Patriots Draft

The NFL draft is less than a week away, and the New England Patriots are poised and ready with 11 draft choices. With the upcoming draft, the patriots have enough picks to plug in their biggest needs. Their biggest needs are on defense, as we all saw last eyar, faultered many times during the season. I believe the draft picks will focus around defense, and picking up offensive players after the defense is assessed. Their biggest postion needs are

1. LB
Jerod Mayo was a rookie standout last year. The patriots will be looking for another rookie to play inside with Mayo. Larry English, Ray Meguala, and Laurenitas are great draft picks for the first round.

2. OLB
With the departure of Vrabel, OLB is another need for the Patriots. A trade for Julius Peppers or the Addition of Taylor seem unlikely at this point, so the Patriots will be looking for a replacment.

3. CB
Cornerback was a huge issue last year. Ellis Hobbs is an average CB, but ended up being a first string starter due to injuries and the departure of key palyers (Samuel in particualr). Deltha O'neil showed exactly why the bengals cut him by getting burned 9 out of 10 plays. The Patriots gave up 3rd most TD passes last season.

4. Safety
With Rodney Harrisons future at stake, some depth at saftey would be nice. Brandon Merriweather finally showed up last yera and played to his potential, but some depth is still needed. Their are some good 2nd round safeties out there that we could see on the board for the patriots to pick up.

The patritos will be trading some picks for next years draft, and are in a grea position this year to get the defense back to being young.

Steven Orsini

Boston Victorious -By Gianna Addario

It was a winning day for the Boston sports teams yesterday. The Red Sox led the way with a 12-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles. The Red Sox swept the Orioles in the 4 game serious. Finally, the season is looking hopeful for the Sox. They are now tied for second place with the Yankees, (7-6). I guess all of the money the Yankees spent during the off season isn't paying off during the regular season.

The Boston Bruins are on a win streak. The Bruins beat the Habs 4-2 last night in Montreal. Despite losing Lucic to suspension, and Matt Hunwick to a spleen injury, the Bruins are still trucking along and making things happen. They have received goals from all four of the lines. Which is pretty impressive, considering some teams don't even have 3 solid lines. Patrice Bergeron got his first five-minute fighting major of his career. He threw a hard couple of lefts during game 2 of the series. The Bruins are finally making a name for themselves again. It would be truly remarkable if they could sweep the Canadiens.

And for the icing on the cake, the Celtics. After having lost the first game of the series, they somewhat redeemed themselves last night, sort of. Rajon Rondo, who carried the team for most of the half, ended the game with a triple-double. And yes, Ray Allen was back last night. Of course he did play in the first game, his presence really wasn't seen that much after going 1 for 12. But last night Ray hit the game winning shot. The final was 118-115, and KG made it through the entire game on the bench. Leon Powe went down in the first quarter, and didn't return. He had an MRI done after the game, but no word yet on the condition of his knee. Powe, recently returned to the lineup. It seems like the Celtics are dropping like flies.

Yet after all the injuries, rough starts, and long seasons (bruins/celtics), the Boston fans have something to cheer about. Their teams are winning!

B's up 3-0

Chris Santarpio

B'S UP 3-0 IN CANADAIAN SERIES

After last nights games, the Boston Bruins have taken a 3 game lead in their Stanley Cup playoff series with the Montreal Canadians. Although Montreal's Christopher Higgins scored the first goal, the B's kept up the momentum from the previous games and went on to win the game.
The first period was taken over by Montreal. They outplayed the Bruins the entire period, they looked faster and got more shots and scoring chances. From the look of the first 19 minutes of the first period it did not look like the Bruins were going to have a good game. In the last 45 seconds of the first period, the Bruins saw some light when Bruin Phil Kessel re-directed a one time slap shot for a goal to end the period. This gave the Bruins a new start in the second, where they played much better. The pep talk in the locker room must have been a good one because it look like the team from previous game when they came out in the second. The Bruins scored first to gain the quick one goal lead. The Canadians then proceeded to tie the game up, but the Bruins stayed tough and scored two more goals to win 4-2.
Former Canadian Michael Ryder had a big game against his former team. Ryder scored a big goal late in the second period to bring the Bruins up by one. This would end up being the winning goal, the Bruins would be in the lead for the remaining time in the game.
The third period the Canadians came out trying everything they could, but the Bruins defense played solid like they have all year and held them. In the last minute of the game, Chuck Kobasew beat a Canadian defensemen to the puck and hit the empty net for the final cap to the game.
The Bruins will play the Canadians again in Montreal for game four on Wednesday night, if they win they will proceed to the next round, if they lose they will come back for a fifth game in Boston. Let's hope they win and make it a quick series.

