Boston Sports Media Watch

With none of the locals in action last night (besides the Beanpot) it’s a mixed bag of top links this morning:

Why you sign Josh Beckett, today. Curt Schilling weighs in on Josh Beckett entering the last year of his contract, and takes a shot at Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe in the process.

These e-mailers are writing about a wrong - Dan Shaughnessy shares some of the emails he received after saying that Peyton Manning was better than Tom Brady, and then having Manning lose the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Harsh dose of reality - Ron Borges tells us that the window of opportunity is closing for Peyton Manning.

Trading Ray Allen only hope for C’s - Gerry Callahan tells us why the Celtics need to make a move if they hope to be a contender come playoff time.

Who would fit with C’s if they deal Ray Allen? Paul Flannery examines whether either Kevin Martin or Andre Iguodala would be an acceptable return for Allen.

Doc Rivers’ done being nice - Steve Bulpett has the Celtics coach saying that his club needs to do more than just talk about getting better.

Cameron front and center for Red Sox - Mike Fine looks over the reconfigured Red Sox outfield, which now has 37-year-old Mike Cameron as its centerpiece.

The deal is, Thomas will stay put - Joe Haggerty tells us that Tim Thomas isn’t going anywhere.

Super Bowl reminds us of the power of sports - Bill Reynolds says that Sunday was one of those games that “reminded us that sports can be transcendent, have the power to be more than just a game with a winner and a loser. One of those games that remind us what we love about sports.”

Classics like this make familiar title game anything but stale - No, not the Super Bowl, Chris Gasper is talking about the Beanpot…

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I was ready.

After watching Peyton Manning shred the tough defenses of Baltimore and the Jets in theirs last two games, and seeing how the Colts had been a machine in every game they had tried to win this season, I was ready to join the group-think that had Peyton whipping past Tom Brady and the Colts joining the Patriots as team of the decade.

One killer pick-six in the fourth quarter put an end to all that. That play was more Peyton Manning of 2004 than it was the QB we’ve seen since the AFC title game in 2006. The interception sealed the game for the Saints, who rallied from a 10-0 first quarter deficit to beat the Colts, 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV.

I’m sure Manning wishes his former coach had kept quiet. This was Tony Dungy’s prediction of the game:

“I think they’re going to be so far ahead that people are going to say, ‘Oh, ho-hum, he played a good game, they won by two scores, the Colts won their second championship,’ ” Dungy said of Manning on Thursday. “He’s going to have those rings Sunday night. I don’t think it’s going to be close.”

Whoops. (It wasn’t the only dumb thing Dungy said either, as he also took a shot at Tom Brady and Bill Belichick as well.) The media pack is quick to change direction, now even Ron Borges says that Peyton just a .500 QB when it counts. Hector Longo says Manning doesn’t belong to be mentioned with Tom Brady or Joe Montana. Jonathan Comey offers up some thoughts on the Saints victory. Karen Guregian can’t forgive the Colts for laying down the final two weeks of the season. Dan Shaughnessy takes a shot at himself for his Saturday column stating that Manning was definitively better than Brady. Christopher Price bangs out 10 things we learned last night. Tom E. Curran says that Peyton, Polian and the Colts were afraid of the pressure.

Here are the top links from this morning’s papers and websites around New England:

The Celtics Forced To Face Reality - Paul Flannery assesses the Celtics after a 19-0 Magic third quarter run doomed the Celtics on national television yesterday.

Celtics show the good, bad and ugly against Orlando - Tim Weisberg has the Celtics blowing their ninth double-digit lead since Christmas.

Problem on the parquet - Scott Souza says that only the Celtics can fix what’s wrong with this team.

Their effort not hard to categorize - Gary Washburn explains that the Celtics are just not an elite team right now.

Relaxing the cause of tension - Frank Dell’Apa’s notebook has the Celtics getting too comfortable in the second half of games.

Rask and B’s back in winning ways - Yes, the Bruins actually won a game yesterday. Joe Haggerty gives us the details from Montreal.

Bruins kick ugly Hab-it - Steve Conroy says that the Bruins flirtation with ignominy is over.

