Barstool Blog

March Madness

It's a beautiful March day in New England, which means two things...1) we're likely to get pounded by 10 inches of snow within the next week, and 2) the NCAA tournament is on the horizon.  This week, the conference tournaments are in full-swing, and the "bubble" teams are making a final push for one of those tournamanent bids.  I'm not willing to call this tourney the greatest in sports, but those first couple of days are tough to beat.  There's something beautiful about throwing 64 teams into a single tournament and letting them go at it.  You have perrenial powerhouses taking on small schools, some of whom have never qualified, and others who may never get there again. If that's not enough, this tournament is filled with kids who know they will never play another competive game in their lives.  That's not to mention the millions of office pools, illegal gambling, and unproductive hours at work throughout the tournament.  March Madness is everything that's right with organized athletics, and must-see TV for (most) sport's fans.

Bruins

Although they haven't been playing too bad, I thought the aftermath of Saturday's cheap-shot on Marc Savard was downright atrocious.  With they're best player laying motionless on the ice, after the most blatant blind-side elbow, the rest of the Bruins proceeded to skate around aimlessly, while the player that delievered the hit skated away unscathered.  If that wasn't bad enough, the team continued to play for another five minutes without any retaliation whatsoever.  I'm not sure if that falls on the coach or the players, but, either way, that was a clear sign that this team is dead.  There's no emotion, passion, or fire.  Time to start bookin' those tee-times boys, and preparing for the draft, because this team is cooked.  I really do pity Bruins fans, who are maybe the most loyal of any in this town.  That owner is an absolute crooke with no intention of ever repaying those fans who have unconditionally supprted his sh*tty product for decades.  Unfortunately, these fans love hockey too much, and many would never consider not showing up at the Garden for home games.  But, that's likely the only way this team will pay to keep their good players, and maybe make it out of the second round.  This owner is a businessman, and until they get rid of him, I foresee an other 30 years miring in mediocrity.

Patriots

Score one for the good guys.  After years of pro-bowl caliber performance, nose-tackle Vince Wilfork, finally got paid by the (politely speaking) cash-conscious Patriots.  It's a positive sign that they(the Patriots) are willing to poney-up for players that deserve to get paid, especially for good character guys like Wilfork.  Luckily, the Patriots weren't done there, eventually inking their leading sacker, Tully Banta-Cain, and Guard Stephen Neal to extensions.  It also appears that cornerback Leigh Bodden is going to be returning, which is good news considering the lack of free-agent corners on the current market.  It's clearly a good thing to re-sign some of our own guys, but somewhat disappointing we haven't brought in any new faces to a team that couldn't measure-up with the league's elite teams just a year ago.  It's difficult to ignore what's going on 200 miles down Interstate 95, where the Jets continue to bolster their roster and take aim at the AFC East Champion Patriots.  Nearly half of the Jets defensive starters have been All-Pros in their respective careers, not pro-bowlers, All-pros.  That's a scary proposition for opposing offenses who will have to deal with relentless pressure, and a the best corner-tandem in football, in Revis and Cromartie.   

Last night, Team Canada finished their quest for Olympic gold, and in doing so, regained the throne as the undisputed kings of the ice.  Congrats to all those Candians, you can now go back to being one of the world's largest and most insignificant nations, which is something you've mastered even more than your beloved game of hockey.  Never has a country completely mocked itself more than during last night's closing ceremony, highlighted by dancing mounties, and giant blow-up beavers.  Um, really guys?  I must admit, I didn't see the game, but I managed to find updates throughout the contest, including Sidney Crosby's game winner in the extra-frame.  Sounds like it was a classic, but obviously a difficult defeat for the U.S.  Although it is laughable to feel too bad for a bunch of professionals, who still have a chance a hockey's greatest prize, the Stanley Cup.  It is still the greatest prize in the sport, right?  At least that's what I've been told repeatedly over the last 15 years by hockey fans.  But, over the last couple of weeks, these same people were claiming that Olympic gold is the pinnacle of the sport.  Can you make up your minds, please?  Oh, and for all those screwballs that think that the Olympics has sucessfully catapulted hockey into the average sport's fans radar, keep on dreaming.  If you think that people below the state of Pennsylvania were even mildly interested in that game yesterday, you're crazy.  Our perception is slightly skewed in these parts, where hockey is popular, and people were unquestionably tuned in yesterday.  But the same can't be said for the likes of Tallahassee, San Diego, Phoenix, and Dallas, where this sport will never completely catch-on.  Here's a suggestion to the NHL, get rid of half of these teams, in cities where people don't care.  In doing so, you will raise the level of talent, and ultimately put-forth a better product. The fact is, the game is extremely watered down, and has been for quite some time.  Too many teams, and not enough talent to create a strong product have killed this sport since about '94.  Also, it's difficult to market hockey players, with masks covering their faces, and names like Alexander Ovechkin, or Zdeno Chara not exactly rolling off the tongue, like Tiger, Tom Brady or Derek Jeter.  But the NHL still needs to find a way for these names and faces to enter our collective sports vocabularies. 