The Shot Heard Round The World by Sherene Abu-Hijleh

The playoffs are here! The playoffs are here!

The moment every NBA fan has been waiting for...the NBA Playoffs. They have finally arrived. Let's talk about our home team, shall we.

The Boston Celtics hosted the Chicago Bulls Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the TD Banknorth Garden for Game 1 of their 5 game series. It's unfortunate to say that the C's lost to the Bulls in overtime 103-105. The question is, should there have been an overtime?!

It all came down to the last play...Paul Pierce fouled and sent to the line to shoot 2. The C's were down by one when he approached the line. With 2.6 seconds left and the ball in the captains hands, you could almost hear every fans heart beat normally and a sigh of relief. Everyone was up on their feet as they watched what they thought was going to be the last play of regulation; the game winning play.

Pierce hit the first free throw. Game is tied. The ref gets the ball, hands it over to Paul. Pierce does his normal ritual of 2 dribbles and a spinning of the ball then tosses it up for a shot. IN AND OUT!!! That shot heard round the world could have ended the game right there! But it didn't.

Pierce is an 83% free throw shooter. I guess that 17% got the best of him this game.

The C's and the Bulls went into overtime. For the overtime regulation, the Celtics only allowed the Bulls to score 8 points (Celtics were allowed only 6)...but that's all they needed to take Game 1 of the first round playoff series. The Celtics lost 103-105.

It's payback time tonight. The Celtics are hosting the Bulls again tonight at the Garden. Let's hope it doesn't come down to one of those nailbiting shots again. I don't think I can handle that one more time!

Greg Paulus: From Duke Point Guard to Michigan QB?

Dylan Payne

Now that Greg Paulus' collegiate basketball career has come to a disappointing end, he will now try to change focus and use his final year of eligibilty to play quarterback for another school. Michigan is said to have offered him a scholarship, and other schools have been rumored to be interested including Syracuse, the same city he played high school football in. Paulus was a great high school quarterback winning the Gatorade player of the year his senior year and even turned down the offer to play qb at Notre Dame so that he could run the point at Duke. I always saw Paulus as a mediocre, at best, point guard who was a cry baby just like his the rest of the Dukies. After starting his first three years at Duke, Paulus was benched his senior year, as he could never lead the team deep into the NCAA tourney once JJ Reddick left.

After not playing a single down since 2005, I don't think Paulus will be productive at all in his one year of football eligibility. The lowly Duke football team wouldn't even give him a shot to compete for the starting job, a team that hasn't had a winning record since 1994. Michigan and Syracuse seem desperate by turning to him as they are both coming off 3 win seasons. Wherever Paulus ends up I'll be rooting against him and I'm sure he'll be a failure just like every other Duke basketball alum.

Bruins and Canadien Fued: To Be Continued...

With the NHL playoff beginning Thursday I thought it would be fitting to enlighten you all with a little history. No worries - this isn't the type of history that you need to remember any dates for...





The Bruins and Canadiens fued is one of the oldest rivalries in NHL history. The two teams began as what they called the "original six". The two teams have played in more regular season games than any two NHL teams. The two teams also have the highest amount of playoff game appearances against each other in the history of the NHL; which dates back to 1917.

One of the most famous NHL photos is the one of Maurice Richard and Bruins goaltender "Sugar" Jim Henry shaking hands after the conclusion of the 1952 series where the Canadiens defeated the Bruins in the series. :-(

Richard has a cut above his eyebrow while Henry has a black eye.

