Boston Sports Media Watch

The latest radio ratings are out, and 98.5 continues to surprise with their solid gains in the sports radio market.

WEEI is doing just fine, though, actually moving up a bit from 5.2 in September to 5.3 in October. The station is fourth overall on the chart while WBZ-FM, 985TheSportsHub went from a 2.5 in September to a 3.6 in October, good for 14th in the market.

WEEI vs. The Sports Hub - Jessica Heslam in the Herald breaks down the two stations, show vs. show.

Round 2 : SportsHub proves that it has arrived - Boston Radio Watch says that no matter how you look at it, WEEI is still the top dog in this fight, and is not going away.

‘Hub’ is climbing the charts - Chad Finn notes that the Sports Hub’s gains did not come at the expense of WEEI, though they’re showing that there is room in Boston for two strong sports radio stations.

Fox 25 dumps top sportscaster - Heslam reports that FOX25 has chosen not to renew the contract of top sports anchor Butch Stearns. The Worcester Telegram & Gazette reports that Stearns is interviewing with Comcast SportsNet, among other places.

Worcester native to join Dolphins - Bill Doyle has Worcester native Jim Rushton set to take over as the Dolphins’ senior vice president of corporate partnerships and integrated media. He’s leaving his job as vice president of sports sales and marketing at Entercom Communications, responsible for all revenues associated with the WEEI radio network.

Sports coverage? Think local. - That Bruce Allen guy in the Metro tells you why national sports coverage is worthless.

Jabs Reserved For Web Foe - Jeff Jacobs looks at a web group calling themselves the Paper Champions Society, who have been mounting a campaign against boxer Chad Dawson.

Elsewhere in the sports sections, here are some of the top stories from this morning:

For the Sox, Hermida a Lottery Ticket Worth Playing - Alex Speier has a look at outfielder Jeremy Hermida, who the Red Sox acquired from the Florida Marlins yesterday.

Six tricky questions for Epstein this winter - Bill Burt looks at Red Sox issues that GM Theo Epstein must address this winter.

At a loss - Bud Barth tells us that if the Bruins “were scoring goals right now, the Bruins would be the terror of the NHL, because the rest of their game has been that good for the last couple of weeks.”

Lack of scoring strikes recently has been striking - Bob Ryan thinks that the Bruins still have time to get things straightened out.

Don’t underestimate the Dolphins - Tedy Bruschi and Mike Reiss warn that there is a whole lot more to the Dolphins than just the Wildcat.

Worry Wart – Game Eight vs. Dolphins - Chris Warner has some more concerns about the Dolphins.

Rookie Myron Pryor preps to pick up ‘D’ line - Ian Rapoport looks at sixth round pick Myron Pryor making a place for himself on the Patriots defensive line.

Brian Hoyer making an impression with Patriots - Andy Vogt has another rookie, QB Brian Hoyer also learning the NFL ropes.

Shelden Williams answers Celtics’ role call - Former Celtic Ryan Gomes tells Mark Murphy why Williams has been successful with the Celtics.

Celtics couldn’t ask much more from their bench - Mike Fine calls this the “deepest and most talented bench the Celtics have had in the past three seasons.”

Popularity: 3% [?]

The Celtics got their most strenuous test of the young season last night, holding off the Minnesota Timberwolves last night 92-90 to stay perfect on the season at 6-0.

Frank Dell’Apa has the Celtics unable to find and offensive flow for most of the game, but able to get the hoops when needed and make stops defensively when it counted. Mark Murphy credits the Celtics’ experience for the win. Jessica Camerato has three things we can take away from this game. Chris Forsberg also has a few thoughts on the win.

Dell’Apa’s notebook has Al Jefferson getting the jump on his former teammates last night. Murphy’s notebook has Kevin Garnett passing on the sentiment of being back in Minnesota last night. Forsberg’s notebook looks at a homecoming of sorts for Sheldon Williams.

Patriots

Head over to Patriots Daily for the weekly Around The League column by Jeremy Gottlieb.