Bruins

With the Olympic games officially coming to a close, the Boston Bruins will now enter their most crucial strectch of the year, hopefully taking aim at one of those elusive playoff spots.  As you may, or may not remember, the B's had a difficult time throughout January, and parts of February, eventually free-falling through the eastern conference standings.  But, just prior to their three-week Olympic hiatus, they seemed to find their game, and mustered a few points to climb back into the playoff picture.  Now, the B's will need to continue to improve their play, and possibly alter their roster via the NHL's trading deadline.  Although this year's biggest fish, Ilya Kovalchuk, has alrady been shipped elsewhere, there are still some potential additions that could solidy their defense, or add some firepower up front.  However, I feel as though GM Peter Chiarelli feels this team, as currently constituted, is capable of returning to a similar level that helped them reach the conference semi-finals just a year ago.  There is also the lure of a talented pool of players entering this year's draft, and with the Bruins expected to have a lottery pick, Chiarelli may be opposed to mortgaging the future by making a trade at the deadline.  We'll see, either way, I'm very curious to see how this team finshes off their current campaign.

Basketball

Is is possible to write a post without some form of commentary on the Celtics?  Let's find out.   With gang-green continuing to look like the epitome of "paper champions", I went to quench my thirst for some hoops by attentding the Andover/Central tournament game.  First off, what an unbelievable atmosphere, there's something about the energy and raw emotion of one these contests, it's extremely refreshing when you consider all of the money and ego's that have flooded professional sports.  I went with a couple of friends, former Andover grads, and we somehow found ourselves in enemy territory, right in the middle of the Central student section.  Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately for that matter, there wasn't a whole lot for us to cheer about, as Central pretty much controlled this game from the tip.  I believe their first four shots were successful 3-pointers, which consequently broke the will of the visiting Golden Warriors.  Central has donimated that conference for quite some time, which leads me to beleive that maybe they should find a different conference.  It's somewhat difficult for towns, such as Andover, to compete with a school that basically has the ability to recruit players.  Among those players, was the 7' Carson DesRosiers, a heaveily recruited big-man, with a nice-touch around the basket.  Carson is headed to Wake Forest University in the fall on scholarship.  Not too sure, but I'd be highly suprised if anyone on the Andover squad is even invited to try out for a division II school, nevermind an ACC powerhouse like Wake Forest.  This kid was swatting away shots from every angle, which isn't too difficult considering he was close to 6-8 inches taller than anyone Andover could throw at him.  Carson is clearly enjoying his time playing inferior talent, but something tells me he's in for a rude awakening when he gets down south, and the playing field is whole-lot more even.  This kid will need to add a little more to his frame, but skill-wise he has a lot going for him, with the ability to post-up and take it behind the 3-point arc.  I'm not a scout, but I was a little concerned about his unwillingness to demand the ball.  I'm all for "team" guys, but if you have a legit 7-footer, and no one that can guard him, he should be gettin the ball, in the block on every possession.  Either that coach is an idiot, which is doubtful, or the player just isn't agressive.  Again, he's got a nice game, and believe me it was on display, but if he doesn't develop the mindset of a true-center, he's going to end up the token "white-stiff" for those Demon Deacons at Wake Forest.  

Time to put the shamrock boxer-shorts and green kool-aid away.  I am officially in panic mode with this team.  Fresh off a demoralizing loss to the Nets, yes, one of the worst teams in league history, the Celtics appear to have hit rock bottom.  Yesterday, the green-team looked uninspired, disinterested, and  uncharacteristically sloppy.  Those are three words we haven't used in the modern Big 3 era, but as Bob Dylan told us - the times they are a-changin.  Never has that sentiment been more apparent than during saturday's matinee on Causeway St., where the boo-birds reinged down on the C's, and rightfully so.  Right from the opening-tip you could tell this one wasn't going to go well, unfortunately, it maneged to get progressively worse as the clock-ticked, and the Celtics somehow made the lowly Nets look like the '96 Bulls.

Although the absence of Paul Pierce may provide an excuse for their poor-showings over the last two games, there are obviously deeper issues on this team, and no one, not even the coach, seems to have the remedies.  First, the Celtics have showed an alarming inability to play a full 48 minutes.  They seem to either come out of the gates hot, and eventually collapse, or think they can just wait for the fourth quarter to start competing.  Thats not how it works, and they need to look no further than their success from two years ago, when they throttled everyone in there path, playing every game, every possession like it was their last.  For whatever reason, the effort just isn't there on a consistent basis.  But hey, as a former overweight, overpaid 7-footer, Eddie Curry, from the Knicks once said,  "effort's a funny thing; somedays it's there, somedays it just isn't".  Next, let's get off the coach's case, who, much like the fans, can only sit back helplessly and watch these debacles unfold.  Amazingly, the message baords have been flooded with fans calling for Rivers' head, as they seemingly can't wrap their minds around this team's sudden incompetence.  Lastly, yesterday marked the 456th time that Kevin Garnett has headed to the bench, grimmacing, and clutching that right knee...not good, folks, not good.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again; this team goes nowhere without KG being completely healthy, and at this juncture, I'm less than optimistic.  With Garnett, Pierce, and Allen all dealing with injuries, and just the effects of age in general, the Big 3 are likely starting to feel more like the Golden Girls.

