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April 30, 2008
Paul Pierce Responds
Posted by Kevin PawSox rough up Francisco Liriano, win gameThe Pawtucket Red Sox touched up Francisco Liriano, the onetime Minnesota Twins phenom who was recently demoted to Rochester, for four runs in 4.1 innings en route to a 4-2 victory today at Rochester. Liriano walked five and surrendered a home run to Jeff Bailey. Knuckleballer Charlie Zink pitched six strong innings to get the win. Click here to see the box score.
Posted by Mike McDermott Mavericks fire Avery JohnsonDallas bowed out of the playoffs quietly last night at the hands of the New Orleans Hornets. For more on this story, may we recommend the site of the Dallas Morning News.
Posted by Mike McDermott Darryl Strawberry working on a bookNEW YORK (AP) - Former baseball slugger Darryl Strawberry, whose achievements on the field often were overshadowed by his struggles with cancer and substance abuse, is writing a memoir, "Straw," that will come out in 2009, publisher Ecco announced Wednesday. According to Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins, Strawberry's book "details his life growing up in Crenshaw, Los Angeles, his rise to baseball superstardom as a Met, Dodger, and Yankee, the high life and low life, his brushes with the law, his triumphant battle over cancer, his religious awakening, and his marriage to the love of his life." John Strausbaugh, who helped write a book by John Leguizamo, will collaborate with Strawberry on his memoir. Strawberry, 46, was an eight-time All-Star who hit 335 home runs in 17 seasons and played on World Series championship teams with both the New York Mets and New York Yankees. But he also had a long history of personal problems, including substance abuse, domestic violence and colon cancer. He recently agreed to pay the Internal Revenue Service more than $430,000 in back taxes, penalties and interest. In March, the Mets announced they had hired Strawberry as a special instructor and a traveling ambassador, visiting minor league teams and community organizations.
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo CeltsTalk with KMac: 2-to-2, but the Celtics are really behindClick the play button below to hear Kevin McNamara discuss what the Celtics need to do tonight, how they are going to defend Joe Johnson, why Josh Smith is a future All-Star, and Sam Cassell's inability to play defense.
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: Red Sox win a thrillerClick the play button below to hear Sean's comments, recorded this morning. Today's topics: Last night's ninth-inning victory, Dustin Pedroia as a danger to his own health, up-and-down Jon Lester very much up last night, and Roy Halladay's frustrating world.
Posted by Mike McDermott In the mood for pain? Then watch the N.Y. Giants visit President Bush today
We'll have a live feed from AP Video as the New York Giants visit President Bush at the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl championship. Go to this link at 3:20 to see the whole miserable thing.
Posted by Mike McDermott Randy Moss to start NASCAR truck teamAlready this offseason, Randy Moss has signed an endorsement deal with Pony, had his image on a commemorative U.S. Postal Service envelope , and was honored for his work with children in his native West Virginia. Now, he's apparently jumping into NASCAR. He has formed Moss Motorsports LLC, and intends to have a truck in the Craftsman truck series by the second half of this season. The wide receiver has served as a goodwill ambassador for the Urban Youth Racing School and has also sponsored a dirt track program.
Posted by Mike McDermott Video: How to dig steamersOur own Mike Foran shows you how to dig steamer clams in the salt waters of Ninigret Pond in Charlestown.
Posted by Mike McDermott P-Bruins may be facing shorthanded Pirates in Game ThreeFacing a 2-0 deficit in their playoff series with the Providence Bruins, the Portland Pirates are facing an uncertain situation with two of their most important players. The Portland Press Herald reports today that goaltender J.S. Aubin and center Tyler Bouck are uncertain for Friday night's game in Maine. Aubin missed the first two games of the series because of what Portland coach Kevin Dineen described as "bumps and bruises" sustained in the Pirates' first-round playoff series against Hartford, while Bouck was cut on the leg by a skate in Game Two.
Posted by Mike McDermott Fantasy baseball helpRight now on our Fantasy Sports Blog, you can find updated position-by-position hitter rankings, complete rankings for starting and relief pitchers, plus Michael Salfino's weekly Baseball by the Numbers column. This week, he looks at pitchers who are extreme in the category of strikeouts (both on the positive and the negative side) and projects how that might impact their values going forward.
