Patriots Draft Review, featuring Tom Fiascone

Scone's draft preview was such a success with the fans, we decided to bring him back for an encore. My own personal take, real quick? Belichick must've been listening to me on the radio last week. Tom Brady will be 35 when next season starts. And finally, BB didn't stockpile picks for a future season, but used them for the here and now. I think both Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower could start this season for the Patriots, and have a pretty big impact at that. The Pats needed D, and D they did. So here's Scone's review.

Patriots’ fans finally got the draft they’ve wanted for years now. Ask Todd McShay or Mel Kiper Jr. what the Pats’ number one need was in each of the past few drafts they’d say a pass rusher. When now Pittsburgh Steeler outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley was on the board in 2007, Bill Belichick pulled the trigger on safety Brandon Meriweather. You can’t knock the 2008 Jerod Mayo pick, but as good as he is at ILB, he has only produced 5.5 sacks in a Pats’ uniform. In 2009 they passed up Clay Matthews Jr., instead opting to pick four times in the second round. They selected Jermaine Cunningham in 2010, who has become infamous for his ability to get remarkably close to the QB without actually sacking him. And finally in 2011 they opted for OL and secondary help with multiple DE’s on the board.

Now I’m not second-guessing Coach Belichick. The draft picks the Patriots received in the Clay Matthews deal eventually turned into Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman (plus Darius Butler and Brandon Tate, who didn’t amount to much). Belichick rarely misses on picks in the first round, with Meriweather and Laurence Maroney being the two notable exceptions in BB’s Patriots career, each of who were serviceable in their own rights. So its not like Belichick has been forgoing pass rushers for guys who don’t have an impact. But nevertheless, pass rushing has been a huge weakness for the Patriots since the Superbowl victories.

Well this year the Patriots really emphasized the “D” in Draft, selecting defensive players with every pick but their last. And further breaking recent trends, Bill Belichick actually traded up in round one, not once, but twice. BB traded up to take Syracuse DE Chandler Jones at #21 and Alabama LB Dont’a Hightower 25th overall. In round two he took Illinois S Tavon Wilson, and in round three, Arkansas DE Jake Bequette. They filled out the rest of their 2012 draft class with DB/Special Teamer Nate Ebner, CB Alfonzo Dennard, and WR Jeremy Ebert. The last time the Patriots traded up in round one was in 2003 for DE Ty Warren who led an extremely productive career, and the last time they took two first rounders was in 2004, taking Vince Wilfork and Ben Watson.

The 2012 first round picks, Chandler Jones and Dont’a Hightower, should help the much-maligned Pat’s D. Jones, at 6-6, 265, could project as an OLB in the Pats’ 3-4 or a DE in the 4-3. He is a freakishly good athlete in the mold of Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul. Jones has extremely long arms to fight off blockers and hold the edge, and he has an improving pass-rush game. Jones is also very young, and with defensive mastermind Bill Belichick as coach, his potential is through the roof. Mike Mayock, one of my personal favorite scouts/analysts out there (Sorry Kiper) actually had Jones ranked as his ninth overall prospect, and said that Jones could be the top D prospect from this class three years from now. Hightower comes from Nick Saban’s vaunted national champion Alabama defense. Hightower was the signal caller for the D, and a two-time captain. Furthermore, Alabama played a 3-4 D similar to the Patriots, where Hightower played ILB, OLB, and DE, showing versatility that BB always looks for. Hightower will probably have more of an immediate impact for the Pats, with Jones having a higher potential.

2nd Round Pick Tavon Wilson played all over the field at Illinois, though he appears to be a solid compliment to Patrick Chung as a free safety. Wilson can also play outside on the corner and in the slot. Wilson was above all, another Belichick pick. A combine snub, most analysts were scratching their heads at the pick. On film, Wilson appears to be rangy and have average ball skills. Wilson spent the 2011 season as Illinois’ defensive captain. Wilson is a high character guy, overcoming loads of adversity in his personal life (Google it for some intense stories). He started a lot of football games for the Fightin Illini, and has ample experience on special teams. The pick is reminiscent of 2009 2nd rounder Sebastian Vollmer, another combine snub who ended up a very solid player for the Pats. There may have been more heralded safeties on the board, but as I’ve learned when it comes to the draft: In Bill We Trust.