Lowrie working very hard to get back on radar screen - Actually from yesterday, but a good Red Sox notes column from Joe McDonald and Daniel Barbarisi.

Gay rings up another - Adam Kilgore has Randall Gay using his experience in New England to benefit his hometown Saints.

A strong sense of entitlement is at play - Ready for another BU-BC Beanpot final tonight?

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So is this NFL offseason going to entirely consist of Boston media types tracking down former and current Patriots players to ask them to talk about the demise of the franchise, and ask how poorly they were treated and how everything in Foxborough is just a house of cards?

Just wondering, since that is the early trend thus far. We’ve heard from Richard Seymour, Adam Vinatieri, Asante Samuel, Vince Wilfork, and yesterday, Adalius Thomas. We’ve had David Thomas thrown in our faces like he’s the second coming of Kellen Winslow. (The Dad, not the son.)

There have been a few props thrown the Patriots way, Randall Gay and Heath Evans have spoken positively of their time in New England, and Sean Payton has gushed about Bill Belichick and the Patriots as a model to follow, but their input is drowned out by all the negativity. I’m a little tired of it. I know that the Patriots have a lot of work to do, I don’t need it thrown in my face every time I turn around.

Ratings might match the hype - Chad Finn thinks that this Super Bowl might actually match all the hype that CBS and other outlets are putting into it.

Nantz was there as Saints marched in - Bill Doyle has Jim Nantz recalling attending the first-ever New Orleans Saints game, back in 1967 as an 8-year-old.

Forty-Four Facts About Super Bowl XLIV - Not much that Jeff Howe doesn’t cover here.

Patriots coaching staff in focus - What? Actual Patriots discussion that doesn’t involve the impending demise of the franchise? Thank God for Mike Reiss.

Players own early resolve - Albert Breer has the NFLPA preparing for a lockout in 2011.

Checking in at the V-Mart: A look at Victor Martinez’ value - Alex Speier looks at what the Red Sox catcher might be looking at in his next contract.

Best move for Bruins? None at all - With this season seemingly out of hope, Stephen Harris says that Peter Chiarelli should just stand pat and not make any moves aimed to improve the team this season.

Papelbon sticks to his guns - Brian MacPherson touches on a number of Red Sox-related topics.

Sunday super for Marquis Daniels? - Steve Bulpett has the Celtics forward hoping he might return to action on Sunday.

A program note on ‘biggest loser’ - With the 4-44 Nets in town tonight, Bob Ryan remembers the times the Celtics played the  ’72-’73 Sixers, who finished at 9-73.

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The Celtics, playing without Paul Pierce, had enough to hold off Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat last night at the Garden.

Frank Dell’Apa has Tony Allen making a big play on Wade with the game on the line, ensuring the Celtics victory. Mark Murphy has the Celtics making the needed plays in the fourth quarter – a welcome change from recent losses. Robert Lee has Rajon Rondo (22 points, 14 assists) taking the lead last night. Lenny Megliola the game bringing out the brilliance of Rondo and Wade (30 points, 13 assists). Bill Doyle says that it was Christmas day all over again for the Celtics. Jim Fenton has the Celtics looking like a happier team after this one. A. Sherrod Blakely has the Celtics playing their best defense in the fourth quarter last night.

Bob Ryan reminds us how old and broken down the Celtics are, and says that “if” Doc Rivers can get them to the playoffs, the schedule becomes easier on old bodies. Bill Reynolds writes the exact same column. Steve Bulpett has Doc Rivers reacting to yesterday’s piece in the Herald about the team chemistry. Gary Washburn pinpoints the Celtics struggles this season as “they aren’t winning consistently and have yet to gain cohesiveness because of injuries.”

Tony Lee says that Doc Rivers has worked wonders with his patchwork lineups this season. Paul Flannery has order being restored at the TD Garden last night. Chris Forsberg has Rajon Rondo’s play speaking volumes after his comments earlier in the week. Rich Levine has Rondo answering the challenge his own words created.

