Which one would be more likely to be read by Patriots fans? (Which make up a good part of his readership.)

Massarotti, like so many of his colleagues, took the easy path, piled on, and because of that, his piece is likely only going to be of interest to the Patriots-haters who are boldly finding their voices when things are going bad.

By catering to the minority, Massarotti costs his employer.

There are always going to be those few contrarians out there who applaud the negative coverage and insist that it is “objective.” These people are the minority. Most fans do not enjoy nor seek out articles which trash their team. Yet again and again, the media in this town insist on putting out this trash.

L3ster – you’re absolutely correct in stating that Rivers took heat here…though NEVER from the media. They’ve always loved the guy. Dennis and Callahan fawned over him while he was presiding over a 24 win team. But even though Rivers took heat from the fans, when have you ever heard the media bring up his past record? No one does.

And Bruce, no one, absolutely no one, took more crap in this town than Doc Rivers. He was a bum without KG, and a champ with him. His shortcomings were certainly pointed out more times than anyone can remember during the Celts’ down times. Same goes for Francona’s early days here; anyone remember Francoma??

It’s fair game to point out Belichick’s record with and without Brady. What are you going to say if the Pats go 7-9 or 8-8 this season minus Brady? Is Belichick going to be to blame? It’s absolutely fair to bring this stuff to light; Belichick can thrive in the good times, he can suck it up when the going gets rough.

That’s Mazz to a T. The next time he provides actual insight will be the first time.

But I have to ask you Bruce- why wouldn’t he write this article now and how can you say he is rubbing it in?!?! I mean this quote “You know, Patriots fans probably aren’t feeling all that great already, and Tony feels the need to pile on more misery, even though the season has already gotten as disturbing as it can be,” that just doesn’t make sense to me. Isn’t this what is on the public’s mind in New England? Do you want writers and columnists to stop writing about the US economy’s problems because they are rubbing it in and piling on to the misery?!?!? It is what is on people’s minds, he wouldn’t write it if people didn’t want to read it, and obviously people are reading it. There is a difference between writing about what is on people’s minds and being absolutely obsessed with things (like some people are with Massarotti, Shaughnessy, Borges, etc).

Honestly- this site and forum as well as Scott Shots and Patriot’s Daily and other local sites- you guys do realize that every time you talk about the 3 columnists that you are obsessed with- you do realize that they love this and that it is free publicity for them right? You are even linking their articles and contributing directly to their success!!! Anyways, I know I will continue to buy the Herald every morning and read who I like and will also go online to read the other guys as well.

But, his job is to write his opinion, not take it easy on us because we’re “down” with Brady out. I don’t like reading pieces like that, but it is what it is and he makes his living by writing things like this.

Of course the other reason is they hate Belichick because Bellichick refuses to play with them. How dare he shun the self-important Boston sports Media!

If he can’t get the quote right what makes us think he could get anything else correct or at least be objective.

The stats about Garnet and Ortiz are awesome, thank you!