Taking you into the weekend, I've got four major thoughts on my mind about each of our big 4 teams, the Pats, Sox, B's, and C's. Tonight marks the beginning of an underrated sports weekend in Boston; the NBA draft is tonight with the NHL draft following tomorrow. The Sox open an exciting weekend series with the Giants in the Bay Area and the Pats continue to prep for upcoming training camp in July.
With that said...
Thought 1: The Mike Lowell situation is embarassing for everybody.
Period.
Mike Lowell is embarassing to watch. He's making an absolute selfish fool out of himself and I'm sick of looking at the sour puss face he's been sporting since opening day. Ever since he got the big ovation Easter night against New York for the opener, he has done nothing but frown ever since. It's likely Lowell took it to heart that Boston fans sympathize with his "situation," and he's felt sorry for himself since the fans seem to. Mike: get over it. You're going to moved sooner rather than later. You don't play in the lineup because you're useless in the field unless Youkilis and Beltre need days off (last I checked, they were our two best hitters this year). You can't hit anything but fastballs and you don't offer anything at the dish unless you're playing in Fenway.
Now, I love Mike Lowell to death. He was a great MVP and had a hell of a 2007. I respected him for the way he fought through 2008 with his busted hip. But this year has been embarassing for everybody. I sympathize that Theo most likely didn't want to re-sign him after 2007, probably assuming he'd take the 4-year offer from Philly. When Lowell re-signed here, Theo probably didn't jump with excitement. Nobody is winning here. Move the guy -- cut him if you have to. It's embarassing.
Thought 2: The Celtics should trade Perk if they can.
For all of you Celtics homers who love Perk to death and don't want to see the 'love him or hate him' big man go, it's time for a reality check. He's extremely one dimensional. Though he has gotten better over the past few years offensively, he is so challenged in that aspect of his game that Danny would be dumb NOT to look elsewhere. Perk not only lost his knee ligaments in LA, but he seemed to have lost his hands. Every pass Kendrick Perkins caught in the playoffs would hit the floor and roll away for a turnover. His technical fouls and willingness to complain may also be causing his welcome to be wearing down.
Perkins is an outstanding defender and has been an under-appreciated member for the starting five. But if Danny has a chance to get a more offensive minded big man in the draft, he should. It is pretty well known that Danny likes an offensive team and an offensive coach. That's why Tom Thibodeau left -- he'd never get a crack here if Doc left. If Ainge gets a more versatile big man or even front court help, he should do it. It doesn't help matters that Perkins may not contribute much next year. He's going to miss the first few months and as we've seen with Tony Allen, it takes time to come back from a torn ACL. I think Boston fans are familiar with those surgeries? I've seen enough of them.
Thought 3: The Bruins should be trusted right now
Ever since Cam Neely has taken over as President, it seems like the team's aggressive approach is finally showing. Peter Chiarelli pulled off a very good trade the other day (from what my hockey sources tell me), acquiring Nathan Horton (plenty of potential) for the lousy mangina that is Dennis Wideman. Neely is about to secure a franchise player tomorrow night, most likely Tyler Seguin. Bruins fans should be excited through the roof; there will be players that should excite every one in the stands to watch next fall. The thing to realize here: this isn't a Bruins team that stunk (1997?) and has a top pick. They're actually pretty good, and putting in a franchise player. God Bless.
Thought 4: The Patriots have nothing to worry about with Tom Brady
Tom Brady's contract negotiations seem to have Patriots fans checking their underwear for stains lately. Last I checked, Bill Belichick and Bob Kraft are pretty smart business men. That doesn't mean they overpay for guys, but doesn't mean they let Hall of Fame Quarterbacks in their prime go when there is no apprentice ready to take over the position. Do you actually think they're dumb enough to let Brady walk after this year? Do you really think he'll be sporting a San Francisco 49ers jersey, or a Vikings jersey?
They will get this deal done. They're being smart by letting Peyton Manning's situation iron itself out, along with Drew Brees. What do the 3 best QBs in football have in common? That's right. No contracts after next year. It'll work itself out. Bill Belichick is on the record calling Brady the best he's ever coached. That may seem a bit obvious, but why would he let that type of player go, especially when he knows Tommy 12 has carried his teams to three championships. Let the media and unqualified fans cry over it all of July; I'll be sitting on the beach knowing Brady will be here to stay.
Enjoy the weekend and thanks for reading as always.
JMO
I can't really blame Lowell. Yea, he shouldn't feel bad for himself, he's an aging player with plastic hips. But he was publicly shopped all offseason long (even traded once), and they've continued to let his name float around the rumor mill throughout the season. Eventually that type of treatment is gonna irk a player.
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