Bulpett has Ray Allen feeling better about his situation after a talk with Danny Ainge. Murphy has Paul Pierce with a sigh of relief after his foot diagnosis. Jeff Howe has more on Pierce. Forsberg has a look at the big play from Tony Allen late in the game. Peter May has Eddie House making a big contribution in Pierce’s absence.

Dell’Apa’s notebook has Kevin Garnett saying that the team’s “bickering” problems are now under control. Murphy’s notebook has KG saying that there is no “finger-pointing” going on with the team. Lee’s Celtics Journal has more on the team’s chemistry issues. Doyle’s notebook has more on Pierce’s sprained foot. Fenton’s notebook says that Pierce will likely miss tomorrow night’s game against the Nets as well.  

Misc

Daniel Barbarisi has Daniel Bard feeling comfortable with his role heading into spring training.

Michael Silverman has Padres GM Jed Hoyer backing off slightly from comments yesterday about trading Adrian Gonzalez.

Stephen Harris  and Mike Loftus both have the Bruins hoping that a change of scenery can change their fortunes. Kevin Paul Dupont says that the Bruins are not likely land Ilya Kovalchuk.

Mark Blaudschun and Steve Conroy have a look at Boston College linebacker recruit Kevin Pierre-Louis. Eric Avidon has coach Frank Spaziani putting some building blocks in place.

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First of all, I apologize for the lack of a post yesterday. 1) I’m sick and 2) because of recurring problems with the core database, an impromptu migration to a new server took place. Hopefully things will be back to normal.

Let’s get on to the top ten of this morning.

Selfish trend top item on Celtics agenda - Steve Bulpett has the Celtics players saying that their problems this season have not been all physical.

Breaking down the impact of the C’s injuries - Jessica Camerato lists out the eye-popping injury tally for the Celtics thus far this season.

Together again? How Joe Johnson could return - Gary Tanguay attempts to write what he was spouting on the air yesterday, about how the Celtics could sign Joe Johnson in the offseason. Of course, they would need to have Paul Pierce opt out of his contract and then re-sign for a team-friendly deal after Johnson (or another free agent) signs. Seems a bit of a stretch.

Thankfully, rumors of Pierce’s demise greatly exaggerated - Michael Muldoon looks at how rumors were flying fast and furious last night that Paul Pierce had suffered a broken foot.

Bruins stumble against the Capitals - Joe Haggerty says that it is hard to believe that things can get worse for the Bruins than what they are right now.

Red Sox’ Hall hits hard drive - John Tomase checks in with new Red Sox utilityman Bill Hall, who hit 35 homers for the Brewers in 2006, to see if he can regain that form here in Boston.

A day in the life of Dustin Pedroia - Rob Bradford has a look at the offseason training of the Red Sox second baseman.

Plenty of candidates for lone spot in Sox pen - Daniel Barbarisi looks at the pitchers battling for the last spot in the Red Sox bullpen.

Red Sox have plenty of infield depth - Mike Fine says that right now, Boston has a case of infield overkill.

Media Day not much to write home about - Mark Farinella isn’t missing the circus known as Super Bowl media day.

Also check out the 2010 Patriots Daily Senior Bowl Review by Greg Doyle.

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The Celtics once again held a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter on their opponent, yet could not finish the job. This time, it was Kobe Bryant sinking them with a jumper with 7.3 seconds to go, and the Celtics finished their “rivalry week” set of games again Orlando, Atlanta and the Lakers at 0-3.

Julian Benbow has the Celtics upset at a late offensive foul call on Paul Pierce which took away a basket that would’ve given the Celtics a three point lead just prior to Kobe’s shot. Mark Murphy has the Celtics leaving the floor angry after this one. Scott Souza has the Lakers winning a disputed decision on this one. Robert Lee has Kobe doing it once again. Bill Doyle has Paul Pierce and Kobe trading buckets in the closing seconds, but only Kobe’s counted. Jeff Howe has the Celtics unable to finish once again. A. Sherrod Blakely has the Celtics again collapsing down the stretch.