Posted by Mike McDermott A-Rod to join Posada on disabled listNEW YORK (AP) - Alex Rodriguez is out for 15 days, Jorge Posada maybe more. The New York Yankees are about to find out if they're good enough to win without a pair of crucial players. A-Rod is sidelined because of strained right quadriceps, joining Posada on the 15-day disabled list in a double shot of pivotal injuries that would be tough for any team to overcome - even one that boasts a $209 million roster stocked with stars. "This is baseball, no one is going to feel sorry for you. You've got a couple of guys banged up, you just press on," manager Joe Girardi said Tuesday night. "We have to find a way to get it done." The Yankees are waiting for additional opinions on Posada's ailing throwing shoulder before determining whether the All-Star catcher needs surgery. Rodriguez was sent for an MRI exam Tuesday that revealed a Grade 2 strain. The three-time AL MVP is headed to the DL for the first time since July 2000 with Seattle, when he had a strained right knee. This is his fifth career trip to the disabled list. "If it's a Grade 2, it's going to be at least the two weeks. That's why we're doing it," general manager Brian Cashman said. The Yankees (14-14) hadn't determined yet whether Rodriguez would officially be placed on the disabled list Tuesday or Wednesday. Regardless, his stint can begin Tuesday because the team played without him - and Posada - in a 6-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Rodriguez has been bothered by the injury since April 20 in Baltimore. The third baseman missed three games last week, then returned for a four-game series at Cleveland. But he was removed for a pinch hitter in the eighth inning of Monday night's win over the Indians and said he felt a "pull" while running the bases. Girardi said the team was surprised to learn the strain was so severe. Rodriguez wasn't available to reporters after Tuesday night's loss. "It's not the news I was looking for, but you have to deal with it," Girardi said. "He's a hard guy to replace." Morgan Ensberg started in Rodriguez's place at third base against Detroit. "Hopefully, it'll be no more than the 15 days," Cashman said. "But we've got to get it right." Posada, placed on the disabled list Monday for the first time in his career, was examined by orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in Alabama. The scans from those tests were being sent to Cincinnati Reds team physician Dr. Timothy Kremchek, a shoulder specialist. Posada also was scheduled to be examined Tuesday night by Yankees physician Dr. Stuart Hershon, and on Thursday by New York Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek. "Till all the doctors weigh in, I'm not going to guess and speculate. When they give me concrete information I'll be sure to share it," Posada said through club spokesman Jason Zillo. Girardi said he remains optimistic that Posada won't need surgery, which would sideline the durable catcher for an extended period. For now, his injury has been termed a strained right shoulder. "He had a good meeting with Andrews. The films are being sent to Kremchek and so we'll wait for that and we'll go from there," Girardi said. The Yankees hope to get Kremchek's opinion in the next few days. Chris Stewart made his first start behind the plate for New York against the Tigers, one day after being called up from the minors. Detroit got homers from ex-Yankee Gary Sheffield and Curtis Granderson off Phil Hughes (0-4) in the third inning to back 43-year-old lefty Kenny Rogers (2-3). Todd Jones earned his fifth save. "If I wear a boot for a month it could help or it could not," he said. "The smartest thing to do would be to have the surgery, but obviously then I would be gone all year." Bruney said his MRIs and X-rays will be sent to the Carolina Panthers' team doctor in Charlotte, N.C., for yet another opinion before he decides about an operation. "It's just a weird injury that nobody has any certainty about," he said. "But I'm going to have to make up my mind whether or not I want to have the surgery." Reserve infielder Wilson Betemit made his second trip to the eye doctor Tuesday and will begin a rehab assignment Thursday with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Betemit was placed on the 15-day disabled list April 14 with corneal conjunctivitis. "He's much improved," Cashman said.
Posted by Mike McDermott Download today's sports coverOn today's sports cover is the lead story of Mike Szostak's series on Rhode Island high school athletes who managed to get Division I scholarships. The full series, including a slideshow of the athletes, can be viewed at HSGameTime. Mike also catches up with the Celtics, who face a pivotal Game Five with the Atlanta Hawks tonight, and Paul Kenyon has the exciting story of the Red Sox' 1-0 victory over Toronto. Click here to download the file in pdf format.
Posted by Mike McDermott Brazil to meet Venezuela at Gillette StadiumFOXBORO -- The New England Revolution today announced that world soccer power Brazil will return to Foxborough when it meets the Venezuela National Team at Gillette Stadium at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2008. The June 6 match falls on an official FIFA match date and Brazil, the world's second-ranked team, is expected to call-up its stars such as Ronaldinho, Kaka and Robinho. This game marks Brazil's second appearance in Foxborough. Last year in 2007, Brazil defeated Mexico, 2-1, on Sept. 12 in front of a sell-out and record crowd of 67,684 at Gillette Stadium. Veneuzuela will be making its first-ever appearance on the U.S. East Coast. Its last match on American soil was a 3-1 loss to Mexico in San Diego, Calif., on Feb. 28, 2007.
Posted by Mike McDermott April 29, 2008
Minor-league hockey player caught streakingSCRANTON, Pa. (AP) - The captain of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins was charged with indecent exposure after a police officer saw him running naked on a downtown street early Sunday, and a teammate was arrested for public drunkenness. Nathan Smith told the officer he acted on a bet. Officials said Smith, a center for the AHL team, was charged with misdemeanor counts of indecent exposure, open lewdness and disorderly conduct, as well as public drunkenness. He was released on $10,000 bail. Penguins forward Ryan Stone was charged with public drunkenness. "I would like to apologize to the people of Northeast Pennsylvania, my teammates, and to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Pittsburgh Penguins organizations," Smith said in a statement. "I made an embarrassing and regrettable decision this weekend and understand I will face disciplinary action. My conduct was unacceptable and totally out of character - it will not happen again. I promise to do my best to win back your trust and support." The team said it will take disciplinary action against Smith and Stone, both of whom spent time with the Pittsburgh Penguins this season.
Posted by Mike McDermott Father of Yankees' Chamberlain leaves hospitalLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The father of New York Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain left the hospital after recovering from respiratory failure brought on by pneumonia. Harlan Chamberlain said Tuesday he was feeling stronger and thanked people for their thoughts and prayers. The elder Chamberlain collapsed at home on April 13 and was hospitalized. Joba Chamberlain left that night after the Yankees’ game against Boston to be near his father. He missed five games and rejoined the Yankees in Baltimore on April 19.