The Patriots traded their second 2nd rounder (you didn’t think they weren’t going to trade back at some point, did you?) for a 3rd and a 5th. In the 3rd, they selected another two-time team captain, Jake Bequette (pronounced Beckett). Bequette was a solid DE for Arkansas, and stands at 6-5, 275. He, like Jones, projects as either a DE or a LB, depending on the defensive alignment. Bequette had an explosive combine workout, running among the best 3-cone drill and 20 yard shuttles for DE’s, and a 34” vertical. Bequette is a high motor player, which makes up for his only above average athleticism. I really like the film I’ve seen on Bequette, and he could be an outstanding role player, with the potential to be better than that.

Nate Ebner, taken in the 6th after another trade, looks to be a special teams player, though an impact one at that. He walked on to THE Ohio State football team, and is a very prolific rugby player. Don’t hate the pick at all, special teams are one-third of the game as they say, and Ebner could be a great role player.

Alfonzo Dennard, CB from Nebraska, had a great junior year two years ago followed by a below average senior season. He’s had some off the field issues, punching a police officer and ultimately having to be restrained by four cops. Personally I don’t see that as a huge flag as I’m actually impressed that it took four officers to hold back his 5’10”, 200-pound frame. Dennard was rated as a possible second rounder before his arrest on April 21. Dennard had a solid vertical at the combine, making up for his lack of height, but he has short arms, and can get tangled up in man-to-man coverage. Dennard could prove to be a steal, however, if he can clean up his act.

The Patriots’ last pick was Northwestern WR Jeremy Ebert, who amassed 173 receptions for 2,400 yards and 21 TD’s in his four-year career, most of his production coming in the last two years when he was a starter. He could project, after some seasoning, as a good slot receiver. Ebert is most likely a developmental prospect, but an important one at that as current slot recievers Julian Edelman, Wes Welker, and Anthony Gonzalez’s contracts all expire after this season (barring and extension for the franchise-tagged Welker).

Overall, three words really sum up these draft picks for me: Versatility, Character, and Upside. The Pats only took seven players, one of their smaller draft classes in recent memory, but the impact on the defense could be huge. For those Pats fans out there asking for more help for the aging Tom Brady, think about it this way: an improved defense will gave the already dangerous Patriot offense more time on the field. One of the keys to beating the Pats in 2011 was sustaining long drives on offense against the Pats’ weak defense. Jones, Hightower, and Bequette, who are all above average pass rushers, will undoubtedly help on those third and longs that opponents seemingly converted with ease. The rest of the class looks like they could contribute as well, and I think the Patriots had a great overall draft. They broke from their trend and did not pick up any extra picks for next year, but with multiple important contracts expiring soon, they should have enough cap space to resign guys like Hernandez, Gronkowski, Chung, Vollmer, and Welker.

Point After Attempts:

-Most analysts thought Baltimore would trade up and draft Hightower as an eventual Ray Lewis replacement. That’s high praise for Hightower, as the Ravens rarely miss on their first round picks, not to mention the idea that he could’ve taken Lewis’s spot someday.

-As always, Bill Belichick conducted a hilarious post-draft press conference. You gotta wonder if he chuckles to himself when he steps off the podium after artfully dodging every single one of the reporter’s questions. His linguistic ability is reminiscent of one Jackie Chiles. When BB finally retires from the game he should seriously consider a career as a defense attorney for white-collar criminals.

-My first round bust pick: Morris Claiborne, CB, 6th overall to America’s Team. Dallas traded up to get Claiborne who scored a 4 (out of 50) on his Wonderlic test (similar to an IQ test). CB is one of the positions where a high Wonderlic may not be that important, but what may be more troubling is that Claiborne now tries to assert he blew off the Wonderlic. I’m not sure what’s worse, his awful score, or the fact that he blew off part of what is essentially a job interview.

-Luke Kuechly will thrive in Carolina under defensive mastermind Coach Ron Rivera. I know I speak for my fellow Eagles when I say Kuechly will be sorely missed in Chestnut Hill this fall; he was really the bright spot of a bleak program during his amazing three-year career.

-Look for the Patriots to sign a handful of undrafted free agents (UDFAs) and expect at least one of them to stick on the roster. Recent players falling under this category include: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Dane Fletcher, Kyle Love, Stephen Neal, Sergio Brown and Brian Hoyer.

