Faneuil Sports

At a Frozen Fenway work is done to shape the Red Sox roster

2012-01-25T16:24:00.001-05:00

While Fenway Park crews were removing the rink from the Frozen Fenway event, the Boston Red Sox front office was preparing for the upcoming baseball season. The 2012 roster is beginning to take shape for new manager Bobby Valentine. The Red Sox had their busiest week since hiring Valentine. Boston general manager Ben Cherington made some of his most notable moves since taking over as GM.

On January 21, the Red Sox dealt starting shortstop Marco Scutaro to Colorado in exchange for right-hander Clayton Mortensen. Scutaro’s stellar 2009 season in Toronto earned him a three-year deal worth $17 million to become the Red Sox starting shortstop in 2010. The 36-year-old had his second solid year for Boston in 2011 and was one of the few bright spots in September, but his high salary made him expendable.

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More recent sports news from around The Hub

2011-12-10T15:26:00.001-05:00

Boston Celtics: David West Can Revive Boston's Title Hopes
Bleacher Report
The Celtics continued their free agent signing blitz on Friday, as Yahoo! Sports' Adam Wojnarowski reported that the team is close to a deal that would send Jermaine O'Neal to the New Orleans Hornets for David West. West is a 6'9" power forward who has ...
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Bleacher Report

Don't cry for Big Baby
ESPN (blog)
By ESPNBoston.com Greg M. Cooper/US Presswire Glen Davis' act was always a lot of fun to watch, but it has run its course in Boston. With Friday's departure of Glen Davis, the Celtics now have four holdovers from their 2008 title team: the Big Three ...
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ESPN (blog)

New England Patriots Week 14: 5 Keys to Victory for Pats Against Redskins
Bleacher Report
Their next opponents are the tough New England Patriots and Brady and company are favorites heading into FedEx Field. Here's how New England can steal the show in our nation's capital. Okay, so I'm no Homer when I say this but passing the ball has to ...
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Bleacher Repor

Canadiens bring in Kaberle to boost power play
NHL.com
Last season the Boston Bruins traded highly-touted prospect Joe Colborne, a first-round pick in the 2011 NHL Draft and what eventually became a 2012 second-round pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Kaberle, hoping he would be the missing piece to their ...
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Are the Patriots the Biggest Threat to the Green Bay Packers Repeating as ...
Musket Fire
The New England Patriots are sitting at 9-3 and are a few wins away from wrapping up the #1 or #2 seed in the AFC playoffs. There has been a lot of debate as to whether the Patriots' defense, currently last in the league in total defense but 13th in ...
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Red Sox Announce Game Times for 2012, Launch Sales of 'Sox Pax'
NESN.com
by NESN Staff on Sat, Dec 10, 2011 at 9:29AM Red Sox fans can finalize their plans for 2012 now that the starting times for this season's games have been announced. The Red Sox on Friday released the game times for all 81 games at Fenway Park, ...
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Size no barrier for Patriots' Welker
The National
Wes Welker, the New England Patriots' wide receiver, has 93 catches for 1253 yards with the season only two-thirds complete. For a group photo shoot of the NFL's superior wide receivers, Wes Welker would be stationed front and centre. ...
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The National

Recent sports news from around The Hub

2011-12-02T19:50:00.003-05:00

Watch Colts vs Patriots LIVE NF L Strea m Online
Manteca Bulletin (blog)
by jeanarthur Watch Colts v Patriots LIVE HD TV Broadcast Coverage, Kick Off Times, TV Schedule, Results.Indianapolis Colts v/s New England Patriots match is ready to be played on December 4, 1:00 PM at Turf of Gillette Stadium.. Enjoy Colts v Patriots ...
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Welcome to Gillette Stadium