Posted by Mike McDermott Today's high school postponements (updated)Here's the list so far. Reschedule dates, where known, are in parentheses. Baseball Softball Boys Lacrosse Girls Lacrosse Boys Tennis Boys Outdoor Track Girls Outdoor Track Golf
Posted by Mike McDermott Former NFL player, a BC grad, shot and killedORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Authorities are investigating the death of a former Boston College and NFL player at an Orlando apartment building. Orange County's sheriff's office says 41-year-old Ivan Orsen Caesar Jr. was found fatally shot at the Tuscany Village Apartments early Monday. Investigators are looking for witnesses. A linebacker, Caesar was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings from Boston College in 1991. He played one season for the Vikings. Caeser later played in the Arena Football League from 1995 to 1999 for teams in Tampa, Milwaukee and Portland, Ore.
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: Ellsbury's fleet feetClick the play button below to hear Sean's comments, recorded this morning. Today's topics: Jacoby Ellsbury's 17-for-17 stolen-base streak, Bartolo Colon's path back to the mound, the Toronto Blue Jays struggling early in the season, and the latest Roger Clemens scandal.
Posted by Mike McDermott Record your Chris Berman imitationDo you have a good Chris Berman impersonation? Share it with the world! Call 277-7037, record your best Bermanism, and we'll put some of the best recordings right here on projo.com.
Posted by Mike McDermott Column: Celtics stumble at a bad time By TIM DAHLBERG David Stern was courtside in Atlanta, taking in the game and making sure no one was flashing any signs not officially approved by the NBA. Stern did his job well because there wasn't a gangsta moment all night, unless you count the mugging Joe Johnson and the Hawks gave the Boston Celtics in the fourth quarter of a series that by all accounts was supposed to be over by now. Depending on whose side you're on, the fact that it's not either says something about the unpredictability of a league where anything can happen or the silliness of having a team that couldn't come close to winning half its games in the regular season even being allowed into the playoffs against the team with the best record in the NBA. Sure, the Celtics will likely prevail by the time it is all over, if only because home-court advantage means so much and two of the final three games will be played in Boston. The Hawks won only 12 games on the road during the regular season, so their chances of stealing one in the playoffs aren't all that good, even with the momentum on their side. Still, the worst team in the playoffs is giving Boston fits, which outside of Atlanta is a huge buzz killer for a postseason that so far hasn't lived up to the lofty expectations that most everyone had coming in. "Basketball is a strange thing," Boston's Sam Cassell said. "Strange things happen." While the Celtics are struggling with a team that wouldn't have sniffed the playoffs had it been in the West, the Lakers dominated a team that won 50 games in the regular season and had a pair of superstars in Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson. In doing so, they put to rest the theory that any playoff team in the Western Conference could beat any other team. That's largely because the Lakers have Bryant, who will likely finally win the MVP award this year that has always somehow eluded him. Bryant finally has a big man to complete him once again, but it was he, not Pau Gasol, who took over at the end of the game to make sure the Nuggets didn't steal one. "He just exploded at the end of the game," Anthony said. "It's something he always does." The Celtics won't have that luxury. They have at least two more games against the lowly Hawks, games they should never have had to play, and have accomplished nothing so far other than to make a long season even longer. They may still emerge from the East to play in the finals, but it no longer seems the certainty it did after the Celtics finished the regular season with a league leading 66 wins. While Bryant can carry his team seemingly whenever needed, Kevin Garnett made it past the first round of the playoffs only once in eight attempts with Minnesota. Garnett, of course, never had the supporting cast he now has with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, but teams of destiny don't lose one first round game to the likes of the Hawks, much less two in a row. "We've got to find us real quick," Cassell said. "We've got to find our team identity, our team chemistry, we've got to find all that real quick." Boston coach Doc Rivers didn't seem all that worried about his team's ability to recover its swagger. Someone noted that the Red Sox had lost five in a row and wondered what Rivers would tell people who might be thinking of jumping off a bridge in despair over the twin losing streaks. "Don't jump," Rivers said, chuckling. Good advice, because the Celtics will be back home Wednesday night and should again look like the team that won the first two games of the series by an average of 21 points. They're so talented that Vegas oddsmakers had them a nine-point favorite on the road against Atlanta, and a blowout wouldn't be surprising. The Celtics are still likely to run the table and hold up their part of the bargain for the dream matchup in the finals against the Lakers that would send television ratings through the roof. Their ill-timed stumble aside, they're still by far the best team in the East. But so far they're making it a lot harder on themselves than they should.
Posted by Mike McDermott April 28, 2008
Paul Pierce fined for menacing gesture Paul Pierce is $25,000 lighter in his wallet tonight. The NBA just fined Pierce 25K for ``making a menacing gesture'' during the fourth quarter of Saturday night's Game 3 loss in Atlanta. The gesture, known as `The B' and a common sign in the gang culture, came in the final minute when the Hawks' Al Horford walked by Pierce, who was sprawled on the floor, and woofed at the Celtics' captain. Pierce stared down Horford, flashed the non-descript sign and was then pulled away by Brian Scalabrine. The scene is now being shown on YouTube.
Posted by Kevin Mayo's high school coach weighs inOver on the PatsBlog, Shalise Manza Young has the details on an interview with Tommy Austin, the high school football coach of Patriots first-round draft pick Jerod Mayo.
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo Celts Talk with KMac: Celtics look to bounce back in Game FourClick the play button below to hear Kevin McNamara discuss the Atlanta Hawks' surprising Game Three victory, how the two teams are reacting to it, what Doc Rivers will do to correct the mismatches that we saw on Saturday, and the other series in the Eastern Conference.