Red Sox Sweep the Twins!

I think I lost track of how many runs they scored during the series, what was it again? Like 90? Alright it was only 24 but still, 8 runs per game! David Ortiz went 0-3 tonight and is still hitting .428, I mean what more do you want from a ball club? Cody Ross is restoring the glory to no. 7 that Trot Nixon once gave it. And so what if the bullpen is a heart attack waiting to happen, makes the games more exciting, right? And Bobby V in the dugout? You never know what he might do next! It's fun to watch baseball here in Boston again!

At the end of the day all I know is that the Red Sox are 7-10 with a cake schedule coming up (@ White Sox for 4, home vs. A's for 3, home vs. Orioles for 3, @ KC for 3, home vs. Cleveland for 4, home vs. Seattle for 2). Um, making up ground anyone? This season is just beginning. You can never write off a team in April. At the dawn of each morning hope springs eternal, or something like that.

Alright real talk I need a hug and a 30 of Miller Lites and I needed it an hour ago. Joel Ward? Really? Joel Ward? I won't say anything else except post his NHL statistics right here. Since the Bruins won the Cup last year the Red Sox had the worst September collapse in baseball history, the Patriots lost the Super Bowl to a team with a negative point differential, and now this. 

Patriots Draft Preview 2012: Featuring Tom Fiascone

Every now and then on the Experience, we like to let a voice other than mine be heard. Especially when it's on a subject I'm not the most knowledgeable on (hard to believe that such a subject exists, I know). But I believe what we have in store for you tonight is a real treat, from the aspiring Todd McShay/Mel Kiper Jr. Introducing Tom Fiascone from Boston College (aka the Supaaaaaaaaah Fans) as the latest Experience apprentice to try his craft.

A little more background on "Scone". He's a helluva sports fan, makes his money on baseball on the NFL draft. I disagree on literally every issue with him when it comes to the Red Sox (Exhibit A), but hey what fun would it be if everyone agreed?

In addition to sports, Scone is the mastermind behind the great Frank Ryan nickname of "Chef-R", which has since been shortened to simply "Chef". So without further ado, here is Mr. Fiascone's take on what the hell is going through Bill Belichick's mind right about now.

As far as the "Superfans" go, Scone is one of the few likable ones we've encountered. So tune in to what he has to say.

The Patriots will most likely trade one of their first round picks, though this might be the year where enough value is at the end of the first round to the point where they could stay put. I think their most obvious needs are S, OLB, DL, CB, and WR. Then again, Bill Belichick could surprise us all again and build some depth on the O-line. The point is, you never know what BB is thinking, but here’s my best guess as to some potential Patriots based on need, projected draft slot, and previous drafting tendencies:


Harrison Smith – FS – Notre Dame

Smith is a guy who was originally projected as a second rounder, but with a very solid combine has worked himself into late first round consideration. He stands at about 6’2”, 215 lbs, which immediately brings size comparisons of a former Pats safety, Rodney Harrison. Smith is a major contributor in run support, and shows a mean streak making tackles near the line of scrimmage. He shows great pursuit and squares up to make solid tackles. He doesn’t hit stick people as much as Harrison, but he is a consistent tackler; something that was often times a glaring need for the Pats in 2011. In coverage, Smith is more quick than fast, making him more of a zone player than man-to-man. He does read the QB very well at the college level, which makes up for his lack of elite speed. Belichick might wait on him and see if he falls to round 2, but I don’t think he will. He would also be a great special teams contributor due to his plus tackling skills, high football IQ, and constant motor. And lets not forget the Charlie Weis-Bill Belichick connection. Weis recruited Smith to ND.

They could also target Alabama safety Mark Barron if he is available. Barron will be able to start right away, and is almost unanimously ranked the top safety available in the 2012 draft. He was the leader of a staunch Alabama defense, and was a top player in the highly competitive SEC. All these factors, however, lead me to believe he’ll be off the board before pick #27.


