The New Guy in Town

With the 110th selection in the 2007 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select WR Randy Moss from the Oakland Raiders.

OK, so that's not what NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell really announced at this past weekend's draft, but in reality it's the fortunate truth.

Patriots gave nothing more than a fourth-round pick to receive Moss who wanted out of an organization filled with issues. Moss mentioned earlier last week that he would restructure his contract that would grant him an estimated $9 million 2007 salary if he could move to the right team. Moss's wish was granted and has now topped off an off-season that has been nothing more than genius for the Patriots.

The media has ripped this deal to shreds. I have heard everything from "Moss will tear apart the character and good morale of the New England locker room" to "Moss will quit on his team, again" into finally "Moss will be bring home a championship, and a Hall of Fame induction."

Let's relax for a second. What we are dealing with here is arguably the best wide out in the game catching balls from a future Hall-of-Famer in Tom Brady. That is the bottom line, at least in Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli's minds.


NFL Analysts and other members of the media have not only questioned Moss's character entering the Patriot system, but more importantly New England's change in philosophy this off-season by spending lots of money on veteran talent and drafting a first-round pick with a troubled past. An organization that has thrived on teamwork, unity, and all those bubbly attributes we learned as children playing little league and pee wee football. A philosophy which has generally focused on bringing late-round draft picks into the system and creating talent. A system that has won three Super Bowls in six years.

So how will Randy Moss fit into the Belichick system? Just ask Corey Dillon.

The troubled bad boy from Cincinnati was acquired into New England in 2004 for a second round draft pick to the Bengals. The goal was to improve a lack-luster running offense led by Antowain Smith in years prior, while the Bengals wanted to free salary space and remove the problematic attitude Dillon had created. The Patriots ended up winning the Super Bowl that year with Dillon rushing for 1600 yards and 13 TD's. The Bengals drafted S Madieu Williams with that pick, and he has been a nice addition to their defense.

At the time, many people wondered how Dillon would have reacted to the "clean cut" system. Players around the locker room during the 2004 season were delighted to see his change of attitude and mentality around the team. Dillon eventually became a great teammate and leader which is what Belichick is expecting of Moss and company.

Randy Moss has been criticized most of his career over game conducts and lack of effort during his tenures with Minnesota and Oakland. Moss has been scrutinized for walking off the field late in games, squirting water bottles at officials, and quitting on plays and routes. Despite that fact, he averaged 1300 yards and 12 TD's per season in Minnesota. Once he was moved to Oakland, his demeanor dropped even further along with his stats. In two seasons, Moss caught for 1,500 yards and 11 TD's. His two-year stats in Oakland failed in comparison to his numbers in 1998 and 2003 where caught for over 1,500 yards and 17 TD's in single seasons. It was painfully obvious Moss did not feel motivated to play ball in an organization with numerous problems and holes. Oakland went 6 - 26 during Moss's tenure. They have not won more than 5 games in a season since their Super Bowl run in 2002.

It's my firm belief that Moss has been misjudged, slightly. Yes, he is guilty of a few different accusations that relate to his character. But you have to look at the context of the teams, coaches, and systems he has played under. When he played for Denny Green he was a young and cocky talent making a name for himself. Green kept Moss under wraps better than any other coach. Not to mention he had a great mentor in Cris Carter. Mike Tice has been a coach known to have very little discipline over his players. And Al Davis created a catastrophic situation around Moss with weak talent, poor coaching, and an organization with no direction.

The bottom line here is that Moss has had enough of playing for weak or middle tier teams. He has clearly shown that he is a player who places effort into teams that have the level of competition to win games. Statistically, Moss's better years came during the seasons where the Vikings were championship contenders and Dante Culpepper was healthy (and an MVP candidate.) I'm not trying to prove that it is a quality attribute to have as a player, but for a winning organization such as the Pats, it's golden. Moss is extremely excited about his arrival to New England as he stated in a press conference on Monday: "I don’t think you all understand how excited I am to be a part of this organization. I think their record and what they’re about speaks massive volumes. I’m just very, very happy to find some happiness and getting back to what I love to do – that’s play football and going out there and compete.” If you believe actions speak louder than words, he has already restructured his contract from $9.75 million to $3 million. Moss claims that the Patriots will witness the old Randy Moss. At least that's what he said after being asked about his present below 4.40 40 yard dash time.