Posted by Mike McDermott Jamie Silva signs with the ColtsEast Providence native Jamie Silva, who surprisingly did not hear his name called yesterday during Day 2 of the NFL draft, has signed a contract with the Indianapolis Colts. One AFC scout told us last night that Silva would likely latch on with a team that plays a 4-3, Tampa-2 defense, and that's exactly what the Colts are. Coach Tony Dungy is the godfather of the Tampa-2, and while local fans might be disappointed to see a Rhode Islander headed to one of the Pats' biggest rivals, Indy is a good place for Silva and his style of play. We should be speaking with him shortly to get reaction to his new team and to what must have been a disappointing day for him yesterday. -SHALISE MANZA YOUNG
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo PatsTalk with Shalise: Summing up the DraftClick the play button below to hear Shalise's audio report on the Patriots' picks in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: Swept Away in Tampa BayClick the play button below to hear Sean's comments, recorded this morning. Today's topics: the five-game losing streak, Tampa Bay's prospects to compete down the road, Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz giving good outings, and the coming return of Mike Lowell.
Posted by Mike McDermott Celtics Game Five start time depends on Lakers-Nuggets resultThe Celtics will host the Atlanta Hawks in Game Five of their Eastern Conference playoff series on Wednesday night, that much we know. But the start time will depend on tonight's result in Game Four of the Western Conference series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets. If the Lakers win and complete the sweep, the Celts and the Hawks will tip off around 8:30 Wednesday night. If Denver forces a Game Five, then the start time in Boston moves up to 8. -Reports from Kevin McNamara
Posted by Mike McDermott Download today's sports coverOn today's sports cover, Kevin McNamara gets the Celtics' reaction to their surprising loss on Saturday night in Atlanta, Shalise Manza Young puts the Patriots draft in perspective, and Joe McDonald surveys the lost Red Sox weekend in Florida. Click here to download the file in pdf format.
Posted by Mike McDermott April 27, 2008
Celtics' Post-Game NotesCELTICS JOURNAL ATLANTA – It’s never easy to win on the road in the NBA but the Celtics faced a little extra hardship in last night’s playoff game with the Hawks.
Perhaps more than any other sport, home court is a decided advantage in basketball. That theory proved to be gospel against last night at Philips Arena. DOC NOT HAPPY
DRIBBLES
Posted by Kevin April 25, 2008
Pierce OK for Game 3 in AtlantaWALTHAM, Mass. (AP) - Boston Celtics swingman Paul Pierce is ready for Game 3 of the playoff series against Atlanta, despite being body-slammed to the floor in the first quarter of Wednesday night's win. Pierce had no problems in practice Friday before the Celtics headed to the airport for Saturday's game. Coach Doc River says the training staff has placed no restrictions on Pierce, who returned later in the first half of Wednesday's 96-77 victory over the Hawks. Pierce says he was stiff after returning to the game and on Thursday. But he got a massage, stayed off his feet and is ready to go. Celtics hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Posted by Mike McDermott Tonight: HSGameTime All-State boys swimmingTonight at 6, you can find the 2008 HSGameTime Providence Journal All-State boys swimming team online at www.hsgametime.com/rhodeisland. We asked each of our first-team selections to fill out a personal survey with questions including favorite TV show, favorite subject in school, and something people would be surprised to know about me. The swimmers' answers, as well as audio clips of the swimmers talking about what inspired them this past season, will accompany their bios on their own personal pages. Also, you will find full listings for second-team and All-Division selections. The All-State boys swimming page in The Providence Journal will run tomorrow. Here is the full schedule for the All-State teams. The teams will be revealed at 6 p.m. each day online, and in the following day's newspaper. Online now: Wrestling, gymnastics, cheerleading, girls basketball, boys basketball, girls indoor track, boys indoor track, girls swimming
Posted by Mike McDermott ESPN's Chris Berman speaking at BrownSportscaster Chris Berman, perhaps the most recognizable face on ESPN, is returning to Brown University, his alma mater, next week. The 1977 alum will be in town Wednesday to deliver a lecture entitled: "WBRU to ESPN: What a Long, Strange Trip It's Been." Berman, the father of two Brown students, will speak at 4 p.m. in Room 101 of the Salomon Center for Teaching. The talk is free and open to the public.
Posted by Mike Szostak Download today's sports coverOn today's sports cover, Paul Kenyon breaks down Justin Masterson's debut, a great effort that was spoiled by shoddy relief pitching. Robert Lee writes that young Rajon Rondo is making veteran Mike Bibby look bad in this Celtics-Hawks playoff series, and Jim Donaldson imagines his Patriots draft for the ages. Click here to download the file in pdf format.