Albert R. Breer says that it looks like the Patriots finally have a healthy and comfortable Tom Brady under center. Not so fast, says Ian R. Rapoport ,who isn’t yet sure which Patriots offense we’re going to see for the rest of the year. Rich Garven has Brady feeling good, and having it reflected in his play as of late.

Ron Borges has Vince Wilfork looking forward to a physical fight with the Dolphins on Sunday. Brian MacPherson pulls out some stats to show that Stephen Neal has actually been the Patriots best offensive player this season. Garven has the forgotten rookie Ron Brace making progress in practice. Chris Price looks at how the Patriots recognize and honor their Scout Team Stars.

Karen Guregian has Joey Porter doing his thing, hating the Patriots and zinging them whenever possible. Christopher Price has a look at the recent history between Porter and the Dolphins.  Adam Kilgore has Porter seeking to stoke the fires of hatred yet again. Shalise Manza Young says that Porter actually tried to hold back yesterday, but couldn’t help himself. Chris Forsberg agrees that this was actually a somewhat kinder, gentler version of Porter.

Andy Vogt says that the AFC East no longer automatically belongs to the Patriots. Jeff Howe has Belichick remembering a “Wildcat” like series of plays used by the Steelers in the mid-90’s with Kordell Stewart.

Mark Farinella has the Dolphins created in the image of the Tuna. Rapoport has Belichick lauding the Bill Parcells system, on full display in Miami. Glen Farley has more from Belichick on Parcells and the Dolphins.

Jonathan Comey trots out his week 9 power rankings.

Kilgore’s notebook has Belichick extolling the methods of his former boss, Bill Parcells. Rapoport’s notebook has Stephen Gostkowski a potential weapon against the returns of Ted Ginn Jr. (column by Lesley Visser) Vogt’s ntoebook  has more on Porter. Young’s Patriots journal has the competition heating up in the coming weeks for the Patriots. Garven’s notebook also looks at Porter’s hatred for the Patriots. Farley’s notebook has more on Porter. Farinella’s notebook has more on – you guessed it – Porter.

Bruins

Mike Loftus has the struggling Bruins set to host the Montreal Canadiens, who have been up-and-down themselves. Fluto Shinzawa says that with Marc Savard out, David Krejci needs to step up his game, something he has been unable to do thus far this season. Stephen Harris says that the Bruins need some goalscorers to step forward. Matt Kalman says that this game with Montreal comes at a good time for the Bruins.

Misc

Oh yeah, in case you missed it, the Yankees won their 27th World Series last night. Congrats to them.

Amalie Benjamin has Series MVP Hideki Matsui leading the charge last night.

Nick Cafardo has the old-guard foursome of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte enjoying their fifth World Series championship together. (Posada only played in 8 games for the 1996 team though.) Peter Abraham and Steve Buckley have Pedro Martinez going out with a clang last night. Peter DeMarco has Yankees fans in Boston proud and vocal of their team.

Alex Speier ranks this Yankees team as the best World Series champ of this decade.

Abraham’s notebook has former ace Chien-Ming Wang facing an uncertain future. Buckley’s notebook has Matsui getting long awaited World Series title.

Bill Burt claims that the Red Sox can learn a lot from these Yankees. Michael Silverman says that Theo Epstein can’t wait to get next year started.

Bob Ryan likes the job that Frank Spaziani is doing in his first season as Boston College head football coach. Eric Avidon has a look at senior wide receiver Rich Gunnell.

Mark Blaudschun has running back Josh Haden deciding to transfer out of B.C. Steve Conroy says that Haden never felt right here. Avidon’s notebook has more on Haden.

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After an unscheduled day off from posting yesterday, here’s the top articles from today.

Pedro Martinez is no goat - Gerry Callahan, Dan Shaughnessy and Steve Buckley all wrote articles on Pedro Martinez’s start in tonight’s game six of the World Series. Callahan reminds us again that he’s a pretty damn columnist when he wants to be. You don’t need to read Shaughnessy’s. I particularly liked Callahan’s proposal for the headline for the New York Post tomorrow should Pedro shut down the Yanks.

Balance sheet is better - Adam Kilgore has a look at how the Patriots have balanced out their offense better in the last five games, and how it has translated to success for the team.