Tom Brady has gained a receiving core that is arguably better than any group Peyton Manning has ever thrown to in his career. Outside of Moss, Stallworth is a number one receiver on many teams and the combination of Caldwell and Wes Welker on the inside creates a top notch offense. Jabar Gaffney will be fighting for the fifth spot on the roster alongside new acquistion Kelley Washington. With Moss entering the picture the Patriots have solidified themselves a Super Bowl contender and Moss has cleared a path that may lead him to the Hall of Fame. The New England system has not only created talent over the years, but has controlled and re-invented egos. Moss now has a shining stage to prove that he is what he says: A winning competitor, and a great teammate.

Dice-K shuts down Ichiro in Fenway Debut. Hernandez shuts down Sox. 3 - 0

Regardless of whether or not Daisuke Matsuzaka will be worth the money it cost Boston to bring him in, he sure knew how to steal the attention of millions of fans around the world including the 36,000+ in attendance at Fenway on Wednesday night.

All eyes and camera lenses were focused on number 18 many minutes before the Red Sox would face off against the Mariners. From his warm-up tosses on the field, to nervously sitting and fidgeting on the bench, to then playing a second warm-up game of catch with Kevin Youkilis (I guess he couldn't wait), then finally to the mound to begin his Fenway legacy.

It also didn't help the situation that officials pushed back game time five minutes which prolonged everybody's anticipation. Fans in Boston were patiently awaiting the opening pitch that would finally end the agony of the off-season expectations and speculations that have been built around him since his signing on December 14th, 2006. And if that was not enough drama for you, his first hitter at Fenway would be his Japanese nemesis Ichiro Suzuki.

I suppose it would be only fair and justified to have these two Japanese prodigies face off in Dice-K’s home debut. Its great publicity and a great storyline. The Japanese media was spread out all over Fenway, just like Ichiro’s rookie debut in Seattle back in 2001. “Ichiro and Matsuzaka are the two biggest names in Japanese Baseball,” says Japanese Reporter Kaizo Kinero “There will not be a player like either of them in Japan over the next ten years.” The last time these two faced off in Japan was in 1999. Ichiro would strike out swinging and Matsuzaka was only 18.

The first pitch delivered from Matsuzaka was a curveball called for a strike. Nearly everyone in attendance at Fenway Park rose to their feet in celebration, hoping that it was a sign of great things to expect from the rookie. Ichiro would eventually line a 3-2 pitch back to the mound on a hop. Matsuzaka snatched the ball quickly to his left and threw out Ichiro ending their first match-up here in America.

The hype and excitement of Dice-K appearance would eventually be put on hold as Boston fans watched Mariners starter Felix Hernandez shut down the Sox batters one at a time. One day after the Sox posted a fourteen hit fourteen run performance against the Mariners in their home opener, Hernandez would eventually throw a one-hit shutout over nine innings, making him scoreless in seventeen innings pitched this season. Hernandez finished the game with six strikeouts and two walks on one hit. "He had everything going on tonight. He was just impossible," Boston's David Ortiz said.

Matsuzaka would only let up a sacrifice fly to Yuniesky Betancourt in the second inning and pair of RBI hits to Adrian Beltre and Jose Vidro in the fifth. He let up three runs on nine hits and 4 strikeouts in his Fenway Debut through seven innings. J.D. Drew would accrue the only hit for Boston with a single in the eighth inning.
The real Japanese championship bout for Dice-K did not end up against Ichiro, but against Mariner catcher Kenji Johjima. Kenji posted a .271 average against him in Japan and ended up two for three against Dice-K in last night’s game. Ichiro ended up hitless in the game striking out once.

After the game, the usually quiet Ichiro spoke to the press through an interpreter about his match-up with Dice-K "That was a moment that probably only Daisuke and I could have created. To be in that moment, I'm happy."

Matsuzaka spoke about his first pitch at Fenway "It wasn't easy to throw with the flashbulbs going off, but I'm glad I got a strike."

The Red Sox will finish their three game series today at 4:05. Tim Wakefield (0 – 1) will throw against Jarrod Washburn (0 – 0).

Beckett, Sox Blow Out Mariners in Fenway Opener 14 - 3

Josh Beckett needed only two runs of support from the Red Sox offense to secure him a victory in yesterday's Fenway Park season opener. Instead, he got 14 runs on 14 hits. The most runs scored in a Boston home opener since 1975.