Posted by Mike McDermott April 24, 2008
Bruins assign Sobotka to ProvidenceThe Bruins today assigned center Vladimir Sobotka to the Providence Bruins for the balance of the Calder Cup playoffs. With the move, Providence now has 27 players on its roster, including 15 forwards, eight defensemen and four goaltenders. Sobotka, 20, returns to Providence for the first time since being recalled to the NHL on January 11. The rookie center split the season between Boston and Providence, appearing in 48 regular season games with the big club while amassing seven points (g, 6a), plus another six Stanley Cup Playoff contests, where he scored two goals. Boston’s season came to an end Monday night, falling in the seventh game of its first round series with the Montreal Canadiens. Sobotka enjoyed a 14-game NHL call-up from November 23, 2007 into late-December, making his NHL debut on the road against the New York Islanders on November 24, 2007. The forward’s first NHL point came on December 12, 2007, recording an assist against the Atlanta Thrashers. During Sobotka’s second call-up, he enjoyed several other NHL firsts, including his first goal at the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 13, his only multiple-point game with two assists April 4 versus the Ottawa Senators, his playoff debut at Montreal on April 12 and the first of two playoff goals five nights later. A native of Trebic, Czech Republic, Sobotka comes back to Providence, where he had 20 points (10g, 10a) and a plus-12 rating in 18 regular season games. His best offensive stretch came during an eight-game points-streak (4g, 7a) from October 27, 2007 to November 18, 2007. He is presently riding a three-game points-streak at the AHL level, amassing three goals and six points during that time. Prior to going pro, the Trebic, Czech Republic, native spent the past four seasons playing for the Slavia and Slavia Jr. teams in the Czech Republic. Sobotka was also a member of the Czech Republic’s team that competed in the 2006 and 2007 World Junior Championships. At the 2007 tournament, Sobotka was named the Czech Republic’s Second Star by a panel of coaches. He was drafted by Boston 106th overall in the fourth round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
Posted by Art Martone Connecticut hoops star Monteiro signs to play at DuquesnePITTSBURGH (AP) - B.J. Monteiro, a 6-foot-5 swingman chosen as the Connecticut high school player of the year, signed a binding letter of intent Thursday with Duquesne University. Monteiro, an excellent shooter and penetrator, is expected to compete immediately for playing time at Duquesne, which is losing guards Gary Tucker and Reggie Jackson to graduation. Monteiro verbally committed to Duquesne following a campus visit in February and signed his letter of intent at a news conference at Crosby High School in Waterbury on Thursday. He also considered UNLV, Saint Joseph's, Penn State and Fordham. "He's a very good offensive player that we've watched for a long time," Duquesne coach Ron Everhart said. "He's a good kid who comes from an excellent program and a player who will be able to help us immediately." A former high school teammate of Duquesne forward Damian Saunders, Monteiro averaged 22 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals on Crosby's state Class LL championship team as a senior. He won several state player of the year awards, including that of the Hartford Courant. Monteiro averaged 24 points as a sophomore on another state championship team in 2005-06, when Saunders was his teammate, and 25 points as a junior.
Posted by Mike McDermott Goodell says he will approach Spygate material with open mindNEW YORK (AP) - Roger Goodell is fully prepared to crack down again on the New England Patriots if his meeting with Matt Walsh uncovers a tape made of the St. Louis Rams' final walkthrough practice before the 2002 Super Bowl. "Taping a walkthrough is much different from what I punished them for," the NFL commissioner said Thursday at a meeting of a group representing the Associated Press Sports Editors. After more than two months of negotiations, lawyers for the league and Walsh, the former New England employee, finally reached agreement Wednesday on terms that will allow him to talk Goodell. They include an agreement by the Patriots not to sue Walsh and to pay his legal expenses and his airfare to New York from Hawaii, where he is now a golf pro. Click here to continue reading.
Posted by Mike McDermott Red Sox 'curse' jersey fetches $175,100 for charityBOSTON (AP) - The Boston Red Sox jersey secretly buried under the new Yankee Stadium in a failed curse attempt sold Thursday for $175,100 in a charity auction. The bid was the highest of 282 for the battered No. 34 David Ortiz jersey, which the Yankees jackhammered out from under two feet of concrete earlier this month. The Jimmy Fund, the cancer charity that sold the shirt, did not immediately reveal the name of the winning bidder after the weeklong eBay auction ended at 12:30 p.m. That person, whose screen name is 2004carman, did not immediately respond to an e-mail requesting comment. The winner also will receive a new Ortiz jersey and two tickets to a Red Sox game. Mike Andrews, The Jimmy Fund chairman and former Red Sox second baseman, said the charity was "absolutely thrilled." "We are grateful for the generous bid, and extend our deep gratitude to the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox for coming together again in the fight against cancer," he said in a statement. Construction worker Gino Castignoli, a Red Sox fan from the Bronx, dropped the jersey in wet concrete, hoping to hex the Yankees. New York found the jersey after receiving information from anonymous tipsters. The Yankees then decided to donate it to the Jimmy Fund, the Red Sox's official charity that is affiliated with Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Posted by Mike McDermott Tonight: HSGameTime All-State girls swimmingTonight at 6, you can find the 2008 HSGameTime Providence Journal All-State girls swimming team online at www.hsgametime.com/rhodeisland. We asked each of our first-team selections to fill out a personal survey with questions including favorite TV show, favorite subject in school, and something people would be surprised to know about me. The swimmers' answers, as well as audio clips of the swimmers talking about what inspired them this past season, will accompany their bios on their own personal pages. Also, you will find full listings for second-team and All-Division selections. The All-State girls swimming page in The Providence Journal will run tomorrow. Here is the full schedule for the All-State teams. The teams will be revealed at 6 p.m. each day online, and in the following day's newspaper. Online now: Wrestling, gymnastics, cheerleading, girls basketball, boys basketball, girls indoor track, boys indoor track
Posted by Mike McDermott Don Gillis, long-time Boston sportscaster, dies at 85Don Gillis, who was the top sportscaster in Boston during the 1960s and 1970s, has died at the age of 85. Gillis' son Gary, who followed his father into sportscasting, provided the story to Gillis' old station, Channel 5. Gillis also did pregame and postgame work on the station's Red Sox broadcasts in the '60s and early '70s.
