Like the leftovers at a sportswriters postgame spread, the links for pro sports today in the local papers are pretty slim pickings. High School football stories are all over the place, of course as is the tradition. From high up in the “Ivory Tower” that is BSMW, here’s a look at the scattered pro links from around Boston today.
The Patriots continue their preparation for the Ravens, Tom E Curran writes that Baltimore provides almost an exact opposite challenge to the one that Kansas City presented. Alan Greenberg looks at safety Ed Reed, who with all respect to Ray Lewis, is the real heart and anchor of the Ravens’ defense. John Powers looks at the development of Baltimore QB Kyle Boller, who has enjoyed the confidence of the coaching staff despite a few bouts of shakiness. Michael Parente looks at what 37 year old Deion Sanders adds to the Ravens. Eric McHugh looks at the rest of the Ravens’ secondary. Tom King says that even shorthanded, the Ravens can cause problems for the Patriots.
Ian M Clark looks at the Patriots young defensive line trio of Richard Seymour, (25 years old) Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork (each 23), and how they could be a dominating front line for years to come. Michael Felger looks at how when the Patriots talk about “team defense” it isn’t just a cliche or coachspeak. Mike Reiss looks at how Tom Brady is continuing to get better and better. Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun looks at Sunday’s matchup of Brady vs Ed Reed. Curran’s notebook looks at what Josh Miller has added to the Patriots. McHugh’s notebook looks at the Pats catching a break with Jamal Lewis out on Sunday. Felger’s notebook also looks at Miller.
Steve Bulpett says that the Celtics have the pieces to be a good and likable team, but need to put them all together, and soon. Shira Springer says the Celtics still have time to put things together, as it is only 10 games into the season, but it needs to happen fairly soon. Mike Fine has a look at what Marcus Banks is learning from Gary Payton. Peter May has a look at the new and improved Ricky Davis for ESPN.com. Bulpett’s brief notebook has a single item – the fine handed to Paul Pierce for his spitting incident against Cleveland in the preseason. The Celtics and Cavs play tonight at the FleetCenter.
Alex Speier looks at the Curt Schilling trade, a year later. Seems to have worked out pretty well for the Red Sox. Michael Silverman looks at the free agent outfielders, headlined by Carlos Beltran, who will set the free agent market tone when he finally signs with someone. Silverman also looks at the Red Sox outfield situation, noting that they’re probably all set for next season, with only a right handed hitting backup outfielder possibly on their wish list. Gotta say, I like the Herald continuing to crank out baseball articles while the competition does nothing.
Bill Griffith spent a night in the FSN production truck during a Celtics game and reports on the experience there. Christopher Price says that Patriots radio analyst Gino Cappelletti would fit in nicely with this years Patriots team on the field during his playing days and deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. Andrew Neff takes a look at the Official World Series DVD.
FSN had a Thanksgiving edition of New England Sports Tonight with Michael Felger, Michael Holley and Sean McAdam sitting around a table with Greg and Gary, eating a meal. It was a pretty good show, bouncing around to the things that have happened in this tremendous year in Boston sports, and all finding things to be thankful for. A refreshing change as the tone was positive, with very little of the in-your-face yelling style so in vogue on these types of shows. In the portion I saw Felger and Holley each admitted things that they were dead wrong on about this year, Felger on Dillon and Holley on the Nomar trade. Good job with the show guys, I wish there was more of this stuff.
FSN has Celtics/Cavs at 7:30. ESPN has Heat/Pistons at 8:00 and Kings/Lakers at 10:30. ESPN2 continues a full tilt of college hoops through the afternoon and evening.
Boston Sports Media Watch 