USA/Canada

Can't say I'm overly joyed about this game, as I've made a conscious effort to avoid olympic coverage at all costs.  But, if I did decide to watch an event, it would be today's gold medal hockey game.  The first meeting was pretty exciting, and I'm sure those Candians will be looking for revenge against the Yanks today in Vancouver.  It has the potential to be a great hockey game, not, I repeat, not a reincarnation of the 1980 Olympics, when a group of kids representing the US took down the mighty russians, and their team of professionals.  That was special.  This is not.  In today's game, both the US and Candadian teams will be litered with premier NHL talent, mkaing this more of a glorified all-star game with flags, than a David slaying Goliath scenario like 1980's "miracle on ice".  It might be entertaining, however, to watch the Canadians lose(again) at their own game, in front of their own fans, no-less.  Is it me, or do those frauds think that they are simply entitled?  Just because they're Canada?  Oh boo-hoo, hockey was only good-thing to ever come out of that country, and now it's killing them that the rest of the world has caught up, and loves sticking it to them any chance they get.  Anyways, let's get this game over with, hand out the hardware, wrap up those overly theartical closing ceremonies and get back to both the NHL and NBA stretch runs.

  The biggest story of the weekend, sports or otherwise, is the re-emergence of Mr. Tiger Woods after a near three month hiatus stemming from some "personal" issues.  Unfortunately for Tiger, his personal issues are viewed, and discussed on a global scale, which is a small price to pay for being the most lucrative, and recognizable athlete on the planet.  When grandmothers, housewives, and people who pay little or no attention to the world of sports know who you are, as in Tiger's case, you have officially entered celebrity status, essentially making you fair game for the media and tabloids alike.  So, when get caught cheating on your wife, with over a dozen women no less, expect to see your mug on the forefront of every media outlet imaginable.  Tiger may not think it's justified, he may believe that these issues should remain in the confines of his home, but that's not how it works.  The people that watch his tournaments, buy his products, and show unwavering support have helped fund all of the cars, houses, and yachts he has enjoyed over the last 10+ years, and now they want answers.  But, that's the primary dilemma, Tiger has never had to do anything he didn't want, so the notion of being forced to apologize is extremely unnerving for him, which is why yesterday's statement from Tiger was noticeably bitter and disingenuous.  Similar to a 5 year old who is forced to applogize by his nagging mother, Tiger was simply going through the motions, so to speak.  Throw in a couple of "on the brink of tears" moments, and a big hug from his mom, and I'm getting nauseous all over again.

  The big winner from yesterday's presser was Tiger's wife, Elin, who did not accompany her husband to the podium.  Unlike the shamed celebrity wives who have come before her, Elin has elected to not look like a complete and utter buffoon by unconditionally supporting her husband through this ordeal.  Obviously it remains to be seen whether or not she sticks around, but yesterday was a crucial step for all women in similar situation, proving that keeping your dignity in tact is a great alternative to accepting money, bling, or cars in exchange for silence (see Vanessa Bryant, and countless wives of athletes/politicians).  Elin may choose to stay with Woods, and if she does I pity her, but at least she has managed to keep a portion of her pride to this point, and that's pretty refreshing in this day and age.  It's frightening to think about the role models that current adolescent girls have to look up to.  Whether they are looking at girls being sexually promiscuous, abused, or otherwise manipulated, the female youth of America have a less than desirable field of role models to choose from.  That's not to imply that it's all gloom and doom for these girls, but a strong female figure, such as Elin in this context, could be a tremendous force moving forward.

  Now, it's on to the most unpredictable team in sports, the Boston Celtics.  A team that just a week ago looked completely toast, has turned in three huge wins on arguably their toughest road trip of the year.  The trade deadline has passed, and this team looks refocused and ready to reclaim their position amongst the NBA's elite clubs.  Since returning from the all-star break this team has started to play defense with a purpose, conjuring up memories of performances past, and making me giddy in the process.  Last night was likely their most complete game of the season, a full 48 minute display of effort, and playing as a cohesive unit.  Most importantly is the play of Kevin Garnett, which has visibly improved over the last two games.  He appears to have regained some of that lateral movement and explosion that make him so effective on the hardwood.  But above all else, KG has found some of the fire that this team has so desperately lacked.  He's out there barkin', cursing, and employing all of the other intangibles that set him apart.  Again, I don't know if that knee will ever return to full strength, but if it continues to improve, watch out.  Also, glad to Ray Allen rediscover his shooting touch last night.  At one point when Ray was completely zoned in, I saw him run past the Celtics bench shrugging his shoulders, and uttering the words "I'm hot".  In other words, he told his coach to keep the rest of the starters on the bench, and ride the hot-hand, which is precisely what they did.  Lastly, a shout-out to Eddie House, the recently traded Celtic's guard, who undoubtedly played a major role in the franchise's 17th banner.  I'll never forget the daggers Eddie threw at the Lakers in the '08 Finals, or the Garden crowd chanting his name after one of his 3-point barrages.  Thanks for the memories, Eddie, you will be missed.  On the other side of that trade is newly aquired Nate Robinson, a 5'8" spark-plug who should be able to give our bench instant energy and points.  Also, watch out for a Rondo/Robinson backcourt in ball-pressure situations, especially in tight games.