In 1971, the Bruins were the number one team in NHL, the Canadiens were number eight. The two faced off (no pun intended!) and the Canadiens ended up beating the Bruins during the first round of the playoffs, knocking the team out for the year. This is really when the fued heated up.

The rivalry continued throughout the 1980s, mainly due to a division-oriented playoff format that seemed to pair the teams every year.

In 1990, the Bruins finished off the Canadiens in the Boston Garden and would also win the 1991 and 1992 playoff match-ups against the Canadiens, the last one being a 4–0 sweep.

Almost 20 years later the fued continues. Thursday April 16th will be the first game of this much anticipated series...all of Boston is waiting to see what happens!!

Close but no cigar

Robin Lash


Today I thought (didn't say out loud) that I was going to see a no-hitter. I was especially excited because I was on a plane during Clay Buchholz and in a cabin with no Internet or TV within miles during Jon Lester’s. I thought I would finally get to see a no-hitter. Tim Wakefield, 42-years-old, took the mound with a goal of pitching as many innings as possible. The night before the sox used their bullpen for 10 2/3 innings. The bullpen needed a rest and that’s what Wakefield did.
In the second inning Mike Lowell hit a 2-run homer putting the sox up 2-0. It was around the 5th inning that I realized what was going on. I knew it was early to start thinking about a no-hitter but after 5 innings I was getting impressive.
There were impressive defensive plays to keep the no-hitter alive. In the third inning Jacoby Ellsbury had a nice catch that could have resulting in an extra-base hit. Then in the seventh a new face Nick Green made an unbelievable catch holding the no-hitter alive.
The eighth inning was a big one for the sox. J.D. Drew hit a 3-run homer putting the red sox up 5-0. The sox continued that inning with Green hitting in another run and Ellsbury hitting in two more putting the sox up 8-0. The bottom of the eighth brought bitter disappointment. Kurt Suzuki hit a single ending the pursuit for a no-hitter. The Athletics got a run that inning and they got another one in the bottom of the ninth. Wakefield ended up giving up 4 hits and 2 runs, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts, within 111 pitches. All in all the sox played a great game. Wakefield was able to pitch all nine innings giving the bullpen much needed rest.

2-6

The red sox are now 2-6. I know, there are 161 game sin a season, but we should start to worry. This is the worst start since 1996, for the Boston Red Sox. This team has plans to make a run at the World Series, but has serious problems in its present state. These are the problems that the Red sox need to overcome if they plan to make it anywhere.

Matsuzaka: 5 runs in the first inning of the game vs. Oakland. This guyw as an 18 game winner last season, and is looking like a rookie this season. In 6 innings this season, he has given up 9 runs. This could because of fatigue from the WBC, but who knows. The large price tag for this player surely doesnt seem to be paying off just yet, and the pitching doesnt look to have as much depth as we all thought.

Jon Lester: Another should be ace, is struggling in out of the gates. He has posted a 9 ERA in his first 2 starts. He will needs start playing like a #2 pitcher.

Hitting: David Ortiz is feeling the loss of Ramirez for the second straight season. His struggles are directly related to Manny leaving. Ortiz will never be the same without Manny. Many peopel say its becuase of the wrist inury, and I think this year will prove Ortiz is nothing without Manny. He is alreayd at a .172 average with no home runs in 29 at bats. He is not the only one struggling. Jacoby Elsbury is at a .194, and really has no excuse for playing so poorly. He is the leadoff hitter, and should be doing a much better job at it. Mike Lowell, who was resigned despite his age and declining skills, is hitting at a .188 and has grounded into 4 double plays. Jason Varitek tries to make a comeback form his worst offensive season ever and does by hitting .200.

There are many games ot be played, but with the rotation the way it is and the hitting the way it is currently do not expect a playoff run this year. We will see if team managment has the skills to get the team back on track.