Rasheed Wallace shows way in return to Philly - Mark Murphy looks at Rasheed Wallace’s successful first return to his hometown of Philadelphia while wearing Celtic green.

Beckett recalls when he was Lee - Bill Burt talks to Josh Beckett about the postseason that Cliff Lee is having, and how Beckett can relate to it.

10 things to know about the Miami Dolphins - Mike Reiss looks at this week’s Patriots’ opponent.

Nothing doing for Bruins again - Fluto Shinzawa reports on the Bruins being shut out for the second straight game.

Knee surgery for Green - first reported by Tom E. Curran on CSNNE.com yesterday, this Patriots notebook in the Globe says that the Patriots defensive lineman could possibly be ready for the Colts game next Sunday.

Mike Wright gains bigger role with Jarvis Green out - Karen Guregian looks at how Mike Wright’s role and responsibilities will grow this week with Green out.

27 reasons to root against the Yankees - Jim Donaldson stretches as bit with some of these.

Also, be sure to head over to Patriots Daily to check out a midseason edition of Making The Grades, as well as a look at the 1994 Patriots in the 50th Anniversary Minute. (I have to confess, I had no idea that Bob Kratch was an All Pro selection that year.)

Popularity: 5% [?]

I already did the complete morning links today, and thought I’d try something out by giving you what I think are the top five must-read articles posted this morning. Here they are, in no particular order:

1) Patriots were big winners - Albert Breer’s look at how the Patriots established themselves as the favorite in the AFC East without playing a game yesterday.

2) Shelden Williams making most of his opportunity - Tim Weisberg’s look at how reserve forward Sheldon Williams is stepping up in the wake of Glen Davis’ injury.

3) Celtics win game but Rondo loses cool - Mike Fine’s look at the battle between Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul last night.

4) Key stretch includes 3 divisional games - Mike Reiss and Rodney Harrison look at the next five games on the Patriots schedule.

5) The Bruins Are Desperate For a Goal Scorer - Joe Haggerty tells us why the lack of a goal scorer is the biggest problem with the Bruins right now.

Popularity: 7% [?]

According to former Boston Globe NBA writer Marc J. Spears, Rajon Rondo and the Celtics have agreed to a 5-year, $55 million extension.

The Celtics made it 4-for-4 on the season with their 97-87 win over Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets at the TD Garden last night.

Julian Benbow says that Paul Pierce was just too much for the Hornets last night. Mark Murphy says that the Celtics actually had to exude some fourth quarter sweat in this one. Bill Doyle has Rondo and Chris Paul battling all during – and after – last night’s game. Robert Lee has Paul Pierce with another strong game to lead the Celtics to the win. Jim Fenton has Rondo stirring things up last night. Jessica Camerato has Captain Clutch, Paul Pierce, again coming through for the Celtics.

Gary Washburn has a look at the testy night between Rondo and Paul. Steve Bulpett also examines the battle of words and game between the two under-25 point guard stars. Mike Fine has Rondo losing his cool last night. Bill Burt says that things are getting personal between the two young point guards. Jessica Camerato looks at what Rondo has learned while playing through contract negotiations.

Bill Burt says that the Celtics “Bring it” on defense every night. Lenny Megliola has the Celtics not entirely happy with their 4-0 start to the season. Bulpett has Glen Davis working on his left hand game while his right is in a cast. Tim Weisberg has Sheldon Williams making the most of his opportunity while Davis is out. Brian MacPherson has Kendrick Perkins making the most of his offensive opportunities.

Benbow’s notebook has Rondo not worried about his contract, or future. Murphy’s notebook has more on Rondo’s state of mind last night. Doyle’s notebook looks at a strong start to the season for Paul Pierce. Lee’s Celtics Journal has more on Rondo and his contract. Fenton’s notebook has Pierce off to a sizzling start this season.

Patriots

On Patriots Daily, Chris Warner serves up a Jets/Dolphins, Patriots bye week Gut Check.

Albert R. Breer says that the Patriots were the real winner in yesterday’s AFC battle between the Dolphins and Jets. Ian R. Rapoport has the Dolphins letting their play do the talking, while the Jets just talked. Mike Reiss has the Patriots getting a little separation in the AFC East.