Posted by Art Martone Lowell to join PawSox on rehab assigment; will play at McCoy Friday nightThe Pawtucket Red Sox will have 2007 World Series MVP Mike Lowell as their designated hitter tomorrow night (Friday) on injury rehab (sprained left thumb) from Boston when the PawSox and the Syracuse Chiefs play the finale of their 3-game series at 7:05 pm at McCoy Stadium. The plan is for Lowell to DH tomorrow night, play third base Saturday night in Buffalo, and DH again on Sunday afternoon in Buffalo. This rehab appearance will mark the 34-year-old Lowell’s first return to the minor leagues since the 1999 season when he played 24 games for Calgary (AAA-Florida) hitting .313. He has played in the International League back in 1997 and ’98 with the Columbus Clippers (AAA-Yankees at the time) and was the MVP of the Triple-A All-Star Game in 1998.
Posted by Art Martone Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: Bugged by the fluClick the play button below to hear Sean's comments, recorded this morning. Today's topics: the illness that is messing up the Red Sox' plans, what to expect from Justin Masterson, and Craig Hansen's 2008 debut.
Posted by Mike McDermott Updates on Beckett, MatsuzakaJosh Beckett, who missed his scheduled start on Tuesday night because of a stiff neck, was able to throw a bullpen session this morning. That puts him in line to be able to make his next scheduled start, which will be on the road Sunday against Tampa Bay Daisuke Matsuzaka, who missed his scheduled start on Wednesday night, is being examined this morning by Red Sox doctors to determine how contagious he is. The likely plan is for Matsuzaka to remain in Boston while the Red Sox spend the weekend on the road, playing the Rays. Manager Terry Francona said he didn't see any sense in taking Dice-K along on the trip given the severity of his illness. If the right-hander feels strong enough while Boston is on the road, the Red Sox will make whatever arrangements are necessary to make sure Matsuzaka can throw in Fenway Park. His next scheduled start would be Tuesday at home against Toronto, but there's no guarantee he'll be healthy enough to pitch that night. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Mike McDermott Download today's sports coverOn today's sports cover, Kevin McNamara and Bill Reynolds lead our coverage of the Celtics' Game 2 defeat of the Atlanta Hawks at TDBanknorth Garden, while Paul Kenyon has less happy news from Fenway Park, where the Red Sox saw their six-game losing streak sunk by a wave of illness and injury. Also, you can read about Matt Walsh's date with Roger Goodell. Click here to download the file in pdf format.
Posted by Mike McDermott April 23, 2008
Celtics Will Honor P-Bruins Goalie Jordan Sigalet TonightBOSTON -- Providence Bruins goalie Jordan Sigalet will be honored tonight as a Boston Celtics Hero Among Us. When Sigalet was 23, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a disease which affects the central nervous system and haunts over 400,000 Americans and 2.5 million people worldwide. During a game on Nov. 16, his body completely shut down in response to the MS. Sigalet refused to let that be the end of his career, and through his unparalleled determination and positive attitude, he made a stunning recovery and was back on the ice in less than two months. Sigalet has dedicated himself to inspiring others with MS to never give up and has founded the "Sigalet Saves for MS" Foundation.
Posted by Rob Lee Pats expect Walsh-Goodell meeting to exonerate them from charges of spying at Super Bowl XXXVIThe Patriots released the following statement this afternoon upon the announcment that Matt Walsh will meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on May 13: The New England Patriots are pleased to learn that Matt Walsh is finally willing to come forward to meet with the NFL. We are eagerly anticipating his honest disclosures to Commissioner Goodell next month and the return of all the materials he took during his time of employment. We fully expect this meeting to conclude the league’s investigation into a damaging and false allegation that was originally levied against the team on the day before this year’s Super Bowl. It is important to note that there has never been a confidentiality agreement restricting Matt Walsh and no legal protections were ever necessary for him to speak to the NFL, to media outlets or to anyone else regarding his employment with the Patriots. He demanded to be released from responsibility for his statements, and after a frustrating and lengthy negotiation period, a settlement has finally been reached. Walsh has been granted a significant number of privileges through this agreement, none of which the Patriots or the NFL were obligated to give. At all times, we cooperated fully with the league’s investigation and stand by our initial public statement from Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008: “The suggestion that the New England Patriots recorded the St. Louis Rams’ walkthrough on the day before Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002 is absolutely false.” The Patriots’ organizational focus at this time is on the NFL Draft and preparing for what we hope will be an exciting 2008 season. We will have no further comments regarding Matt Walsh at this time.
Posted by Art Martone Patriots sign Pollard, Player and SmithFOXBORO, Mass. (AP) - The New England Patriots signed three free agents Wednesday: tight end Marcus Pollard, punter Scott Player and defensive lineman Kenny Smith. Pollard has been in the league for 13 seasons with Indianapolis, Detroit and Seattle. He has 349 catches for 4,280 yards and 40 touchdowns in 191 career games. The 36-year-old led Seattle's tight ends last season with 28 receptions for 273 yards and two touchdowns. Player punted in three games last season for Cleveland before being released on Oct. 8. He sent nine seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. The 38-year-old kicker has 727 punts for 31,345 yards. Smith has 69 career tackles in 30 games. The 30-year-old has not played since 2003 when he was with New Orleans.