  Alright baby, this is it, tonight is the night.  I'm guessing I have uttered these very words somehwere between 2-4 times a week over the last month.  Every time I thought they (the celtics) were "back" they proceeded to fall flat on their face shortly thereafter.  They would play virtually flawless through the first half, only to completely fall apart in the final two frames.  This has been the Celtics identity since christmas, and the primary reason why the rest of the country has officially written them off, but not this dude. 

  As the Celtics begin a crucial west-coast swing tonight in Sacramento, many fans will be wondering if the team can start to turn things around.  Never has a road game in Sacramento carried so much importance for the Celtics, who will likely use this trip as a barometer for the rest of the season.  The green-team will be playing in hostile environments, while facing some of the best clubs the association has to offer, including Denver and the Lakers.  Hopefully the all-star break was enough time to regroup, drop some of those bad habits, and ultimately forget just how poorly the team performed in the first half of the season.  If I'm Doc Rivers, I revert to training-camp mentality, literally starting over.  We hear about this approach mainly in football, but it may be time to break this group down before attempting to build them back up again.  This team started off the year great, and has a wealth of talent, so it's plausible that the majority of their issues are of the mental variety.  If they can start to get back to the fundamentals and this notion of actually playing for each other, I still think the sky is the limit.

  It's worth noting that this road trip is going to coincide with the NBA's trading deadline, and there is no shortage of rumors surrounding the Celtics.  Then again, with Danny Ainge as your GM, your team is always going to be workin' the phones as the deadline looms.  In recent years, Ainge has accompanied the team on this trip, and with gang green heading into Arco Arena tonight, there has to be some specualtion of a face-to-face meeting between Ainge and King's GM Geofff Petrie regarding a potential Ray Allen/Kevin Martin swap.  There's no doubt that Martin, an athletic wing player, is rather high on Danny's wish list, and Ray's contract would be extremely enticing for a team looking to dump salary, such as Sacramento. 

  Kevin Martin is an enticing player for the Celtics as they look to contend this year, and hopefully remain competitive in the future when some of their older vets decline in production.  Martin could be a nice bridge into the future as the window for this current roster is continuously closing.  I do, however, have reservations about Martin being a savior for the current season.  People need to remember that Ray Allen is not the problem with this team.  He is currently mired in a little slump, but this is what happens to shoooters, they go cold.  If people think Ray Allen suddenly forgot how to shoot they're crazy, and I would argue that of the "BIG 3" Mr. Allen is the surest bet to return to the form he was in two years ago.  It's the other two we need to be concerned about, and if they don't, you can bring back Bird in his prime, and it wouldn't make a difference.  Finally, there are other smaller deals that Danny could be contemplating, inlcuding finding a back-up point guard, or another big off the bench.  In regard to these scenarios, the Celtics do have some other expiring deals(Scalabrine, House, and Tony Allen) and mid-level talent(Glen Davis,and a future pick) to offer in exchange.  I know Ainge has been enamored with the likes of Nate Robinson, Kirk Hinrich, and DJ Augustin possibly filling that void behind Rondo, so keep an eye on those names in the next couple of days.

  Almost one week removed from one of the most enjoyable non-Patriot football games ever, Super Bowl XLIV and I'm still in sports heaven.  Throughout the country people are celebrating the cinderella Saints, unless you're in New England where we're primarily focused on Manning and the Colt's sudden descent from the top of the leagues landscape.  Amen New England, there is a football god afterall.  Watching Tracy Porter return that pick was complete and utter sports ecstasy for this bitter Pats fan, a true sports-gasm in every sense.  When you can't win it all you may as well bask in your rivals misery.  All, or at least most of the pain and suffering from our Super Bowl loss just two years ago, had been passed on to all of those whiney frauds from Indianapolis.  I know Dungy, Manning, Irsay and Polian were elated when the Giants stole our chance at a perfect season, and football immortatily, so, to all of them I say enjoy the long offseason as the rightful owner of second place(or first loser) in the league.