ESPN (blog)
Welcome to Gillette Stadium, where the New England Patriots host the Indianapolis Colts (1 pm ET): Weather conditions. Another nice day for football, with temperatures expected in the high 40s and low 50s by kickoffs. No precipitation and light winds. ...
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This time the interest is mutual between Hiroki Kuroda and the Red Sox
WEEI.com
By Rob Bradford According to multiple sources, the Red Sox have interest Kuroda, a free agent, with the 36-year-old open to playing in Boston. The acceptance by Kuroda to play with the Red Sox is a change of course from his stance during the non-waiver ...
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Kessel's kryptonite
Sportsnet.ca
The NHL's leading scorer has enjoyed the best start to a season in his NHL career, but against his former team, the Boston Bruins, Kessel has been all but invisible. And his recent inability to produce has his hold on the NHL scoring lead hanging by a ...
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Ray Allen Extreme Makeover Video: Watch Celitcs Hero Change a Child's Life
Bleacher Report
Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics is the classiest guy in the NBA, and he does so much for the community. Friday's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on ABC was supposed to include Ray Allen visiting a huge Celtics fan, eight-year-old Charles Walker, ...
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New Sox Manager Has Special Connection - Video - WCVB Boston

2011-12-01T19:42:00.000-05:00

New Sox Manager Has Special Connection - Video - WCVB Boston

Faneuil Sports Headline:Boston Red Sox introduce interesting Bobby Valentine as their new manager

2011-12-01T18:38:00.000-05:00

By Brian Rabuffetti

The Boston Red Sox announced the hiring of Bobby Valentine as their 45th manager. General manager Ben Cherington introduced Valentine as a strong voice, good communicator and passionate leader with a desire to win. In the question and answer portion, Cherington denied and notion that Valentine was not his choice and detailed the process of meeting and selecting him.

Valentine answered questions and mostly spoke of his desire and excitement to speak with and work with the players on a range of issues. He described his interest in the job and his readiness and philosophy to get it done. He mentioned a few times, he doesn’t have any checklists. Valentine told Heidi Watney, who is nearing an end to her time as a Red Sox reporter with NESN, that his first order of business is to put together his schedule and “get to work and get to work hard”.

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Faneuil Sports Headline: Red Sox select Bobby Valentine to replace Terry Francona as manager

2011-11-30T17:04:00.002-05:00

By Brian Rabuffetti

Bobby Valentine is expected to be hired as the next manager of the Boston Red Sox, according to reports by ESPN Boston and numerous other media outlets. Valentine will leave his current position with ESPN to become the 45th Red Sox manager.

Last week the Boston front office team cut their list to two contenders for the manager position, which was left vacant after the resignation of Terry Francona. Gene Lamont was a finalist and now appears to be out of contention, but as of Tuesday night he could not confirm that.

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Red Sox: Add to 40-man, switch gears from Sveum to Bobby V and Ellsbury case for MVP

2011-11-19T10:46:00.000-05:00

Sox add 3 prospects to 40-man roster
ESPN (blog)
By ESPNBoston.com The Boston Red Sox added three minor league prospects to their 40-man roster Friday: pitcher Drake Britton, third baseman Will Middlebrooks and outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin. They are thus protected from being poached by another team in ...
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Red Sox throw a changeup in their search
The Boston Globe
By Peter Abraham The Red Sox had a clear model in mind for a manager when they set out to replace Terry Francona in the early days of October. Bobby Valentine did not fit those well-considered parameters. New general manager Ben Cherington wanted ...
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The book on Dale Sveum
ESPN
And even though Sveum isn't coming to the Boston Red Sox, having been introduced Friday as the new manager of the Chicago Cubs while the Sox switch to stealth mode in their search, we figured Sox fans might want to hear a little about the one who got ...
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Making the MVP Case for Jacoby Ellsbury of the Boston Red Sox
Bleacher Report
As the Red Sox managerial search continues, the American League MVP race has been largely pushed to the back burner in New England. But now seems an appropriate time as any to put in a last good word for Jacoby Ellsbury before the decision of media ...
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Bleacher Report

The Boston Globe

Bruins: Hitting the road and checking in with Recchi

2011-11-19T10:41:00.000-05:00

Boston Bruins: Did The Homestand End In The Nick Of Time?
Bleacher Report
The way the Boston Bruins polished off their "perfect" 5-for-5 homestand brought to mind the opening verse of the Modest Mouse hit, "Float On." I backed my car into a cop car the other day. Well, he just drove off. Sometimes life's okay. ...
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Bleacher Report