Posted by Mike McDermott NESN hires Heidi Watney to replace Tina CervasioThe New England Sports Network announced thus afternoon that Heidi Watney has been hired as a reporter/host and will join Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy on Red Sox broadcasts beginning the first week of May. She will assume the role that Tina Cervasio filled before leaving for the MSG Network in New York last month. “Heidi is a skillful reporter who is smart, resourceful and has a terrific sense of humor,” said Joel Feld, NESN’s vice president of programming and executive producer. “Her talent for connecting with viewers makes her the ideal choice to join Don and Jerry as part of our Red Sox coverage.” Watney comes to NESN from Fresno, Calif., where she has served as a sports anchor and reporter for KMPH Fox-26 News and a sports talk radio show host for 1430 ESPN Radio KFIG. The University of San Diego graduate began her career as a sports reporter/assistant producer for KUSI News in San Diego, California.
Posted by Art Martone Auriemma says Pat Summitt ratted on UConnSTORRS, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma said the regular-season series against rival Tennessee was canceled because Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt accused the Huskies of a recruiting violation. Auriemma, speaking to reporters on campus Tuesday, said Summitt "doesn't have the courage to say it publicly." UConn officials said in March they self-reported a secondary violation of NCAA rules in connection with a 2005 ESPN studio tour that the women's basketball office arranged for then-top recruit Maya Moore. Tennessee canceled the 12-year series with UConn last summer, even though UConn had already signed a contract to extend the annual game through the 2008-09 season. Summitt had said ending the series would let the schools develop other rivalries. Auriemma said if she wouldn't explain why the series ended, he would. "Pat knows ... So she should just tell you why instead of saying, 'Geno knows.' I do know," he said Tuesday. "I already told you. She accused us of cheating at recruiting. She doesn't have the courage to say it publicly. So yeah, Geno does know. And I've said it." Summitt declined comment Wednesday. Summitt, the winningest coach in Division I college basketball, guided the Lady Vols to their eighth NCAA title with a win over Stanford earlier this month. The Huskies lost to Stanford in the Final Four. "It doesn't hurt me," Auriemma said about the series ending. "Some people, that's just their style, they're passive-aggressive. Always wanting someone else to blame for what's going on." Penalties for secondary rules violations are usually minor, and can include a letter in the school's file. At the time of the ESPN tour Moore, the two-time national high school player of the year from Georgia, was courted by several high-profile programs, including Tennessee. Moore signed with UConn and starred this season as a freshman, leading the top-ranked Huskies to their 14th Big East tournament title. She averaged 17.8 points and earned conference player of the year honors - a first for a freshman. Auriemma also took a swipe at ESPN and one of its announcers for publicizing the violation. Auriemma added, "You can't take me too seriously, come on. That's another reason we're not playing, I'm too much of a smart (expletive)."
Posted by Mike McDermott Walsh, Goodell have a date to discuss SpygateNEW YORK (AP) - Former Patriots assistant Matt Walsh will meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on May 13 about New England's videotaping of opposing teams. The league reached an agreement with Walsh on Wednesday. The NFL had been negotiating for two months with Walsh, now an assistant golf pro in Hawaii, who has indicated he has further information regarding Spygate. Goodell fined Patriots coach Bill Belichick $500,000, the team was fined $250,000 and was stripped of its first-round draft choice for taking video of New York Jets coaches on the sideline of the 2007 season opener. But the specter of what information Walsh might have has hung over the matter since the Super Bowl, when Walsh reportedly said he had other tapes. The agreement with Walsh will allow him to "share with the NFL information about activities occurring during his employment with the club from 1997-2003," the league said in a statement. Click here to continue reading.
Posted by Mike McDermott Deal would set up UConn-Notre Dame football seriesHARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - An East Hartford lawmaker says he helped negotiate a compromise that will allow the University of Connecticut to play an abbreviated football series with Notre Dame, with the games being played out of state. A news conference is scheduled for 2 p.m. UConn officials confirmed they would attend. Rep. Michael Christ, a Democrat whose district includes East Hartford, says the compromise allows a shorter series between the universities. He says a guaranteed number of home football games against other opponents would be at Rentschler.
Posted by Mike McDermott Tonight: HSGameTime boys indoor trackTonight at 6, you can find the 2008 HSGameTime Providence Journal All-State boys indoor track team online at www.hsgametime.com/rhodeisland. We asked each of our first-team selections to fill out a personal survey with questions including favorite TV show, favorite subject in school, and something people would be surprised to know about me. The athletes' answers, as well as audio clips of the athletes talking about what inspired them this past season, will accompany their bios on their own personal pages. Also, you will find full listings for second-team, All-Division and Academic All-State selections. The All-State girls indoor track page in The Providence Journal will run tomorrow. Here is the full schedule for the All-State teams. The teams will be revealed at 6 p.m. each day online, and in the following day's newspaper. Online now: Wrestling, gymnastics, cheerleading, girls basketball, boys basketball, girls indoor track
Posted by Mike McDermott Multimedia: Kevin McNamara's Celtics reportClick the play button below to hear Kevin McNamara discuss the latest on the Celtics: Does Atlanta have anything to hold on to from Game 1, Doc Rivers as a Coach of the Year candidate, and Kevin Garnett's Defensive Player of the Year award.
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: Ellsbury shines vs. L.A.Click the play button below to hear Sean's comments, recorded this morning. Today's topics: Jacoby Ellsbury's terrific night against the Angels, the Ellsbury-Dustin Pedroia duo looking great, David Pauley's future with the team, and the roster move to come later today.