  As the confetti rained down on the boys from the Bayou late Sunday evening, the 2009 season officially came to a close, which was good news for the other 31 teams who ultimately fell short of their pre-season aspirations.  Of those teams, no one should be happier than the Patriots who finished the season in embarrassing fashion, a wax job in front of their home fans, in a stadium that they had been virtually invincible in over the last 8 years.  It seemingly signfified the end of an era, as the perrenially feared Patriots looked rather pedestrian throughout their 2009 campaign.  With 2009 officially in the books, GM's throughout the league will turn their collective attention to the draft and the impending free-agent period.  This is likely the most crucial juncture in the Patriots 2010 season, as whole-sale changes need to be made in order to return to the "legitimate contender" status we have become accustomed to around these parts.  Once again, the Pats are loaded with a heavy aresnal of picks for the draft, which could also be used in upgrading their draft position, or even trades for proven veterans.  Recently the Patriots have not drafted well, or sometime not at all, over the past several league drafts.  As the teams unhealthy obsession with "value" has increased, so has there willingness to draft big-time prospects, and their often weighty salaries.  While this philosophy was fine during those dynasty years, it has seemingly become slightly stale to the fans, who have watched the Patriots settle for mid-level picks, and consequently mediocre talent in the process.

    As the fan base continues to get frustrated with their team's frugal approach to altering the roster, the honeymoon phase that the Kraft/Belichick tandem has earned will eventually fade, with those 3 superbowl titles moving into a more distant memory.  We all know the team's weaknesses, and the potential players that could fill those spots via free-agency or the draft.  If we enter this season with a similar roster to last season we are in serious sh*t, and I can't emphasize that statement more.  Sorry, but if Tully Banta-Cain is going to be our primary pass rusher again, than you may as well add about three more top-flight recievers for Brady, because this team will need to score 50 points a game in order to win.  It's time to get some studs on that defense to get after the quarterback, and force turnovers, which is the key to winning every game.  There are some good prospects on that defense, such as Mayo and Meriweather, but I would argue that both have been slightly overrated due to the lack of talent surrounding them.  As much as I like Mayo's game, he doesn't appear to be the run stuffing/pass rushing middle linebacker that we need.  And for every interception, or big-stick Brandon Meriweather lays on an opponent, he gets toasted twice in coverage or misses an open-field tackle, so he still has some developing to do.  The most interesting thing regarding this offseason is the approach the team takes towards Vince Wilfork, who has been hoping for a long term contract during the past two summers.  If the Patriots slap the franchise on Vince again all bets are off, as they will likely have to deal with a disgruntled veteran the entire season. Something they need to be very wary of(see Adalius Thomas circa 2009). Vince has clearly earned a contract, and in giving him one, the Patriots could take steps towards repairing their image amongst the leagues players as being "cheap".

  Finally, amidst all of the trade speculation concering Celtic guard Ray Allen, the team(currently on hiatus for the all-star break) must be wondering if they will play another game as currently constituted.  As we know, this year's edition of gang green is really struggling of late, and Mr. Ainge may be forced to "shake things up" before the stretch run.  With Ray's contract offering serious cap relief for other teams, he may become the scapegoat for this team's poor play.  I've felt that Ray would be traded before next week's deadline for quite some time now, so I won't be suprised to see a totally new look Celtics in a matter of weeks.  If this is the end for Ray then I would like to thank him for his time on this team, and his unquestioned help in winning our last championship.  Ray is a great player, but an even better ambassador for the league, and the game of basketball.  As the NBA's reputation plummeted in the mid to late 90's, Ray Allen seemed to be the antithesis to all of it.  Young players were trying to mimick many aspects of his game, but they may have been better served imitating his off-court actions, becoming better citizens in the process.  As the trade winds keep on whirling, keep your eye on players such as Kevin Martin, Andre Iguodala, Caron Butler, and Luol Deng in an exchange for Allen.  Trade or no trade this team's playoff success is still firmly on the shoulders of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, and their ailing body parts.

Bruins

  The Bruins droppped their ninth straight on thursday night, this time falling to the Habs, making the loss even more painful.  The B's have won only two games since the Winter classic, a game many thought would be a turning point for the team.  On the same night the B's suffered that historic loss, Ilya Kovalchuk, the highly sought-after Atlanta Thrasher's winger, is shipped to division rival New Jersey.  As the losses pile up, GM Peter Chiarelli may feel the pressure to trade his coveted draft picks before this year's trading deadline.  This team is desperately waiting for the Olympic break in hopes that the time-off will allow them to recuperate and make an attempt at climbing the standings in the East. 

Celtics

    Things are going considerably better for the green team when compared to the Bruins.  Although a three game win streak is always nice, it's hard to get too excited over wins against the Wiz, Heat, and Nets.  On the bright side, they seem to be closing out games with much more energy and confidence.  Unfortunately, there are still some rather alarming things that I am taking from these games.  Most importantly is Garnett's health, which is clearly still a major concern for this club.  At times he appeas to be moving with some fluidity, but is still lacking the explosion and lateral speed that make him the best defensive big-man in the game.  I am officially concerned that KG may never return to true form.  There are a lot of miles on that body, and any variety of leg injury to a 7+ footer is never good.  In other sports, players are capable of playing through injuries, but in basketball it seems to be a rare occurence.  Many would argue that the players are tougher, which is fine, but when a basketball player isn't equipped with their full-range of motion, or ability to explode vertically, the other team is going to recognize it and inevitably exploit the injury.  If, and when this team returns to full strength they will compete.  Until then, they will probably appear very average, beating the bad teams, and losing to the contenders.