Coming off a three-game series in Texas where the Sox averaged two runs per game on offense, Boston powered their way to a fourteen run-fourteen hit production against the Mariners on Tuesday. Thirteen of them in the first five innings. Sox scored four in the first inning including a 2-run ground rule double by CF Coco Crisp and a RBI sacrifice fly by Right fielder J.D. Drew. Following a three run second inning which included the game's only home run by Drew and a RBI-Double by Kevin Youkilis. The Sox went on to score six more runs between the third and firth innings. Jason Varitek also contributed with three hits and three RBI's in four plate appearances. "We pulled out the whupping sticks today," said starter Josh Beckett "They've been off for a while. It maybe affected their pitchers being able to throw strikes. You can't go through our order and walk guys. You're going to get burned."

Mariner's starting pitcher and 2006 World Series star Jeff Weaver was dismal in his first start of the 2007 season. Weaver was hammered for seven runs and seven hits with one strikeout on 70 pitches in the first two innings. Long relief pitcher Jake Woods came in to play the mopup role in the third and gave up three runs on four hits in the following two innings. The remainder of the Seattle bullpen featured relievers Brandon Morrow, Julio Mateo, Chris Reitsma, and closer J.J. Putz, giving up the other three runs on three hits.

As for Sox pitching, Josh Beckett pitched his second gem in as many games with eight strikeouts and one run in seven innings pitched. Reliever Brenden Donnelly was ejected in the eighth inning after sparking a verbal fight with outfielder Jose Guillen followed by hitting catcher Kenji Johjima. Donnelly and Guillen were formally teammates together in Anaheim during the 2005 season. It has been noted that the two ex-Angels have "Bad Blood" between them which attributed to Guillen's exit and trade to the Nationals in 2005. Donnelly struck out Guillen in the 8th inning of which Guillen expected to get hit. After the strikeout, Guillen didn't appreciate Donnelly's celebration and exchanged words while walking back to the dugout. The two were seperated by both benchs and Guillen was ejected. Donnelly, would then pitch an inside 0-2 fastball off Kenji Johjima's leg and be immediatly ejected with no argument from manager Terry Francona. Hideki Okajima would retire the remainder of the eighth and Timlin would pitch the ninth while giving up two runs.

The Seattle Mariners had the previous four days off due to a cancellation of the entire three game series against the Indians because of heavy snowfalls in Cleveland. Seattle manager Mike Hargrove attributes the loss due to too many days off. "Yeah, we played like we hadn't played in four days today. We pitched like it. We swung the bats like it. We played defense like it. We should be better tomorrow." says Hargrove. Terry Francona would also comment on the Mariners day off "They were put in a tough situation for the last four days. We had an advantage, and we took advantage. Hopefully that will work for a couple days."

Daisuke Matsuzaka will start today against the Mariners and will face off against Ichiro Suzuki for the first time since 1999 in Japan. Dice-K and Ichiro are the two biggest names in Japan and will be considered a major matchup overseas. Japanese reporter Kaizo Kinero said today on WSKO 790's morning show with Andy Gresh and Scott Zolak "There is no question this will be considered a major matchup over in Japan. Matzusaka and Ichiro are the two biggest icons in Japanese Baseball. There will be not anyone in the next ten years that is like them."

Game will be televised live on ESPN at 7:05 ET.

A-Rod Off to a Much Needed Start

Yankee's third basemen Alex Rodriguez has come off an off-season filled with publicity and speculation. Between his public comments of teammate Derek Jeter, his run-in with the press at his children's book signing, and contract talks about his upcoming extension option with the Yankees for 2008, Rodriguez has not had it easy.

Coming off of a dismal post-season (.071 BA, 4 SOs in 4 games) and a first round playoff exit for the second consecutive year, A-Rod was a nickname not in good graces with Yankee nation this winter. Rodriguez will earn $27 million this season making him the highest paid player in baseball; six million in front of teammate Jason Giambi.

Needless to say, the pressure dial has been turned up on A-Rod this spring. The expectations in Yankee nation are high and thus far Rodriguez has delivered. Throughout the first six games of the season Rodriguez has hit .360 with six homeruns and thirteen RBI's, the most homeruns hit in the first six games of Yankee history. The last of them being a game winning grand slam in the 9th against the Orioles, the second homerun of the game. Without a doubt this is the hottest start of his Alex's 13 year career and it could not have come at a better time.