Karen Guregian hands out some midseason awards for the Patriots. Breer has Jason Taylor talking about nearly signing with the Patriots in the offseason.

Bruins/Misc

Kevin Paul Dupont has the Bruins unable to get on the scoreboard in a 1-0 loss to the Rangers yesterday. Stephen Harris has the Bruins continuing their win-one, lose-one streak. Joe Haggerty has the Bruins in desperate need of a goal scorer. Harris has Bruins tweaking their fourth line yesterday. Matt Kalman has a look at the powerless power play for the Bruins.

Dupont’s notebook has Zdeno Chara sending a message to Sean Avery. Harris’ notebook has the Bruins power play coming up empty.

Mark Blaudschun has the BC football team in a good position. Eric Avidon has the Eagles set to go bowling again.

Frank Dell’Apa and Kyle McCarthy have the Revolution winning their opening playoff game against Chicago.

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Changing things up a little here and for today, I decided to just bring you the best of what out there in the Boston newspapers/websites. If it’s not here, you’re not missing much. (These are not in any particular order)

1) How Welker Became Mr. Reliable for the Patriots - Christopher Price has a look at Wes Welker and why he flourishes in the Patriots offensive system.

2) Meriweather establishing comfort zone - Albert Breer has Rodney Harrison and others talking about the growth and maturity of Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather, who has become the Patriots top playmaker on defense.

3) After red, Heinsohn’s true color is Green - Bill Doyle chats with Comcast SportsNet Celtics broadcaster Tommy Heinsohn, who talks about losing his wife Helen last year to cancer, and about this year’s Celtics.

4) Gotham pity for Pedro Martinez - Michael Silverman has Pedro Martinez feeling, looking and sounding like a winner despite the Phillies 3-1 loss to the Yankees last night.

5) Help Out The Umps - Jeff Jacobs pleads for Major League umpires to get some help from technology in the postseason.

6) Everybody’s in the mix: Doc Rivers can play mad scientist concocting Celtics combos - Mark Murphy with a look at the seemingly endless combinations that Doc Rivers can put out on the court with this Celtics team.

7) After bye, Pats will see Denver copycats - Tedy Bruschi and Mike Reiss take a big-picture look at the Patriots and the rest of the season.

8 ) Effort is there, but this time, goals are not. - Mike Loftus recaps last night’s 2-1 Bruins loss to the Devils.

9) Tenacious Russillo finds his voice at ESPN - Chad Finn catches up with Ryen Russillo, who is happy with his roles at the the Worldwide Leader.

10) Cuban defector Jose Iglesias looks to fill Red Sox’ need - Sean McAdam’s piece on Red Sox shortstop prospect Jose Iglesias, a Cuban defector signed last summer.

(Reluctant addition) A fistful of Bird history - Dan Shaughnessy’s column on Larry Bird’s 1985 barroom fight is noteworthy only for the Cedric Maxwell quotes, which, for the most part, really don’t have much to do with the column’s premise.

Also check out a bye week edition of the Worry Wart by Chris Warner over on Patriots Daily…

*OK, technically there were 12 links here.

Popularity: 8% [?]

A night after beating the Cavaliers on the road, the Celtics returned to TD Garden for their home opener last night. Was there any chance of a letdown with the Charlotte Bobcats in town?

I think the score of the 92-59 Celtics win speaks for itself.

Julian Benbow has the Celtics lockdown “D” completely stifling the Bobcats. Mark Murphy has the Celtics starting the home schedule by holding Charlotte to a franchise-low in points.  Couper Moorhead says that the Celtics appear to be defending everything except a title this season. Scott Souza agrees that the Celtics defense was the biggest story of this game. Bill Doyle has the Celtics showing they can get by just fine without the Big Baby. David Willis has the Celtics making the Bobcats look like an overmatched JV team. Jim Fenton has the Celtics using stingy defense to start out 2-0. Robert Lee says that the Celtics have their swagger back.