Super Bowl XLIV

  I'm going to keep this short, because I refuse to talk about Peyton Manning for more than a few minutes.  Although I would love to see the Saints pull this one out, mainly to ease to the pain of a horrible Pat's season by watching Peyton suffer the ultimte dissapoointment in sports, I just don't see it becoming a reality.  I'm hoping for a good game, but wouldn't be surprised to see the Colts carve this team up, making for an almost unbearable viewing experience for Patriot fans.  Hopefully watching the Colts win their second title since the Patriots last SB victory in '05 will serve as extra motivation for Brady and Co. to get back to the pinnacle of the league. 

Prediction:  Colts 35  Saints 19

  The month of January was noticably bitter for our Winter sports teams.  Both the Bruins and Celtics turned in rather forgettable performances since the beginning of the new decade, and each franchise will need to make considerable changes in their play if they are to return to form, and make some noise in their respective leagues.  I would argue that both teams have the talent to make legitimate playoff runs, so the necessary changes may end up being partially tactical, but mostly based on maintaining health and ultimately building chemistry.  Other fans, or casual viewers, are resigned to making major changes, in the form of blockbuster trades, and potentially mortgaging the future.  Both teams occupying the TD Garden have the ammunation to make a move, so it will be interesting to see what Chiarelli and Ainge do as the NHL and NBA trading deadlines loom.

  The Bruins have been bitten by injuries, and are currently struggling to keep pace in the Eastern Confernce's playoff chase, while the B's faithful are left wondering what happened to the team that dominated the East just a year ago.  Many can point to the lack of scoring, and the loss of Phil Kessel as the Bruins primary flaw, but Chiarelli had little or no choice but to move the discontent forward, who made it clear that he wanted out of Boston.  In fact, the Bruins GM did rather well in getting a first round pick in the next to drafts from Toronto in exchange for Kessel.  In turn, the B's front office have successfully accumulated enough "chips" to acquire an impact player in a trade.  Making the trade may seem like a no-brainer for some, with the likes of Ilya Kovalchuk reportedly on the training block, but Chiarelli may believe his impact player is waiting in this year's NHL draft. But, as his team continues to struggle and fans get restless, he may be forced into dealing those assets at the deadline, in an attempt to save the current season, and possibly his job.  If the Bruins can start to play well, before the Olympic Break, the GM's job will become much easier, with the notion of standing-pat at the trade deadline becoming a more viable option.  If, however, their current woes continue, the idea of draft picks and potential, becomes extremely difficult for fans to digest.  And with the uncertainty of aquiring talent via the draft, the Bruins future may appear mirky at best.

  With Ray Allen in the final year of a near-max contract, the Celtics are no-doubt fielding calls from teams looking to gain cap-space with the help a large expiring deal like Allen's.  This contract could be just as useful to the Celtics, who may look to get younger this offseason, and would be most likely to do so with the help of this summer's free agent class.  But, the Celtics have been playing poorly of late, and may be able to acquire that younger talent before the deadline, giving the team ample time to salvage this season's title hopes.  As the Celtics struggled against some of the league's premier competition over the weekend, C's President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge may have been the one initiating the trade-calls.  This is a guy who once told Red Auerbach to trade Bird and McHale while they still had value.  It was likely laughed off at the time, but after watching the deterioration of the original "Big 3" in the early '90's, it's hard to dispute Ainge's earlier sentiments.  Ainge is always searching for ways to improve his club, and if he can find a move that makes both economic, and basketball sense, there's no doubt he'll do it.  This guy doesn't get blinded by loyalty, which can lead to bad contracts, and overall poor judgement when running an organization.  He is solely focused on improving the team, and that is precislely what every fan should want from their GM.  The 6'5" Allen has been a great player for the Celtics, and likely an even greater person for the game of basketball, but the best time to move him may be now, so Celtic's brass is likely kickin' the tires on many possibilities going forward. 

  On Friday night the Atlanta Hawks completed the regular season sweep of the Celtics.  Apparently they are still stewing over that first round exit we handed them two seasons ago, as they clearly raise their level of play when given the opportunity to silence some of the C's biggest trash talkers in Garnett, Pierce, and Rasheed Wallace.  What a difference a few years makes.  In the 2008 playoffs, after the Celtics trounced the Hawks in Game 7 at the Garden, the C's snickered at the notion of a renewed Hawks/Celtics rivalry.  It turns out the Celtics may have been on to something, because two years later and it still isn't a rivalry because the Hawks officially own the Celtics.  Two games at home, two on the road, four extremely dibilitating losses that have left the Celtics looking for answers.  Unfortunately, there isn't much time to dwell with the defending World Champion Lakers coming to town on Sunday.