Bruins-Islanders Preview
CBSSports.com
Another outstanding effort in net helped the Boston Bruins extend their winning streak, even with the rest of the team a bit sluggish. Boston will try to win its eighth straight Saturday night when it visits the New York Islanders, who will be without ...
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Recchi rips on Canucks
Montreal Gazette
Mark Recchi #28 of the Boston Bruins wraps the puck around the net as Adam Mair #22 of the Buffalo Sabres defends in this file photo. Mark Recchi is retired, but his passion for the game is still evident. Case in point — this week's appearance on ...
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Patriots: AFC matchup

2011-11-19T10:27:00.000-05:00

NFL Preview - Kansas City (4-5) at New England (6-3) (ET)
Kansas City Star
By Scott Garbarini, Sports Network The last time the New England Patriots faced the Kansas City Chiefs, an injury to Tom Brady created an opportunity for Matt Cassel to earn himself a job as an NFL starting quarterback. More than three years later, ...
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Your AFC Playoff Contenders, Explained
NBC New York
By Drew Magary EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 13: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets gets sacked by Andre Carter #93 of the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on November 13, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty ...
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Patriots RG Brian Waters set to face former team when New England meets Kansas ...
Greenfield Daily Reporter
He chose the one he felt gave him the best chance to win, the New England Patriots. The five-time Pro Bowl player fit right into the Patriots' vacant right guard spot after signing eight days before the season opener. On Monday night, he will face the ...
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Kansas City Chiefs General Manager (and former Patriot) Scott Pioli
WEEI.com
The Big Show crew chats with former Patriots front office guy Scott Pioli for his take on the Chiefs and life after the New England Patriots. Matt Light checked in on a Patriots Friday to put the finishing touches on the Jets win on Sunday night, ...
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Celtics: NBA players keeping busy

2011-11-19T10:24:00.000-05:00

Boston Celtics Paul Pierce Draws Interest From Spain: Another Union Ploy
Rant Sports
Paul Pierce is again making headlines. This time the union mouth piece is letting the world know Spain is a possible destination for the "Truth". It seems a few Spanish teams have Pierce on their radar. Well, of course any team in Europe would jump at ...
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NBA stars to play in Obama basketball fundraiser
Wall Street Journal
Obama's campaign says Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks, Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics, Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat and many others will headline the "Obama Classic Basketball Game" on Dec. 12 in Washington. With the NBA season in jeopardy ...
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Boston Celtics will have it tough if the full NBA season gets cancelled
bettor.com (blog)
The teams that will be affected the most in that scenario are the Boston Celtics. A completion season wipe out will mean that we have already seen the last of the 'Big Three' trio Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. The three stars are on the ...
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Red Sox: Manger search continues

2011-11-18T07:09:00.000-05:00

Cubs Name New Manager as Red Sox Consider Valentine
New York Times
By ANDREW KEH MILWAUKEE — The Chicago Cubs named Dale Sveum as their manager on Thursday, selecting a veteran coach who, just a day before, seemed about to become the new manager of the Boston Red Sox. Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press After ...
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Source: Red Sox holding secret interviews for manager opening
NECN
As it turns out, Bobby Valentine isn't the only (heretofore) stealth candidate for the Red Sox managerial post. According to an industry source, the list of candidates who interest the Red Sox goes well beyond the five who've they've brought to Boston ...
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Red Sox, Cubs delayed further on compensation talks
The Boston Globe
By Peter Abraham MILWAUKEE - Major League Baseball, it seems, has better things to do than mediate the ongoing dispute between the Red Sox and Cubs over the compensation for Theo Epstein. Epstein said yesterday that the teams have tabled their talks ...
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Bruins: SO win for 7 in a row

2011-11-18T07:07:00.000-05:00

Bruins win 7th straight, top Blue Jackets in SO
The Associated Press
BOSTON (AP) — Tuukka Rask made 30 saves through overtime and then stopped Columbus' Antoine Vermette in the shootout as the Boston Bruins beat the Blue Jackets 2-1 on Thursday night for their seventh straight win. Rich Peverley and David Krejci scored ...
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Bruins win seventh straight
USA Today
BOSTON (AP) – The Boston Bruins' season-high winning streak came dangerously close to ending against the team with the worst record in the NHL. By MIchael Ivins, US Presswire Rich Peverley and David Krejci scored in the shootout as the Bruins picked up ...
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USA Today