Bob Ryan says that the Celtics aren’t that good, Charlotte simply didn’t show up last night. Steve Buckley says that Rasheed Wallace doesn’t just look good in the Celtics uniform, he looks right in it, and is is a perfect fit for this team. Bill Burt agrees that Wallace is a perfect fit for the Celtics. Lenny Megliola has the Celtics getting the expected result last night against the Bobcats. Tim Weisberg says that this wasn’t like last year’s home opener, but this is a different team than last year.

Steve Bulpett says that Glen Davis has a responsibility now to learn from his mistake, and put his career and like on the proper course going forward. Gary Washburn says that the Celtics versatility was on full display last night. Paul Flannery has a look at three things we learned from last night’s game. Chris Forsberg says that the defense certainly didn’t rest on the second night of a back-to-back.

Frank Dell’Apa has a look at Kendrick Perkins, who had four blocked shots, and was a force in the paint. Dan Duggan has Perkins flexing his muscle in the win. Jeff Goodman though, is glad that Perkins was on the bench during crunch time in Cleveland the night before.

Duggan looks at how Charlotte coach Larry Brown urged the Celtics to sign Wallace in the offseason. Mike Fine has the Celtics and their fans eagerly adopting Wallace as their own. Forsberg says that Wallace’s Garden debut went well in every way.

Marc D’Amico looks at the keys to the game.

Benbow’s notebook has the Celtics including Glen Davis in introductions, even though he was absent and suspended. Murphy’s notebook has Doc River with a quick hook for Kevin Garnett last night after KG hit the deck in the third quarter. Doyle’s notebook has Sheldon Williams getting his chance with Davis suspended. Fenton’s notebook has Wallace getting a warm welcome. Lee’s Celtics Journal has Williams getting a bigger chance with Davis out.

Patriots

Over on Patriots Daily, Jeremy Gottlieb is going Around the League, and says that he doesn’t mind at all that there is a clear line between the best teams and worst teams in the NFL.

Mike Reiss has a look at how the Patriots have managed to rebuild their defense on-the-fly and still remain a winner.

Adam Kilgore, now on the Patriots beat, has a look at rookie receiver Brandon Tate, who wants to make a big impact now that he is recovered from the knee injury suffered last year in college. Ian R. Rapoport has a look at Tully Banta-Cain, who has been a pleasant surprise since coming back to the Patriots this season, and who wants to stay right here with the team.

Brian MacPherson has Brandon Meriweather’s play last week and all season, drawing attention from around the NFL. Andy Vogt has Meriweather as a star on the rise in the Patriots defense. Shalise Manza Young has a look around the AFC East, where the Patriots are back where they’re used to being – on top. Glen Farley has the Patriots on top of the AFC East despite a spotty rushing attack.

Jonathan Comey has the Patriots fourth in his NFL Power Rankings. Rapoport says that we could be seeing more of Mark LeVoir in coming weeks as well. Reiss looks at the benefits of Dean Pees calling plays from the press box.

Rapoport’s notebook has Brandon Meriweather brushing off his AFC Defensive Player of the Week award, and even praise from his former mentor Rodney Harrison. Monique Walker’s notebook has Meriweather trying to keep things in perspective. Young’s Patriots Journal has Meriweather staying humble. Farley’s notebook has more on Meriweather, who believes his best is still to come.

Where is Ron Borges to scoff and remind us again that Meriweather is closer to Donna Reed than Ed Reed?

Bruins/Misc

Mike Loftus has the Bruins looking to find their groove. Rich Thompson says that the Bruins know exactly what to expect from the Devils. Nancy Marrapese-Burrell says that that is true of Martin Brodeur as well.

Peter Abraham has Cuban pitching prospect Aroldis Chapman visiting the Red Sox yesterday.

Michael Silverman has Pedro Martinez holding court before his World Series start tonight.

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The Cleveland Cavaliers came out of the gate smokin’ last night, hitting six of their first seven shots, and running out to a 13-2 lead. A few minutes later, the Cavs led by 14 at 19-5 and 21-7, but the Celtics rebuilt bench led a comeback, and the Celtics took the lead in the second quarter and never looked back in a  95-89 opening night win over LeBron and company.