  At this point, most Celtic fans have either hit the panic button or have their hand in the ready position.  Aside from Marquis Daniels, the team is almost completely healthy, yet at the end of some of these recent games they look like a banged up, and tired group.  It is concerning that this team can't seem to finish a game, especially after playing so well through the first 3 quarters or so.  Two years ago the Celtics would suffocate teams before they could show any signs of mounting a comeback against them.  They would enter halftime up by 15, and finish the third quarter with a 25 point cushion. They literally never stopped imposing their will.  Recently they don't have that same mentality.  Maybe it's health, maybe it's not being hungry, or maybe their just gettting older.  I really don't know at this point.  But, I do have a hard time believing that this team is just going to completely fall apart.  I mean, they came out of the gates as the best team in basketball, and there is way too much character, and pride in that lockerroom for things to derail this abruptly.

  So, it's two games into the C's most crucial 3-game stretch, and their 0-2.  If KG and Co. are tired of hearing that their window of opportunity is closing, they will need to beat the Lakers tomorrow afternoon.  If Eddie house makes a few shots, Rasheed actually plays in the paint, and they eliminate the fourth quarter turnovers things might be a whole lot easier for them during tomorrow's matinee.  Time for the Celts to get some of that "swag" back that helped them become the most hated team in the association.  Another loss could be devastating, especially with the trade-deadline looming, and a GM who is always willing to listen to offers.

  The NBA All-Star game is fast approaching, which brings the Celtics season to somewhere near the half-way point, and about 10 games off the pace of 72 wins, sorry Rasheed.  In Heinsight, all of those pre-season prognosticatons may seem silly now, but there were some discussions of this club flirting with that mark held by the '96 Bulls.  A couple of months, and a plethora of injuries later and this year's edition of the Green Team are virtually limping into the break. Big Baby misses the first two months, Marquis Daniels hardly played at all, and KG racked up the DNP's with (oh no, don't tell me) another leg injury.  These unfortunate setbacks, coupled with the teams seeming inability to play well at home, and we should probably be content with holding the 2nd best record in the conference.

  Despite the injuries and the occasional lack of chemistry, there is a silver-lining; the fact that it is January, not April.  This team has ample time to get healthy, reel off some wins, and officially put LeBron, Kobe, and the rest of the association on notice, that the C's are on mission to regain the Larry O'Brien Trophy in June.  The Celtics have one major advantage over other teams in the league; they understand that if the play defense, they will win.  It sounds simple, but most teams in the NBA really haven't figured that whole concept out.  Every team in the league can put up points, which is why on any given night, any team can win.  However, the teams that consistently play defense give themselves a chance to win every night, regardless of how they are playing offensively.  With one of the best defensive big men of all time, Kevin Garnett, along with Rondo's speed and ability to get into passing lanes, the Celtics already have some of the essential components of a great defensive team.  When you add in a defensive minded coach, a great interior presence in Perkins, and a couple of future hall of famers in Pierce and Allen who have completely bought into the defensive mindset, the Celtics have little excuse for not reaching their final destination. 

  Interestingly there is even more incentive for the guys to play great 'D', it ultimately leads to fast-break points, transition threes, and 12-20 point runs that can instantly break your opponents will.  When KG and Perk are blocking shots, and Rondo's causing havoc with his long arms and speed, this team is at it's best.  There is nothing more demoralizing than losing the ball on a few possesions and watching your opponent score 6, 10, or even 15 unanswered points.  It's not only basketball at it's best, but it's Celtics basketball at it's best, and it's our only chance at another championship.

  The NFC title game figures to be a shoot-out between to of the most explosive quarterbacks in football, the Saints' Drew Brees and Brett Favre of the Minnnesota Vikings.  Both teams can (and will) find the endzone, but neither defense should be overlooked, with both having the capability of causing turnovers, awarding their quarterbacks with great field position, and even finding pay-dirt.  On paper, this looks like a wash, but New Orleans may possess the 'x' factor, in the form of the nearly 75,000 Saints fans that have been patiently waiting their chance to become Superbowl contenders, not just long time, gracious hosts of the leagues geatest show.  There are a lot of loud stadiums in the league, and today two of the loudest will be on display, in Lucas Oil Field and the Superdome.  While Indianapolis, with maybe a little artificial help is going to be extremely racous, it's difficult to imagine anything being loader than the "Dome", as it's referred to by the natives.  And those natives have a lot to cheer about, as a trip to the superbowl may be the most symbolic manner for the entire state of Lousianna to say "we're back", after the lasting effects of Hurrican Katrina just a few years ago.

  Much like the Saints, the Minnesota Vikings have long waited for a shot at the Vince Lombardi Trophy.  And much like the Saints they have the potential to become a Patriot fan's pick to beat either the Jets or Colts, unfortuately they have one of the most selfish, polarizing, and unlikable people in sports as their signal caller, Brett Favre.  I know that I physically can't take two full weeks of Brett Favre coverage, including stories of being a good ole' boy from the south, or just another guy in the locker room.  Throw in a couple of lame Wrangler commercials and I'm officially starting to get queezey, along with a couple hundred thousand Packer fans, who are likely still in disbelief that this jerk is possibly taking their most hated rival all the way to the superbowl.  If you think it sucks being a Patriots fan today, imagine being from Green Bay, Wisconsin, ouch.