Chara Won't Face Charges for His Hit on Pacioretty
New York Times
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Quebec's prosecutor says the captain of the Boston Bruins, Zdeno Chara, will not face criminal charges for his hit on Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty last spring. If it happens on ice and it involves hitting and ...
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Celtics: Lockout killing C's

2011-11-17T21:09:00.000-05:00

Boston Celtics: 5 Reasons Lingering NBA Lockout Is Killing These Celtics Slowly
Bleacher Report
As a result, it will be teams, like the Boston Celtics, that will suffer tremendously as a result of the never-ending lockout. The Celtics are a veteran ball club that enter arguably their last season as championship contenders with Kevin Garnett, ...
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Bleacher Report

NBA Analysis: How Good was Boston Celtics Center Bill Russell?
Opposing Views
The usual negative comments about his offensive game were brought up by some readers, and no one wanted to accept that he played on a Celtics squad that was well known offensively for a) sharing the ball and the scoring load, and b) often ran the fast ...
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Red Sox: Cubs got it done, what is left for the Red Sox

2011-11-17T21:08:00.000-05:00

Red Sox likely to widen manager search
FOXSports.com
Red Sox team president Larry Lucchino denied Thursday that the club was focused solely on hiring an experienced manager, but repeated that the club "probably" would widen its search. Major-league sources say that Tigers third-base coach Gene Lamont ...
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Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona says he'll take a year off from managing
MassLive.com
By Pam McCray, The Republican AP Photo/Carlos OsorioFormer Red Sox manager Terry Francona says he won't manage in 2012, but he made it clear that he plans to return to managing in the future. It's no surprise that former Red Sox manager Terry Francona ...
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MassLive.com

Will Tim Wakefield be back with the Red Sox in 2012?
WEEI.com
Tim Wakefield wants to pitch in 2012…will the Red Sox pick him up or will he pitch somewhere else? His agent says that Wake will win 15 games, has received interest from other teams and thinks he may be suited for the National League. ...
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The Red Sox Free Agent Roundup – Pitcher Edition
BoSox Injection
The biggest area that the Red Sox need to fill this offseason is without question their starting pitching. Ben Cherington knows it, Red Sox Nation knows it and the players themselves know it. Cherington has even stated he will attempt to address this ...
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RedSox Or Cubs-Easy Choice For Me
WTMM 104.5 The Team - ESPN Radio
Published reports have him as the front runner for both the managerial jobs of the Redsox and the Cubs so let's roll with that and believe that's true. Which job do you take if you are Sveum? For me the decision is easy-a no brainer. ...
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Source: Red Sox trying to add Minaya
WEEI.com
MILWAUKEE -- According to a major league source, the Red Sox have talked with former Expos and Mets GM Omar Minaya about accepting a position in the organization, likely as a special assistant to GM Ben Cherington. Minaya is believed to be weighing ...
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Bruins: Blue Jackets in town

2011-11-17T11:42:00.000-05:00

Columbus Blue Jackets (3-13-1) at Boston Bruins (9-7-0), 7 p.m. (ET)
Bellingham Herald
By Sports Network - The Sports Network The Boston Bruins have rode their offense to six straight wins and the B's will shoot for a seventh consecutive victory when they host the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets tonight at TD Garden. ...
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Boston Bruins Win 6th Straight in Tight 3rd Period
Bleacher Report
With the way the Boston Bruins have been playing in the month of "Movember," the Mo seems to have brought some mystical power to their offense. After last night's game, the Bruins have outscored their opponents 34-13 in six games. ...
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Marchand bounces back from benching
ESPN (blog)
By James Murphy BOSTON -- Bruins center Brad Marchand knew as he sat in the penalty box after taking a roughing penalty in the offensive zone 9:07 into the second period that he hurt his team. Sure enough, 1:39 later David Clarkson scored a power-play ...
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Bleacher Report

Patriots: notebook

2011-11-17T11:40:00.000-05:00

Patriots Notebook: New England Prepares To Host The Chiefs on Monday Night ...
SB Nation
How do you get in on that?" But when the reporter told him he could stop by Gronk's locker the Qb quipped "I don't need any more time around him." Perhaps a few more touchdown catches could change his mind? New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady ...
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SB Nation