Frank Dell’Apa calls last night’s win a “a decisive victory and confirmation of the team’s improvement.” Mark Murphy has the Celtics ending an eight-game losing streak in Cleveland with the win. Mike Petraglia looks at what we can take away from this opening night win.

Bob Ryan says that even though this was just opening night, it was a very satisfying win for the Celtics. Steve Bulpett says that the Celtics bench was the difference in this one. Chris Sheridan says that the Celtics were the better team in this one.

Gary Washburn has Keven Garnett standing tall in his return, even when flattened by Shaquille O’Neal. Chris Forsberg has KG passing his first regular season test.

Bulpett reports that the Celtics have suspended Glen Davis ‘indefinitely’. After the details of how he injured himself came out yesterday, Ryan says that it is time for Baby to grow up. Washburn reports that Davis will be shelved 8 weeks after surgery on his broken thumb. Robert Lee says that Davis must learn from this incident. Jim Fenton has more on the suspension of Davis. Paul Flannery looks at the big drama from Big Baby.

Murphy says that the Celtics have increased their offer to Rajon Rondo.

The Globe notebook says that there is still hope Rajon Rondo could get an extension before the weekend. Murphy’s notebook has KG feeling good after the game.  

Patriots

Brendon Rosenau takes a moment to remember the 1993 Patriots over on Patriots Daily.

Kerry Byrne takes the Patriots pulse here at the bye week. Monique Walker notes that the schedule gets a whole lot tougher after the bye for the Patriots. Shalise Manza Young says that the Patriots will need to continue to play hard-nose, team football to power through this stretch.

Glen Farley says that despite Tom Brady’s knee being better, he still needs a crutch sometimes – and that crutch is Wes Welker. Ian R. Rapoport has Bill Belichick on WEEI’s Big Show defending the play of Laurence Maroney.

Christopher Price and Mike Reiss have their weekly mailbags.

Misc

Brian MacPherson wonders if new Padres GM Jed Hoyer might trade Adrian Gonzalez to the Red Sox. Amalie Benjamin has Brad Mills being named manager of the Astros. Sean McAdam has Terry Francona happy for Mills.

Bill Burt talks to Don Zimmer about the World Series. Amalie Benjamin has the Yankees insisting that George Steinbrenner is still a big part of them. Bill Reynolds says that A-Rod and the Yankees have vanquished their postseason ghosts.

Michael Silverman and The Globe notebook have Pedro Martinez and the Yankees meeting once again. Steve Buckley looks at why Boston fans have more to root for in this series than simply for the Yankees to lose.

Kevin Paul Dupont has coach Claude Julien pleased with the play of backup goaltender Tuukka Rask. Rich Thompson has Marco Sturm adjusting to changes in stride. Mike Loftus has the Bruins line changes paying immediate dividends.

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The Celtics tip off the NBA regular season tonight with a game in Cleveland against the Cavaliers. The Celtics will be without reserve forward Glen “Big Baby” Davis, who broke his thumb following an “altercation” with a former teammate who was up visiting him. Steve Bulpett was on the story yesterday, and he says it appears Davis was defending himself. It is not known how long Davis will be out, it will depend on whether he needs surgery or not. Frank Dell’Apa has the Celtics tight-lipped about the incident until they get all the facts. The injury is a big blow to the Celtics frontcourt depth.

Dell’Apa has a feature on Danny Ainge this morning, looking at how the former Celtics guard has turned the franchise back into a contender, and how he and Doc Rivers manage to work so well together. Bulpett says that Ainge faces an age-old challenge this season in trying to contend for a title with an aging team. Tim Weisberg says that the Celtics come into this season with a blank slate of expectations. Jessica Camerato has the Celtics set to start out on another title quest. Mike Fine says that if everyone stays healthy (which they haven’t already, see Davis, Glen), this team will win the NBA title.

Robert Lee says that the Celtics believe they are the best this season, and just need to go out and prove it. Lenny Megliola has Paul Pierce savoring the moment with this Celtics team. Bulpett has Doc Rivers looking to be firm in how many minutes he allows his veterans to play this season.  Mark Murphy has Kevin Garnett looking to come back and shine this season for the Celtics.