Bob Ryan says that the fans really needed this win to keep their title hopes for this team intact. Steve Bulpett says that the defense is the biggest problem with the Celtics right now. Tim Weisberg says that these losses don’t doom the Celtics chances, but they are a large warning sign. Mike Fine says that these Celtics are too good to be this bad. Jim Fenton has the Celtics looking for answers after a losing January. Paul Flannery says that this reality check might be just what the Celtics need.

Gary Washburn says that the Lakers, and many other teams, are no longer afraid of the outside shooting of Ray Allen, Eddie House or Rasheed Wallace. Michael Muldoon says that Allen is being paid $19 million to make that final shot, and isn’t getting the job done. He also compares this game to the Patriots loss to the Colts this season. Barry Scanlon thinks that the Celtics may need to trade Ray Allen. Peter May says that the Celtics got what they deserved. Rich Levine says that this was much more than just another regular season loss.

Frank Dell’Apa has Rajon Rondo putting on a show yesterday, especially in the second quarter. Jessica Camerato examines the personal rivalry between Paul Pierce and Ron Artest. Chris Forsberg has the Celtics fourth quarter defense again coming up short.

Steve Buckley says that Kobe Bryant just knows how to win. Lenny Megliola has the killer instinct of Kobe dooming the Celtics. Bulpett has Phil Jackson talking about his edgy relationship with Red Auerbach. Lynn Worthy says that the Lakers are better than their title team of a season ago.

Benbow’s notebook has the Celtics staying united and positive as a group. Muldoon’s notebook has the Celtics unhappy with a few calls down the stretch. Murphy’s notebook has Ray Allen coming up short on both ends of the court on the final two possessions of the game. Souza’s notebook has Tony Allen providing a big spark in the second quarter. Lee’s Celtics journal has former URI star Lamar Odom living large in Los Angeles. Doyle’s notebook has Jackson saying that KG isn’t what he used to be. Fenton’s notebook has more on the charge call on Pierce.  Forsberg’s notebook has more reaction from the Celtics on the loss. Blakely’s notebook has the Celtics flunking their test of three big games.

Patriots/NFL

Albert R. Breer says that the Patriots’ games against Indy and New Orleans this season showed the difference between themselves and the real Super Bowl contenders. Jim Donaldson says that even if the Colts win this Super Bowl, the Patriots are still the team of the decade.

Ian R. Rapoport has several Patriots enjoying themselves in the Pro Bowl yesterday. Mike Reiss has some quotes from the Patriot participants. Rapoport checks in with Logan Mankins.

Christopher Price gives us the most underrated moments in Patriots Super Bowl history. Adam Hirshfield says that taking Tim Tebow would be a real stretch for the Patriots.

Adam Kilgore has Bill Belichick and Tom Brady among those on the all-decade team. Rapoport’s notebook has more on the Patriots honored.

Misc

John Tomase is excited about having the storyline of Josh Beckett’s contract looming over the team this season. John Beattie says that it will be tough for Junichi Tazawa to crack the opening day roster for the Red Sox.

Fluto Shinzawa says that the Bruins need to show more heart. Stephen Harris says that the Bruins are making slow progress.

Ken Fang has a look at the Bloomberg Sports Baseball launch.

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The Celtics lost a double-digit lead last night, and fell in Orlando to the Magic, 96-94. Kevin Garnett looked bad, failing to finish at least two lobs in front of the hoop, and getting beat baseline by Rashard Lewis on the game winning hoop. Garnett says his knee isn’t a problem, but it sure looked like it was.

Here are the top links from this Friday morning:

Celtics let another one slip away - A. Sherrod Blakely has the grisly details from the loss.

Loss to Magic highlights Celtics’ woes - Paul Flannery says that it doesn’t get any easier from here for the Celtics.

That’s the thing about Tom - Chad Finn has ESPN’s Tom Jackson trying to explain the undying love that he, and many others in the media have for Brett Favre.

Sharpe sides with Peyton - Bill Doyle has CBS’ Shannon Sharpe dishing out plenty of praise to Peyton Manning.

MLB coming to Connecticut? - Dom Amore examines some speculation from Peter Gammons that the Tampa Rays could end up moving to Connecticut.

Belichick, Brown go way back … - Albert Breer weighs in with a few thoughts on the Patriots adding former Notre Dame defensive coordinator (and Patriots player) Corwin Brown to their coaching staff.