New York Jets team report: Tomlinson, Kerley ruled out
SportingNews.com
FLORHAM PARK, NJ—New York Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson has been ruled out of Thursday's game at Denver because of a sprained left knee. Tomlinson was injured in Week 10's loss to the New England Patriots. With Tomlinson out, Joe McKnight will ...
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Marshfield's Silva named Pats Coach of the Week
ESPN (blog)
By ESPNBoston.com Marshfield High School's Lou Silva has been named the New England Patriots High School Football Coach of the Week after earning his 200th win with his team's 35-7 victory over Falmouth High School on Thursday, Nov. 10. ...
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New England Patriots team report: Numbers don't tell story of Vince Wilfork's ...
SportingNews.com
Vince Wilfork's value to New England isn't measured by his paltry numbers of 25 tackles and two sacks. (AP Photo) That allows single-blocking on players like defensive ends Andre Carter and Mark Anderson, and the pair combined for five sacks on Sunday. ...
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New England Patriots Defensive End Andre Carter Crushes QBs And Tickles The ...
The Post Game (blog)
Although Chad Ochocinco and the since released Albert Haynesworth got all the headlines, it's the other guy the Patriots signed this off-season who's struck a winning chord. Andre Carter set a New England franchise record for sacks in a game with 4 1/2 ...
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Red Sox reporter Heidi Watney is leaving NESN

2011-11-16T17:25:00.001-05:00

By Brian Rabuffetti

The Boston Red Sox players and front office will be very different when spring training starts up in March. Now we are learning that the cast delivering them into our home will be different as well. Heidi Watney will not be apart of the NESN’s Red Sox coverage in 2012.

For the past four seasons, Watney reported live in-game updates from the field, complementing NESN’s coverage duo of Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy. She also worked on the networks pre-game and post-game show with Tom Caron and other studio analysts.

Watney is a University of San Diego graduated and was the 2002 Miss California runner up. The 30-year-old began here broadcast career in Fresno with local radio station, the ESPN radio affiliate and the local FOX television station.

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Bruins: Beat Devils

2011-11-16T07:24:00.000-05:00

Bruins Edge Devils for Sixth Straight Win: Fan Reaction
Yahoo! Sports
Contributor Network 7 minutes ago The last five Boston Bruins' wins have been dominant, but they had to win a nail-biter to extend their winning streak to six. On November 15, the Bruins and the New Jersey Devils went back and forth in a hectic third ...
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Bruins beat Devils, win sixth consecutive game
USA Today
BOSTON (AP) – After picking up his second penalty of the game — one that led to a New Jersey power-play goal —Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand was benched for the last nine minutes of the second period. By Greg M. Cooper, US Presswire Benoit ...
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USA Today

Julien: Ference likely to practice
ESPN (blog)
By Joe McDonald BOSTON -- Following the Bruins' 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night at TD Garden, Bruins coach Claude Julien announced that injured defenseman Andrew Ference (lower-body injury) will likely practice with the team ...
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Devils goalies Martin Brodeur, Johan Hedberg OK with no suspension for Milan Lucic
The Star-Ledger - NJ.com
BOSTON — Devils goalies Johan Hedberg and Martin Brodeur were both satisfied with the NHL's decision not to suspended Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic for his hit on Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller on Saturday night. Miller suffered a concussion ...
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The Star-Ledger - NJ.com

5 Reasons Tyler Seguin of the Boston Bruins Is an Elite NHL Forward
Bleacher Report
Boston Bruins forward Tyler Seguin has become an elite NHL player in just his second season at the professional level. Seguin leads the Bruins with 20 points on 11 goals and nine assists. His 11 goals are tied for second in the NHL and his 20 points ...
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Bleacher Report

Saying Goodbye to the Red Sox ’04 and ’07 World Series Teams

2011-11-15T22:31:00.001-05:00

By Brian Rabuffetti

Growing up as a Boston Red Sox fan, I had my favorite players and wanted them to play their entire career with the Red Sox. I was upset to see Dwight Evans, Wade Boggs and Roger Clemens leave Boston. As much as I wanted them to stay back then, I now believe that all players should move on eventually.