Shea McClellin – LB/DE – Boise State

McClellin says he models his game after Mike Vrabel, and his film, as Rasheed Wallace would say, “Don’t lie.” McClellin measures up at 6’3” 260lbs, which is fairly consistent with the height/weight combo Belichick usually looks for in his 3-4 OLBs. McClellin was all over the field at Boise St, playing inside and outside linebacker, D-end, and even D-tackle in some pass rushing situations. His film really shows off his nonstop motor and above average ability to seal off the edge. He will have to become a factor in the pass game in order to be an every down player in the NFL, but his versatility alone would make him a good role player. However, this begs the question of whether BB would use a first rounder on McClellin. BB usually looks for every down players early in the draft. McClellin only repped 19 on the bench press at the combine which calls his strength into question, however, last years 1st round pick Nate Solder only put up 21 reps and he looks like Solder’s on his way to protecting Brady’s blindside for the foreseeable future.

If he’s available USC DE Nick Perry is a guy who has plenty athleticism and talent, but would be a project to translate to 3-4 OLB.



Michael Brockers – DL – LSU

Brockers was the rock on LSU’s fantastic D-line last year. As such, he handled a good deal of double teams, a plus for any D-linemen in a Belichick scheme. He’s all of 6’5” 322, and plays with a lot of force and purpose behind that frame. He’s very adept a shedding blocks and making plays on the interior, and shows the capability to hold the edge on the outside. He is still raw, which can be looked at as a plus and a minus. On the one hand he has a tendency to play too high and is only an average pass rusher. On the other hand, imagine what he could do with a little Belichick coaching…

Could also take DL Jerel Worthy from Michigan State. Worthy is massive and strong, but has a tendency to take plays off here and there – wouldn’t fly with BB


Dre Kirkpatrick – CB – Alabama

I know what you’re thinking, another early round CB. I just have the feeling its gonna happen, and apparently you can never have too much depth (See: Moore, Sterling, and Molden, Antwuan) Leading off, there’s the obvious Saban-Belichick connection to be aware of, BB respects Saban’s opinion which could be important in Kirkpatrick’s case. Kirkpatrick is said to be a bit of a problem on and off the field, with motivation problems. Could the Patriot Way cure him of this? On talent alone, Kirk could be a top 15 pick. He’s tall and rangy, fast, and has great ball skills. He’s excellent at man-to-man and zone coverage. Only questions surround his motivation and thin frame.

Could also take CB Alfonzo Dennard from Illinois. Dennard is smaller than Kirkpatrick, and missed some time with injury, possibly pushing him to the high second round. He’s solid all around, yet lacks elite talent in any one aspect. Low bust-potential, but probably not a number one corner either. Plus vertical at combine eases some fears that his 5’10” frame might be a disadvantage. Also look out for N. Alabama (previously Florida) CB Janoris Jenkins

Quick Hits

-Keep an eye out for Wisconsin C Peter Konz as Dan Koppen insurance.

-I love Stanford TE Coby Fleener, who has Gronk’s size and Hernandez’s athleticism. Not a need whatsoever, but hell, its Belichick, can’t rule anything out…

-LB Luke Kuechly from Boston College will be a steal wherever he goes. He has the highest football IQ and instincts I’ve ever seen, and put up impressive strength/speed numbers at the combine to boot. Hard to think of a top-15 pick being a steal, but this kid has the credentials and measurables to be a top-5 pick, unfortunately top-10 teams often have more pressing needs than LB’s.

Let 'em play 7

Is this even close to how I imagined this series would go down? Not even more a millisecond. You may recall I predicted a Bruins sweep before the tourney began. Hey I'll gladly be wrong so long as the Bruins win the 4 games. How's that saying go? I don't care how, I just care how many.

Moving forward, there's Bruins no doubt have an astronomical advantage heading into Game 7 on Wednesday night. Besides the fact it'll be at the Garden, there's no question Tyler Seguin will be out there firing. He seemed like he was pressing early on in the series, playing with a lack of confidence. Trying too hard to create opportunities that just weren't there. But it's amazing how much one goal can do to shake whatever nerves someone has. Getting a confident Tyler Seguin is an advantage that will help the Bruins not only on Wednesday, but hopefully beyond.

On the other hand, it warrants mentioning that Ovechkin is finally firing on all cylinders for the Caps. Seidenberg has been doing an outstanding job on him for much of the series, but he'll need help on Wednesday.