The question that continues to surround A-Rod is his ability to perform in the clutch. Last season Rodriguez hit .237 with 4 HRs in 76 at bats in late and close game situations, not to mention his lackluster performance during the playoffs in 2005 and 2006. So far this season he has hit two homeruns and six RBI's in three late and close game situations including the walk-off grandslam on Saturday.

Rodriguez has tried to win over the hearts of New York fans for three years now and many people believe three years is long enough. Rodriguez won both the American League MVP and a Silver Slugger Award in 2005, yet he was scrutinized for his performance in the 2005 post-season. New York fans can acknowledge and appreciate A-Rod's yearly Regular Season numbers, but they have 27 million reasons why he should perform in the clutch more consistently. Then again, money grows on trees in YankeeLand.

The other question that must be answered by this season's end is A-Rod's future with the Yankees. Rodriguez may opt out of his contract in November and with the arrival of Lou Pinella in Chicago, Alex may want to revisit his relationship with his first former manager from Seattle. That is, if New York fans do not warm up to him to his liking. If Rodriguez performs at a high level this season(say above .300 with at least 45 HRs) and Yankee fans do not cheer for him more than recently, then expect A-Rod in a Cubs uniform next season. Therefore, my advice to Yankee nation: Cheer on your MVP third basemen next time you're at Yankee Stadium, or else.

Beckett shines in season debut against Royals

Maybe Red Sox fans could sleep better last night after watching Josh Beckett’s season debut against Kansas City as the Sox take an easy win from then Royals 7 – 1 in a very chilly Kauffman Stadium. Beckett went only five innings striking out five, walking four, and giving up two hits with one run from a sacrifice fly from C Jason Larue.

"Beckett had a high pitch count," Manager Terry Francona said. "Again, he made some pitches and he got us through five, and we thought that was plenty. Our bullpen did a great job. Snyder came in and put up some zeroes. We added on." Sox scored three runs in the first inning to give Josh Beckett some breathing room to start the game, when he exited in the sixth the score remained 3 – 1. Relievers Javier Lopez, Kyle Snyder, J.C. Romero, and Joel Pinero would finish out the game letting up one hit and striking out three.

The Sox would get off to a hot start in the first after a walk by Kansas City starter Odalis Perez to David Ortiz and a single by Manny Ramirez, J.D. Drew would bring in Ortiz on a RBI Single followed by a 2-RBI double by Mike Lowell. Kevin Youkilis would also contribute in the seventh inning with a 2-run homerun off Todd Wellemeyer to secure the lead for the Sox bullpen.

"Our bullpen did a great job. We swung the bats well," said third baseman Mike Lowell. "It's a good win. Hopefully we can win the series tomorrow and keep moving on." Lowell, who helped with his bat last night but not with his glove making two fielding errors and one throwing error for a career-high 3 fielding errors. J.D. Drew would bail out Lowell in the third after robbing Mike Sweeney of a line drive in Right Field by making a great catch that would have scored Mark Teahen and Mark Grudzielanek who reached base on back-to-back errors by Lowell.
The big question going into this game was of course starter Josh Beckett, who entered the game with higher expectations from Sox nation after his below par performance in 2006 (16 – 11 5.01 ERA). After much work in the off-season and development of his fastball and breaking ball, Beckett is ready to break out this year. In an interview with MLB reporter Ian Browne, Beckett said "If you look at my mechanics from last year to this year, I'm a lot slower, particularly out of the windup. I think going slower at the beginning and not rushing through your delivery, it helps me just throw the ball late. It's just like a golf swing -- your power is the last three feet of your golf swing. Same thing with pitching. The last foot and a half of my arm slot is what dictates how hard I'm going to throw the ball and where I'm going to throw it." Beckett came out this spring and pitched much like his old, younger self with a 3 – 1 record, 3.14 ERA and a 9.1 K/9IP average. He has gained much more command of his fastball, changeup, and his curve during this off-season. You can expect more of the same from Beckett over the course of the season.

As for Japanese sensation Daisuke Matsuzaka , he will make his major league debut today at 2:10 in Kansas City against young RHP Zack Greinke.