Jonathan Papelbon (notes) was not heavily recruited to return to the Red Sox. Boston General Manager Ben Cherington didn't attempt to match the offers Papelbon was receiving. With 219 career saves, Papelbon is the Red Sox all-time saves leader. He was the best closer on the free agent market, but I don't think Boston's front office values the closer position enough to pay what the Philadelphia Phillies did. Unfortunately to get a quality replacement, they will have to pay close to that amount for far less quality. I believe Papelbon was their one free agent to keep. They should have tried.

The Red Sox have another 2007 Championship star to consider.J.D. Drew (notes) had an amazing post season in 2007, however the majority of his five years in Boston were subpar for the amount of money he was paid. If Drew doesn't retire, there is no reason to re-sign him. The Red Sox can bring in a needed right-handed batter to play right field at a cheaper price.Michael Cuddyer (notes) might be a good option.

There are only four players remaining from the 2004 World Series team. Three of them were keys to the team and are now free agents....

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Red Sox: Winter Meetings news

2011-11-15T22:25:00.001-05:00

Cherington: Red Sox planning to cut field to two managerial candidates
Boston.com
By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff MILWAUKEE — Dale Sveum is not the only candidate remaining to become the next manager of the Red Sox. General manager Ben Cherington said that the team plans to call back a second candidate for a follow-up interview. ...
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David Ortiz: Sox will always be first option
Boston Herald
By John Tomase David Ortiz has sung the same tune for the last five years, and he won't stop just because he's a free agent: He wants to return to the Red Sox [team stats]. In fact, Ortiz said today, if he receives an offer he's considering accepting, ...
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Red Sox Free Agency 2011: Francisco Cordero On Boston's Radar, Says Agent
SB Nation
ESPN's Gordon Edes suggested the Red Sox might also have been one of a dozen teams to inquire about relief pitcher Jonathan Broxton. Broxton, who appeared in just 14 games last season for the Los Angeles Dodgers before undergoing arthroscopic surgery ...
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Source: Josh Reddick has wrist surgery
ESPN
By Joe McDonald BOSTON -- Boston Red Sox outfielder Josh Reddick had surgery Tuesday to repair torn cartilage in his left wrist, according to a league source. Gordon Edes and the rest of the ESPNBoston.com team have the Red Sox covered for you. ...
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Yoenis Cespedes: Red Sox GM Cherington to visit Cespedes
Rotoworld.com
Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington will travel to the Dominican Republic on Friday to see Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. Cherington will also visit the club's operations in the Dominican. Cespedes, 26, has already drawn heavy interest from ...
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Bruins: Seguin and B's look to remain hot

2011-11-15T17:26:00.001-05:00

Boston Bruins look to extend 5-game winning streak as they host the New Jersey ...
MassLive.com
Boston won the season series 3-1 last year as it took the first three games before it fell 3-2 in the regular season finale at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. The status of Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference is still up in the air. ...
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MassLive.com

Script continues to be perfect for Seguin
ESPN
For all his skill and hard training, Boston Bruins forward Tyler Seguin is also very lucky. Lucky he was drafted in the first round in 2010 by a team that was one win away from reaching the conference finals. (The Bruins and Seguin were in this ...
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Paille at practice, breathing easier
ESPN (blog)
By Joe McDonald BOSTON -- Bruins forward Daniel Paille skated Tuesday morning for the third time since undergoing surgery to repair a broken nose nearly a week ago, and he hopes to be back in the lineup on Thursday when Boston hosts the Columbus Blue ...
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NFL Handicapper Free Pick: New Jersey Devils at Boston Bruins
Sports Memo (blog)
The Bruins opened up 10.5-point favorites over MTSU but once the news on Nelson hit, oddsmakers took the game off the board. They reopened the game UCLA -9.5. "This is a very disappointing situation for Reeves and our basketball program," Howland said ...
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Boston Bruins: 5 Keys to Tuesday's Matchup with the New Jersey Devils
Bleacher Report
Although they have finally surmounted the .500 fence to slightly more savory 8-7-0 record, the Boston Bruins are still lodged in the middle of the unlucky seven Eastern Conference teams below the playoff poverty line. That being said, there is a chance ...
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Red Sox: Winter Meetings begin