Also today it was great to see Mike Mottau out there on the ice over Joe Corvo. Corvo harks back memories of Dennis Wideman, David Tanabe, and Hal Gill. Whether he's hurt or not is a moot point; I want Mottau on the ice on Wednesday regardless.

Till then, plenty more playoff puck to enjoy. It's entirely possible both no. 1 seeds will be eliminated by then, with Vancouver playing their second straight win-or-go-home game tonight. The Rangers, who will be without Hingham native Brian Boyle, take their talents to the Canadian capital of Ottawa tomorrow night. Stay tuned.

Holtby gets credit, but

Where is David Krejci? Where is Tyler Seguin? Where is Milan Lucic, in particular? Wasn't he supposed to decapitate Karl Alzner tonight?

It was all fun and cool when the Krejci/Seguin/Lucic/Bergeron/Marchand core had been held scoreless (pointless, actually) through the first three games, and despite that, the Bruins still had the series lead. Not anymore.

This series is tied 2-2 and the Capitals won without Nicky Backstrom tonight. He'll be back on Saturday. Braden Holtby made about 94 saves on 95 shots tonight. He's the real deal, and he won't fade away this series. Tim Thomas can stand on his head all he want, but at the end of the day, if the Bruins are to prevail in this series, you know where to look. I'm looking at you, David Krejci. You, Tyler Seguin. You in particular, Milan Lucic. Bergy and Nose Face to a lesser extent as well, as they've still shown a pulse in this series.

Bruins still have two of the next three games (if necessary as home). And they can say they won last year all they want. But what good is one title when you're god damned capable of winning another?

This town ain't big enough for the both of us: Bobby V. vs. Youk

I'm so torn on this conflict it's ridiculous. Usually it's one way or the other with me, I'll make it a black and white issue, with no grey area. And that's initially how I started out on this schism between Youkilis and Valentine; I sided with the manager. But as always, the numbers can tell another story.

It's admittedly a small sample size, but in the first 3 games vs. Tampa Bay (the three games before Bobby V. made his comments), Youk had gone 4 for 10. He also drew 3 walks, getting on base 7 out of a possible 13 times. Now sure, none of his hits were for extra-bases. But nevertheless, for a guy who had just 2 hits in the team's first five games, you'll take it.

Oh by the way, the Red Sox won all three of those games vs. Tampa.

Since then? The Red Sox lost the series finale vs. the Rays, 1-0. No shame in taking 3 out of 4 vs. Tampa, right? And then the Red Sox lost to Texas tonight. And again there's no shame in losing to Texas, the two-time reigning AL Champion, right? Well, there is when you lose 18-3.

As for Youkilis tonight? 0-4. 4 strikeouts, in his first game action since being called out by Bobby V.

We know about Pedroia, the de-facto team captain, and the comments he made. I say ignore Pedroia; he's just bitter his buddy Francona isn't still in town. Having said that I feel like ultimately, Valentine really didn't need to say what he did in public? Youkilis, and more importantly the Red Sox, were having a great series vs. the Rays. Why rock the boat after it's finally been steadied? I'm still torn, so I'm gonna open this one up to a poll: who's side are you on, Bobby V. or Youkilis? This issue is far, far, far from over, so stay tuned.

Bruins take a 2-1 lead

If you told me before this series that through 3 games, that Patrice Bergeron, Milan Lucic, David Krejci, Tyler Seguin, and Brad Marchand would combine for 1 (ONE) point, and that the Bruins would still hold serve in the series....

It's the great thing about this Boston team. Unparalleled and unmatched depth. So what if the top 6 has been more quiet than Julie Carnes? It's the third and fourth lines that truly set the Bruins apart from other teams. For the second year in a row, PC has nailed the deadline by bringing in just what the team needed. We saw it with Peverley and Kelly last year (who have probably been the best two players for the B's this year so far); and we saw it again this year with Brian Rolston. Nothing wrong with going back to the future.

I'll give the Capitals credit where credit is due too; Braden Holtby must be wearing Olaf Kolzig's gear from the Capitals Hall of Fame. And they've been near impenetrable defensively so far; before tonight, they were keeping the Bruins out of the slot like Iran keeps out UN nuclear inspectors. Ovechkin's finally showed up tonight, which bodes well for them for the rest of the series.