Julian Benbow has the Celtics excited about the versatility their new hybrid, Marquis Daniels can bring to the club. Weisberg has the Celtics hoping Daniels is a ‘Marquis’ attraction off the bench. Murphy says that Daniels and the rest of the improved bench should make a big difference for the Celtics this season. Lee takes a look at the Celtics’ roster with the starters and key reserves. Scott Souza says that with Davis out, Sheldon Williams will get more time.

Murphy says that when it comes to defense, Kendrick Perkins and the Celtics want to be the best ever this season. Fine has the Celtics eager to get the season started tonight in Cleveland. Chris Forsberg says that the Celtics don’t see age as an obstacle to their success.

Gary Washburn has the Cavaliers full of respect for the Celtics. Bulpett has the Celtics looking at tonight’s game like the first date - setting the foundation for what potentially could be. Paul Flannery has 25 questions about the 2009-10 NBA season. Fine has a number of lists of five about this season.

Dell’Apa’s notebook has the Celtics looking for their first win in Cleveland in five years. Fenton’s notebook has more on Davis’ thumb.

Patriots

Jeremy Gottlieb and Ron Borges have the report cards, the lowest grade is a “D” for the Patriots special teams from Borges.

Jonathan Comey fires back at Patriots critics such as Borges, who focus on the isolated personnel failures of Bill Belichick rather than the overall success.

Albert R. Breer says that despite outscoring their last two opponents 94-7, there is still plenty to be concerned about on this Patriots team. Karen Guregian has the Patriots taking a bye week before heading out on the toughest five-game stretch of their schedule. Rich Garven says that the Patriots will be using the bye week to get better.

Ian R. Rapoport has the Patriots offense stepping up and answering the call in the last two weeks. Glen Farley has more on the upcoming schedule for the Patriots. Christopher Price says that we’ll know alot more about this team after the next five games.

Rapoport’s notebook has rookie Pat Chung seeing early action on defense Sunday. Breer’s notebook has the Patriots enjoying their time together on this trip. Farley’s notebook has Sam Aiken stepping up big on Sunday.

Red Sox Anniversary

Do you remember anything about five years ago tonight?

Bob Hohler says that overcoming media pressure (mostly from Jonny Miller and Dan Shuaghnessy) was a big part of what the Red Sox were able to accomplish. Jon Couture says that five years later, the impact of that night is still felt.

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The Celtics start their regular season with a nationally televised game in Cleveland tomorrow night against LeBron James, Shaq, and the rest of the Cavaliers.

 Paul Flannery wonders if this is the end of the line for the big three. Bill Doyle says that this might be the last hurrah for the 30-something Celtics. Dan Duggan has one of those 30-somethings, Ray Allen, saying that he is in the best shape of his life coming into the season.

Bill Doyle has Bob Cousy saying that Rajon Rondo is the most important piece of the puzzle for the Celtics. Julian Benbow has rookie point guard Lester Hudson hoping that he can contribute to the Celtics’ title hopes. Jim Fenton has Eddie House finding a home with the Celtics.

Steve Bulpett has a look at Rasheed Wallace, who he says is a perfect fit for the Celtics. Bill Simmons though, is not a fan of the signing, and is not looking forward to watching Wallace and all he brings each night.

Gary Washburn has the Cavs looking to come together as a team this season. Duggan gives us a Celtics Scouting report.

Murphy’ notebook has Ray Allen back at practice after getting stitches following and errant Kendrick Perkins elbow. Chris Forsberg reports that the Celtics have decided to do away with the morning shootarounds on game days.

Misc

Fluto Shinzawa has Blake Wheeler much more upbeat after his role in the Bruins win over the Senators on Saturday night. Stephen Harris has the Bruins grinding out some good results.

Michael Arace and Kyle McCarthy have the Revolution clinching a playoff berth with their 1-0 win in Columbus last night.

Mark Blaudschun says that BC’s loss to Notre Dame on Saturday wasn’t as bad as it might’ve seemed at first. Steve Conroy has BC coach Frank Spaziani not wishing to hear any of that talk. Blaudschun says that we still don’t know who the best team in the country is.

Peter Abraham has Johnny Damon looking for a new contract in 2010.

Popularity: 8% [?]