2011-11-15T17:24:00.000-05:00

Red Sox' Cherington gets chance to make mark at meetings
MetroWest Daily News
Elise Amendola/AP New Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington (right) will have a lot on his plate when the GM meetings begin today in Milwaukee. By Mike Fine/Gatehouse News Service Ben Cherington has been around for ages, but as a secondary figure in ...
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Red Sox Collapse Still Painful To Papelbon
Philadelphia Inquirer (blog)
With the Phillies, Papelbon won't have to face daily questions about picking up the pieces with his former team, the Boston Red Sox, after the team's historic September collapse that was followed by stories suggesting players were among other things, ...
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DeMarlo Hale.
Boston Herald (blog)
Epstein said he recently asked Cubs GM Jed Hoyer to conduct a phone interview with Hale, who has been the Red Sox' bench coach for the past two seasons under Terry Francona. Prior to that, he worked as the Red Sox' third-base coach. ...
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Boston Herald (blog)

The Red Sox Will Regret Losing Jonathan Papelbon : Fan's Take
Yahoo! Sports
With Papelbon's departure the Boston Red Sox are left with a gaping hole in their already questionable bullpen. The pitching staff collapsed down the stretch and was a major contributor to Boston's squandered lead in the Wild Card standings. ...
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Patriots: Finding a way to win, now onto face KC without Cassel

2011-11-15T17:22:00.000-05:00

Belichick, patchwork Patriots find ways to win again
USA Today
By Tom Pedulla, USA TODAY New England Patriots defense, including outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich, came up big vs. the Jets. New England Patriots defense, including outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich, came up big vs. the Jets. ...
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USA Today

Tom Brady and the Patriots are at their best when the no-huddle offense is working
MassLive.com (blog)
By Nick Underhill New England Patriots' Tom Brady (12) looks to pass during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011 in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) The New England Patriots offense started the season at a ...
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MassLive.com (blog)

Patriots must maintain focus
ESPN
By Chris Forsberg After Sunday's triumph over the rival New York Jets, the New England Patriots have only one daunting opponent remaining on their regular-season schedule: themselves. In a way, defeating the Jets might have been the easiest of the ...
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Chiefs vs. Patriots: Matt Cassel's Return to New England Will Likely Not Happen
Bleacher Report
If Matt Cassel's 2011 season couldn't get much worse, it just did as he could very well not only miss Monday night's battle against the New England Patriots, but also he could miss the remainder of the season. According to multiple sources, ...
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Bleacher Report

Patriots: Countdown till Sunday Night Football

2011-11-13T18:12:00.001-05:00

Pats-Jets II: Final thoughts
ESPN (blog)
By James Walker EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- The much-anticipated rematch between the New England Patriots (5-3) and New York Jets (5-3) is almost here. Kickoff is set for 8:20 pm ET. The most important thing to keep an eye on is New England's injuries. ...
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Patriots vs. Jets: Tom Brady and Pats Will Get the Best of Jets D
Bleacher Report
6 passing defense in the NFL of the New York Jets will not have an answer for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots on Sunday night in the Week 10 matchup. Why exactly will Revis and the Jets be unable to slow down the Patriots offense enough? ...
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Papelbon was the one Red Sox to keep

2011-11-13T16:20:00.000-05:00

By Brian Rabuffetti

The Boston Red Sox were not able secure Jonathan Papelbon with a long-term deal during his time with the team and it appears they didn’t try to compete for his services during his time as a free agent. According to multiple sources, the All-Star closer has signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. Red Sox GM Ben Cherington didn’t confirm the signing, but acknowledged that he read the media reports of a deal. He mentioned the reported deal of four years for approximately $50 was not something they would even try to match.

Papelbon took over the Red Sox closer job as a rookie in 2006. He had just 17 big-league games under his belt, but he was handed the reigns after 2004 World Series star Keith Foulke had faltered due to injuries. Papelbon finished the season with 35 saves and an amazing ERA of 0.92, earning second place in the Rookie of the Year voting.

Papelbon followed up his rookie year with 37 saves in 2007. He saved four in the post season, including three of the four World Series games. One of my fondest memories as a fan was sitting behind the Red Sox dugout to watch Papelbon save game one against the Colorado Rockies at Fenway Park on a rainy night in Boston.

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