But like I said, in spite of the Bruins serious lack of scoring from their "top 6" forwards, it's been the role players stepping up and giving them the all-important Game 3 victory. I'm pretty something like 85% of Game 3 winners go on to win the series when it had been tied at 1-1. We'll see ya Thursday.

Couple bids $100,000 to spend day with Jets backup quarterback

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- There are a lot of fans who would give anything just to spend a couple of minutes with Tim Tebow.

One couple is willing to spend $100,000 to spend a day with the New York Jets quarterback.

That amount was the winning bid in a live auction during Friday night's gala event that kicked off the Tim Tebow Celebrity Golf Classic, which is a fundraising event for the Tim Tebow Foundation. The husband and wife, whom the foundation declined to identify, plan to share their day with Tebow with underprivileged children near their home in the Florida Keys.

If Tim Tebow is worth $100,000 to hang out with, that begs the all-important question: how much would you pay to hang out with Brian Hoyer? What about Rohan Davey once upon a time? Is Matt Cassel worth anything?

But I guess an even more important question is how much is the starting quarterback of the Jets worth to hang out with? Would you plunk down $200K to spend a day with the Sanchize player? Not a backup, not a backup. Talkin' about a Sanchize player.

Two points for real though: 1. This proves that religion causes people to do crazy things and 2. The New York Jets season is over before it even starts. Because when the backup quarterback is more famous than your starter....I'm starting to think Rex Ryan might actually lose weight this season for all the stress he'll go through deciding which quarterback on his roster is the least mediocre.

And one more point: how much would you throw down to hang out with me? I'm a cool dude, right? No I'm not a God-fearing Christian virgin with a herky-jerky lefty throwing motion who goes on missions to the Philippines but I'll at least drink with you. I've gotta be worth at least as much as Tebow right? 

2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs: And the winner is.....?

Instead of writing a detailed NHL playoff prediction I'm gonna have to wing it with some quick picks, taking the easy way out yet again. Hey it's not my fault I procrastinated on an 8 page paper due tomorrow is it?

Eastern Conference


1 Rangers over 8 Senators in 5


Senators overachieved as it was this year, and they definitely have a keeper for the future (albeit late bloomer) in Milan Michalek, a "throw-in" from the disastrous Jonathan Cheechoo trade. It's Lundqvist's world and we're all just living in it. For the first few rounds, anyways.

4 Penguins over 5 Flyers in 7


All season long we said that a healthy Penguins team is the team to beat. Well, Sid's back, with 25 points in 14 games since returning. Anything else?

6 Devils over 3 Panthers in 4


Panthers winning the Southeast (38-26-18 was like the Seahawks winning that god-awful NFC West back in 2010 at 7-9. And yeah I know Seattle wound up beating the Saints. But this isn't an "any given Sunday" league, and Marshawn Lynch isn't lacing 'em up for Florida. David Puddy's team advances with ease.

2 Bruins over 7 Capitals in 4


Speaking of Puddy, you're thinking, "a sweep, really Lev? You start doing meth again?" And I'll give a Puddy answer: Yeah, that's right. To a sweep, of course. Braden Holtby doesn't scare me.

Western Conference


1 Canucks over 8 Kings in 5


Had San Jose somehow tumbled to the 8-seed rather than LA, I'd be calling for upset city and the ultimate burning of the fine Canadian province of British Columbia. Which will happen, just not in the first round. Keep an eye on Daniel Sedin though. If he's not healthy, and if Roberto Luongo plays like Bobby Luongo (his mediocre alter-ego), we could have something here.

5 Red Wings over 4 Predators in 7


Is it really an upset if I'm picking the Red Wings? By the way this is just the second time since 1991 the Red Wings have opened the post-season on the road. And they've been in the post-season every season between now and then. With Nicklas Lidstrom the lone mainstay.

3 Coyotes over 6 Blackhawks in 6


Tim Thomas is a fairly average name. So is Mike Smith. See where I'm going here? By the way Corey Crawford congratulations on being this year's winner of "Razor Burn", given out to the second-year goalie who regresses so horridly it reminds me of what Andrew "The Razor" Raycroft did once upon a time.