Anways, it's prediction time, as Pre game shows are officially flooding the television networks.  I think the defenses in this game will cause some turnovers, and ulitamtely neutralize some of the big-plays by both offenses.  I've been waiting all year for Favre to give us a vintage performance and this week he will deliver, with maybe a fumble and let's say three picks, seemingly crapping his pants like he did in his last NFC Championship appearance in '08.  Prediction:  Vikings 20 Saints 31

   We're just a few days away from football's conference championships, and I'm struggling with the idea of pulling for either the Jets or Colts, which may ultimately become a game-time decision for me.  I'm pretty sure I'm not the only Patriots fan who is wrestling with this one, as two of our most hated rivals will be vying for a trip to South Beach.  On the one hand, we have the J-E-T-S, who have been our virtual punching bag over the last 8-10 years.  Well, maybe "punching bag" is a little harsh, I mean they have been competitive in some of those seasons, but we have basically owned that division over the last decade, and even Fireman Ed can't dispute that.  As much as it pains me to say it, this current Jet team does share some similarities to the '01 Patriots, who went on a cinderella run to their first superbowl title.  They may not be the best team in these playoffs, but their coach sure has them believing they are, and in the world of competive sports that still counts for something.  The fact is, those players would run through a wall for that guy, and with the speed and physical nature of that defense they just may present enough problems for Peyton and Co. to force the upset.

   Oh the other hand, there's the Colts, arguably our biggest nemesis over the past 10-15 years.  Although we may have had their number in the first part of the decade, things have seemingly turned in their favor since the '04 season, with the Colts always finding a way to come out on top in these matchups.  There have been some epic duels between these two team during that span.  Unfortunately, we have likely made a conscious effort to erase these game from our memory, as they have also become some of the most heartbreaking losses in Patriot history.  In fact, too painful for me to even go down the list, but I'll give you some words just to trigger your memories; Reche Caldwell, Marlin Jackson, and 4th and 2.  Anyways, the colts have now found a defense to complement their offense, a missing component during all the years they fell short at the hands of the Patriots.  Manning is playing the best football of his career, and if anyone can handle all of the blitzes and quirky packages Rex Ryan can dream of, it's him.  The Jets may come in loose and confident, but that won't get them very far if Manning is zoned in, and Sanchez can't handle the speed of the Colts D and that crowd noise inside the dome.

   Although I still don't know who to pull for, as I find the notion of either team in the superbowl nauseating, I do have an opinion on the eventual outcome of this game.  I think Manning may struggle with the Jet defense in the first half, but in-true Peyton fashion will make the proper adjustments and find a way to put points on the board.  This, coupled with a few Mark Sanchez turnovers, should put the colts through.  Prediction:  Jets 17  Colts 27

Not a bad day of sports to get this blog rollin', except if you're a New England Sports fan, who gets to look forward to an AFC championship game between the Colts and Jets.  The Jets?  Seriously?  As if getting fleeced by the Ravens last weekend wasn't bad enough, now we get to watch Rex Ryan do the truffle-shuffle all the way to Indianapolis, and dare I say Miami for the big dance.  Wow, just a few weeks ago the Jets were all but mathematically eliminated and now they're one game away from SB XXXIV. I guess Kevin Garnett was right, anythings possible.  But don't worry Pats fans, because if the Jets don't make it, we'll get to watch Peyton Manning in the Superbowl, along with the 48 different commercials he's currently featured in.  Are you excited for those Superbowl gatherings yet?  No?  Well, how does watching the biggest fraud in pro-sports, Brett Favre, go for his second superbowl trophy?  I mean it's easy to root for a guy who has officially retired/unretired every offseason since 1998.  This guy cares about one person, and that's himself, something Viking fans will understand when he holds the franchise hostage while he ponders his next retirement.  After analyzing all of the despressing potential scenarios for this years Superbowl, a provide you with a glimmer of hope, the New Orleans Saints.  If there is a New England Sports fan that isn't pulling for this team to go all the way then I strongly suggest you re-evaluate your sports allegiances.  Yea, I understand that you likely feel no ties to the boys from the bayou, but when you consider the alternatives, we all should be wearing black and gold next sunday, and right through to February 7, we hope.

Next, it's on to the green team.  In my opinion, our best chance at a title for at least the forseeable future is the Celtics.  And not because I drink the green kool-aid, wear Celtics boxer shorts, or have Rondo's autograph next to my bed, but because they're legit contenders.  Unfortunately, we really haven't seen what this team can do with major injuries ultimately impeeding the teams chemistry.  Hopefully, post all-star break this team will get healthy, solidify their rotation, and make another run at their 18th title.  One thing is certain, if the C's can get everyone back to full strength the sky is the limit, and there's no reason they shouldn't be rolling down Boylston st. in late June on those ridiculous duck boats.  Gotta love Beantown baby. 

That's all for now folks as I'm officially exhausted.  Hey, watching sports is hard work.