Patriots in a rush for help - Ian Rapoport looks at Michigan defender Brandon Graham as one of several players available in the draft who could help improve the pass rush.

The unlikely path of Ryne Miller - Alex Speier looks at how the undrafted free agent has made himself a pitching prospect for the Red Sox.

Red Sox’ new metrics systems doesn’t compute - Ron Borges tries his hand at baseball, and mocks what he doesn’t understand.

B’s still have fight left - Mick Colageo says that the Bruins haven’t packed it in yet. 

Back to reality for Boston fans - Howard Bryant says Boston fans shouldn’t expect a repeat of the last decade.

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The Celtics tip off a stretch of three games in four days tonight against three of their biggest rivals in the league. Tonight’s game against Orlando is followed by Atlanta tomorrow night and the Lakers on Sunday.

Scott Souza wonders why the league just didn’t go ahead and schedule the Cavaliers in for Saturday while they were at it. Jim Fenton also looks at the challenging stretch of games coming up. Chris Forsberg has the Celtics looking forward to this challenge. Steve Bulpett has the Magic looking for payback for the Christmas Day loss the Celtics handed them. A. Sherrod Blakely has tonight’s game a big one for both teams.

Mark Murphy has Doc Rivers holding himself accountable.

Paul Flannery makes his All Star reserves selections. Gary Washburn wonders if Rajon Rondo might get his first All Star nod when the reserves are named tonight on TNT.

Stan Grossfeld catches up with former Celtic Glenn McDonald, one of the heroes of game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals.

Patriots

Speaking as Vince Wilfork, Karen Guregian says that the nose tackle should absolutely hold out if the franchise tag is put on him. Glen Farley has Wilfork wanting no part of the franchise tag. Mike Reiss offers his analysis of Wilfork’s statements yesterday on WEEI. On Patriots Daily we’re wondering if the Patriots should even re-sign Wilfork.

Jeff Howe says that Bill Belichick can’t go wrong by naming either Matt Patricia or Pepper Johnson as defensive coordinator. Christopher Price looks at the Patriots linebackers.

Albert R. Breer has scouts questioning the NFL ability of Tim Tebow. Ian R. Rapoport has Pete Carroll learning his lesson from his stint in New England, especially when it comes to personnel.

Tom E. Curran says that the Pro Bowl has just gone from bad to worse. Steve Buckley says that this Super Bowl doesn’t need Brett Favre.

The Globe Patriots notebook has Wes Welker’s ACL surgery set for Tuesday at Mass General. Guregian’s notebook has more on the surgery. Rapoport’s Senior Bowl Notebook has the Patriots warning prospects about the potential evils of social media such as Twitter and Facebook.

Misc

Fluto Shinzawa has the Bruins grinding it out at practice in an attempt to shake themselves out of their slump. Joe Haggerty wonders which door leads to success for the Bruins. James Murphy says that the return of Marc Savard will be huge on and off the ice for the Bruins. Steve Conroy has Peter Chiarelli declaring Claude Julien’s job safe.

Mike Fine has Tim Wakefield wanting to be a starter. Brian MacPherson has a good piece on catching prospect Luis Exposito. Tom Caron says that Mike Cameron will be a huge factor in the Red Sox clubhouse. John Tomase has Daniel Bard pleased to be working with Jonathan Papelbon for another year.

Former Harvard football captain Carl Ehrlich writes about his experiences playing football in Spain.

Bill Reynolds misses Pete Sheppard.

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With the 2009 season coming to a close on Sunday Bowl Sunday, and thus putting the wraps on another decade of football, there is still quite a lot of looking back over the last 10 years by the media.

Today, Ron Borges names his all-decade NFL team, with former Patriot players Ty Law, Adam Vinatieri and Larry Izzo on the team, which would be coached by Bill Belichick. You’ll notice Tom Brady wasn’t on that list, and Borges explains why Peyton Manning is his QB of the decade in a separate column. He admits it was a very close, difficult decision, and he would be happy with either quarterback on his team. Kerry Byrne takes a look at the top 10 moments of the Patriots dynasty.