7 Sharks over 2 Blues in 7


One of these years, San Jose has to get to the Cup Finals. Right? Brian Elliot injured for the Blues doesn't factor in my decision here, either. Halak is just fine. San Jose answered the bell when they had to by winning their final four games of the season, eliminating Dallas and finishing ahead of Los Angeles by sweeping both. Don't forget, Antti Niemi won the Cup with Chicago in 2010.

Eastern Conference Finals: Bruins over Rangers, 6 Games
Western Conference Finals: Sharks over Red Wings, 7 Games


2012 Stanley Cup Champions: Boston Bruins. Called the repeat before the season and I'm not backing off now. Now excuse me while I go dust off my 2011 Stanley Cup Champions Hat.

That didn't take long, did it? Ozzie Guillen

Why such the uproar? Everyone knows it wasn't a matter of if, but when Ozzie Guillen would get suspended for the first time in his new gig with the Miami Marlins. I mean geesh I had my license 13 days before it got yanked. Caleb Blackmur had his for 8. 5 games Ozzie? 5 games? I'm impressed sir, really.

On a serious note though it's not like he was praising Saddam Hussein or Osama bin Laden here. I mean do we even know if Fidel Castro is calling the shots down there? I was actually half-sure he was dead before this story came out. When's the last time Cuba was even a factor for the United States anyways? Not to get all political on you or anything. I feel like this suspension is just based off of Ozzie's reputation (justifiably that he has a reputation, not that he got suspended for it). Had nothing to do with the actual game of baseball. And you know it's only a matter of time before he's at it again.

All I'll say is this: if they ever do a celebrity edition of Survivor Ozzie Guillen is no question my first pick for the show, over any other sports figure, musician, you name it. That dude will be candid, he won't hold back from anybody, and if he makes it to the jury, my God. Sue Hawk's "rats and snakes" speech would have nothing on that.

It's Aceves as 1-2-3!

Finally! Forget that 0-6 start from a year ago, we ain't touchin' those dreadful doldrums this year!

Fact of the matter remains this team is 1-3 yet could just as easily be 3-1. Lester was outstanding against the Tigers on Opening Day but got no run support; the bullpen should've been able to hold yesterday's game (not once, but twice); and today, finally, a close game goes the way of the Red Sox. Bobby V. has been doing an outstanding job managing within the game; I was a huge fan of his decision to pinch-run Darnell McDonald for Ortiz tonight in the 9th. Obviously Arencibia dropped the throw at the plate (where he likely would've had McDonald), but you figure with Ortiz's slower wheels, he has more time to position himself and make the play anyways?

And oh yeah how about some love for Dustin Pedroia? Solo shot in the 6th when no one else on the team could've hit a beach ball, not to mention getting the rally started in the 9th. The only guy on this team who gives a damn on a night in, night out basis.

David Ortiz, the notorious slow starter, won't be pulling that act again this year. He's 7 for 15 to start the year,  hitting safely in all four games. And give it another week or so, but I think I should start drafting the "Why Ryan Sweeney is better than J.D. Drew" blog right about now.

Listen make no mistake about it the Red Sox' bullpen is still an Achilles' Heel on this team, and you'll continue to see frustration like Games 1 and 3 against the Tigers until it as addressed. But for tonight, relax. Or Laser Show, relax.

Quick MLB Picks 2012

Way too much going on with school work to deliver an elaborate set of MLB predictions right now unfortunately so we're gonna have to settle for the quick picks for now. Just good to have it in writing so I can reflect on how kick-ass (or how piss-poor) I did in October. I'll try an crank out a Power Rankings this weekend if it's possible but no promises.

AL East: Yankees
AL Central: Tigers
AL West: Angels
AL Wild-Card 1: Rangers
AL Wild-Card 2: Blue Jays

NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Cardinals
NL West: Giants
NL Wild-Card 1: Reds
NL Wild-Card 2: Marlins

ALCS: Yankees over Tigers
NLCS: Phillies over Reds

World Series: Yankees over Phillies

AL MVP: Robinson Cano, Yankees
AL Cy Young: James Shields, Rays
AL Rookie of the Year: Mike Trout, Angels
AL Manager of the Year: John Farrell, Blue Jays

NL MVP: Matt Kemp, Dodgers
NL Cy Young: Cole Hamels, Phillies
NL Rookie of the Year: Bryce Harper, Nationals
NL Manager of the Year: Ozzie Guillen, Marlins