. Normally that might incite panic, concern, or even notice. But losing a 2 point game with Kevin Garnett playing 0 minutes doesn't bug me much, even though the Celtics easily could have, and probably should been victorious.

The big story is Stephon Marbury. It's looking more and more like he'll be a Celtic. And I for one think it will be a good move. At the same time, he should not be welcomed to Boston with a ticker-tape parade, or even with open arms. The first thing he gets when he walks into the Celtics' locker room is a list of Do's and Don'ts.

Marbury has the talent to be a role player on this team. He also has the ego to be a cancer. And the Celtics have 23 games to figure out which he'll be. If he helps, he can stay. If not, the Celtics can cut him loose. Sound like something another sports team in New England has done in the past. *cough* *cough* Corey Dillon, Rodney Harrison, Randy Moss *cough* *cough*

It really is amazing how much winning can help keep a locker room cool, and how much the whole "You need us more than we need you" attitude can help keep an individual from getting a big head.

Celtics host the Pacers Friday night.

Source:
ESPN.com

Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

BECKETT HEALTHY, SOX BEAT BC, WAKEFIELD AND BARD COMBO SHAKY AGAINST TWINS

Grapefruit League play started for the Red Sox with the annual contest against the BC Eagles, and the opener of the 2009 Mayor's Cup.

The Sox extended their winning streak over BC, even though they were shut-out until the 5th inning of the 7 inning contest. David Ortiz was 0 for 2, Julio Lugo was 0 for 1 with a walk, JD Drew was 0 for 0 with a walk, Rocco Baldelli was 0 for 3, Clay Buchholz pitched a perfect 3rd inning, recording 1 strikeout.

Already, the 2009 season is better than 2008. Last year, Beckett was grabbing his back in pain after his first Spring Training start. This year, he threw 2 perfect innings, struck out 2, and the outing was totally pain free.

Across town at the Twins' facility, the rest of the Sox lost 5-2. Notable performances:

Jacoby Ellsbury: 0/3
Dustin Pedroia: 2/3, 2B
Kevin Youkilis: 1/3, R
Jason Bay: 0/3
Brad Wilkerson: 1/3, R, Error
Jed Lowrie: 1/2, 3B, RBI
Jeff Bailey: 2/2, RBI
Josh Bard: 0/3

And now the pitchers...

Tim Wakefield: 2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, 0 HR
Justin Masterson: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Manny Delcarmen: IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Javier Lopez: IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Ramon Ramirez: IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K



Josh Bard also looked less than smooth catching Wakefield. But I don't think it's time to sound the Mirabelli Alarm and get a replacement. After all, Wakefield might not be in the rotation at all in a few months.

The Sox host the Pirates Thursday afternoon.

Source:
ESPN.com

Photo Credits:
AP Photo/Steven Senne

THE B'S ARE BACK IN TOWN

The last time the Bruins played the Panthers, they were shutout 2-0. Last night saw the opposite. After an ugly Florida trip, the Bruins came out firing on all cylinders, maybe even with some NO2 mixed in.

The Bruins dominated the last 30 minutes of this game. Byron Bitz (Cornell '07, GO BIG RED!) did something a Bruin hasn't done in a while: had a tip in goal. The score made it a 3-1 game. But unlike previous contests, the Bruins didn't ease up. Bitz scored again, early in the 3rd. This time off a juicy rebound (another recent rarity). Two minutes later, Aaron Ward slapped in a goal. Then Michael Ryder, just back from injury, scored on the power play. It was Ryder's 20th.



Of all the troubles the Bruins have had lately, their mental lapses, defensive miscues, and struggling to play with the lead have been the most frustrating. They've also had difficulty finishing, but at least they've been generating offensive opportunities. Last night, they made few mistakes. They kept their foot on the gas throughout the 3rd period.

The Bruins now have 90 points, a 9 point lead over Washington in the Conference, a 19 point lead over Montreal in the Division, and a game against the Ducks Thursday night.



Source:
ESPN.com

Photo Credits:
AP Photo/Elise Amendola