Posted by Mike McDermott Schedule for P-Bruins vs. Portland series revealedThe Providence Bruins will open the best-of-seven Atlantic Division finals against the Portland Pirates at the Dunkin Donut Center on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. Game Two is scheduled for Sunday at 4:05 p.m. at the Dunk. The series moves to Portland for Game Three on Friday, May 2, at 7:05 p.m. Game Four will be Sunday, May 4, at 4:05 p.m. in Portland, and Game Five, if necessary, will be on Tuesday, May 6, at 7:05 in Portland. Games Six and Seven, if needed, will be in Providence on Friday, May 9 at 7:05 p.m., and Saturday, May 10, at 7:05 p.m.
Posted by Mike McDermott We've got your fantasy baseball helpRight now on our Fantasy Sports Blog, you can find updated position-by-position hitter rankings, complete rankings for starting and relief pitchers, plus Michael Salfino's weekly Baseball by the Numbers column. This week, he looks at hitters who are extreme in the category of strikeouts (both on the positive and the negative side) and projects how that might impact their values going forward.
Posted by Mike McDermott Download today's sports coverOn today's sports cover, Paul Kenyon and Steven Krasner both sing the praises of Jacoby Ellsbury, who did just about everything he could do to help the Red Sox to their sixth straight win. Kevin McNamara interviews some Celtics players and finds that, talent aside, they are giving a lot of credit for their success to head coach Doc Rivers. And Shalise Manza Young reviews the Patriots' history of draft weekend trades. Click here to download the file in pdf format.
Posted by Mike McDermott April 22, 2008
Tonight: HSGameTime girls indoor track All-StatesTonight at 6, you can find the 2008 HSGameTime Providence Journal All-State girls indoor track team online at www.hsgametime.com/rhodeisland. We asked each of our first-team selections to fill out a personal survey with questions including favorite TV show, favorite subject in school, and something people would be surprised to know about me. The athletes' answers, as well as audio clips of the athletes talking about what inspired them this past season, will accompany their bios on their own personal pages. Also, you will find full listings for second-team, All-Division and Academic All-State selections. The All-State girls indoor track page in The Providence Journal will run tomorrow. Here is the full schedule for the All-State teams. The teams will be revealed at 6 p.m. each day online, and in the following day's newspaper. Online now: Wrestling, gymnastics, cheerleading, girls basketball, boys basketball
Posted by Mike McDermott KG wins Defensive Player of the Year award The Celtics’ Kevin Garnett is the recipient of the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year Award, the team announced today.
Posted by Kevin Chara a finalist for Norris TrophyTORONTO (AP) - Only Zdeno Chara and Dion Phaneuf stand in the way of Nicklas Lidstrom winning a sixth Norris Trophy. The three finalists for the award that goes to the NHL's top defenseman were announced Tuesday. Lidstrom has won the honor five of the past six seasons. The Detroit Red Wings captain, who earned his ninth career nomination, is tied with Ray Bourque with five Norris Trophies. A sixth would leave him alone in third place behind arguably the two greatest blue-liners ever - Doug Harvey (seven Norris Trophies) and Bobby Orr (eight). Lidstrom, who turns 38 Monday, led all NHL blue-liners with 70 points (10-60) in 76 games and a sensational plus-40 rating. He also led the Wings to the stingiest defensive record in the NHL this season. The 31-year-old Chara earned his second nomination. He had a career-high 51 points (17-34) in 77 games for Boston, had a plus-14 rating and was third in ice time among NHL defensemen at 26:50 per game. He was instrumental in helping the Bruins make the playoffs. Phaneuf also set a career best with 60 points (17-43) in 82 games for the Calgary Flames, fifth among NHL defensemen. The 23-year-old also had a plus-12 rating and played 26:25 a game in only his third NHL season. The Calder Trophy finalists for rookie of the year will be announced Wednesday.
Posted by Mike McDermott Rowing fans in store for a treatFans of intercollegiate rowing should plan on being on the banks of the Narrow River in North Kingstown and the Seekonk River in Providence Saturday to watch the University of Rhode Island women and the Brown University men. URI, fresh from its first Atlantic 10 championship, will row against MIT on the Narrow River in its second and final set of races on its home waters. The Rams snapped the 12-year reign of the University of Massachusetts as A-10 champion with a spectacular day of rowing on the Cooper River in Camden, N.J. Rhody boats won the Varsity Eight, Varsity Four and Lightweight Four, finished second in Second Varsity Eight and Second Novice Eight, came in third third in Novice Eight and finished fourth in Lightweight Eight and Quad. URI accumulated 135 points. UMass was second with 119 and Saint Joseph's third with 113. UMass's 12-year championship streak was the longest in any A-10 sport. URI's Shelagh Donohue was voted A-10 coach of the year for the second consecutive year. Brown, the second-ranked men's crew in the nation, will host Dartmouth on the Seekonk. The Bears beat seventh-ranked Northeastern in the 44th Annual Dreissigacker Cup Saturday on the Charles River in Boston. Brown's varisty eight remained undefeated, and the second varsity and freshman teams also won. The Brown women, reigning NCAA national champions, will row against Cornell and Columbia at Ithaca, N.Y., on Saturday. They won six races on the Charles River Saturday, leaving Gonzaga, Boston University, Notre Dame, Northeastern and Texas in their wake.
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