Ian R. Rapoport looks at Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel reuniting with Scott Pioli out in Kansas City. Tom E. Curran takes a look at the defensive line, while Christopher Price looks at the defensive backs. Mike Reiss has his Patriots mailbag.

You’ll be hearing this a lot this offseason: Jeff Howe says the Jets are going to be very good for years to come. Michael Felger says that both the Jets and Colts are miles ahead of the Patriots. Monique Walker has the Colts saying they’re happy to take a Super Bowl berth over a 16-0 regular season.

Mike Reiss did it last week, and today Albert R. Breer also talks to UMass offensive lineman Vladimir Ducasse, a native of Haiti.

Karen Guregian and Adam Kilgore has Matt Light talking about his dislocated kneecap that he suffered in the Denver game this season. Rapoport’s notebook says that Wes Welker’s ACL surgery still has not been scheduled.

Celtics

A. Sherrod Blakely has the Celtics headed into their biggest three-game stretch of the season, with the Magic, Hawks and Lakers on tap between now and Sunday. Julian Benbow has more on this stretch of potential statement games.

Scott Souza has Ray Allen hoping to remain with the Celtics after his contract expires this summer. Mark Murphy also has Allen looking to stay here, and remaining unfazed by trade rumors.

Robert Lee looks at the All Star hopes for Celtics other than Kevin Garnett, who was voted in as a starter. Evans Clinchy says that the Celtics have felt the loss of Marquis Daniels, and look forward to his return.

Red Sox

John Tomase has Tim Wakefield once again in the position of having to prove himself. Art Martone has Wakefield planning on being in the starting rotation.

Michael Silverman and Amalie Benjamin have the Red Sox and Jeremy Hermida agreeing on a one-year contract.

Mike Fine says that the Red Sox like their organizational depth at the catcher position. Joe McDonald says that the Red Sox are expecting big things from prospect Ryan Westmoreland this season, at whichever level he ends up at.

Bruins/Misc

Steve Conroy has Milan Lucic still trying to return to top form. Joe Haggerty says that center Steve Begin hopes to return this weekend. Kathryn Tappen says that the Bruins players are the only ones capable of turning this team around. Fluto Shinzawa has Tuukka Rask struggling when called upon to relieve Tim Thomas in the middle of a game.

Bob Ryan offers a number of thoughts on the sports world.

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Here’s the top ten Boston sports articles this morning from around the newspaper and web world…

A Ticket to ride - Frank Dell’Apa has Kevin Garnett returning to form as the Celtics beat the Clippers 95-89.

Warriors may offer Ellis for Ray Allen - Comcast SportsNet’s A. Sherrod Blakely reported that the Warriors might be interested in moving Monta Ellis for Ray Allen. He also says that this is not a deal Danny Ainge has given any serious thought to considering. (Don Nelson doesn’t appear to take it serious either…so where did this rumor come from?)

Allen’s first option to stay in Boston - Gary Washburn has Allen hoping to stay right here with the Celtics.

Five questions for the Celtics - Paul Flannery looks at some things that the Celtics need to address in the second half of the season.

Critics bite at Tim Tebow - Ian Rapaport talks to the Florida quarterback and Heisman trophy winner, who admits that he’s talked to Bill Belichick and asked him for advice on the pro game.

Brady always seems at ease - Mike Reiss admires Tom Brady’s polish and genuineness at a charity event yesterday, where he also talked a little football.

Could this be a gift from Saban to Belichick?? In the Boston.com Extra Points blog, Albert Breer looks at the Patriots possible interest in Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody – all 370 lbs of him.

Opportunity may come knocking for Hermida - Brian MacPherson has Jeremy Hermida OK with being the Red Sox fourth outfielder this season.

Healthy Daisuke Matsuzaka Hungry for Redemption in 2010 - Adam Hirshfield has the Red Sox pitcher telling a Japanese magazine that he injured himself while training for the WBC last year.

Going backward on the blue line - Fluta Shinzawa has the Bruins swirling down the Eastern Conference standings, thanks in no small part to the play of their defensemen.

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