Steven Orsini

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Sox vs Oakland A's - Joanne Cochrane

I'm going to give the "live blogging" a shot for the remainder 5th inning of tonight's Red Sox game. I am coming in with two outs at the top of the fifth - Jason Varitek is up and the count is 1-2. He has fouled of a couple of pitches and has just pop flied one to Sweeney. The score is 5-1 and Oakland is up next. The announcers have made note that Varitek celebrated his birthday last weekend by hitting a couple of home runs (good news for my HR derby, as I am probably the only one with him as a write in).

We are now looking at the field and the Sox are in position. John Lester had a 5 run 2nd inning pitching to the A's. Jason Giambi is at bat - fresh from a rowdy crowd booing in the last inning. He hits a breaking ball down the middle to Green and it is fielded cleanly to Youkalis. Matt Holliday (also on my HR derby, which I am not rooting for at this time) is up and the count is 1-1 with one out. Lester's pitch is a ball followed by one over the plate which is hit directly to JD Drew. Up next is 3rd baseman Nomar Garcipara. Jerry and Don have bet $5 that Nomar will swing at the first pitch. He doesn't and the money is exchanged on camera. Next pitch is right down the middle and Nomar hits a home run, making it 6-1. Lester has thrown two balls and two strikes to Cust, who is one for two with a single home run earlier in the game. Another ball is thrown outside, making a full count - Pop fly to center field and Rocco Baldelli makes the catch and at the end of the fifth it's 6-1.

Paul Pierce: A True Captain by Sherene Abu-Hijleh

Captain [kap tuh n]: -noun

• A person who is at the head of or in authority over other; leader.


• Sports. The field leader of a team


• Paul Pierce

Every sports fan knows who Paul Pierce is. Number 34 for the Boston Celtics, Forward, 10 years in the NBA (all 10 spent in Boston), leading scorer for the C's with 20.4 points per game, 3rd in rebounds per game (5.8), 2nd in assists (3.6), and the Celtics only Captain.

Paul Pierce has been the Celtics captain for 5 years. From 1998-2003, Pierce was the co-captain, along with Antoine Walker. I'm sure every Celtics fan remembers the duo together on and off the court. They were the 1-2 punch for the Celtics, leading the C's to conference finals. But once Walker was traded to the Dallas Mavericks during the 2003-2004 NBA season, it was up to Pierce to fill the big shoes Walker left behind.

Pierce did just that. For the next 5 years, Pierce has stood tall and stayed strong, leading his fellow teammates to victories.

During the 2003-2004 season, Paul Pierce and the Celtics made the third consecutive playoff appearance, bowing out to the Indiana Pacers in the first round. During this season, Pierce played the most minutes (3,099), made the most field goals, (602), had the most free throws made, (517), had the most assists, (410), had the most points, (1,836), and had the most points per game (23). Pierce was hot!

The 2004-2005 season was almost a mimic of the previous season. The Celtics met with the Pacers once again for the first round of the playoffs. This round was a lot more exciting than last years, however. Game 1 was won in Boston by the C's. Game 2 was taken by the Pacers. Game 3 and 4 was split between both teams. It came down to a 3-game series with two games at Boston. The Pacers stole the nail-biting game 5 from the C's, winning it 90-85. The Celtics came back, however, in game 6 with a victory, tying the series 3-3. It was all up to Game 7. Unfortunately that game went to the Pacers. During this season, Pierce played the most games, (82), played 2,960 minutes worth of hard basketball, made 556 field goals, 549 free throws, tallied 1, 769 points, and averaged 21.6 points per game.

For the 2005-2006 season, Pierce pretty much swept the statistical board, except for most games played, (that went to LaFrentz with 82). Pierce played 3, 084 minutes, made 689 FG, 627 FT, 375 assists, 530 rebounds, 2,116 points for the season, and 26.3 PPG.

In the 2006-2007 season, Pierce made 320 Free Throws, scored 1,173 points and averaged 25 points per game. He continued to shine through the next season and into today.

Pierce had great stats for the 2007-2008 season. He played 80 games, 2,374 minutes, made 504 FG, 409 FT, came out of the season with 1,570 points, and averaged 19.6 PPG. And we can't forget the big victory Pierce led his team to...The NBA Title! Pierce helped the C's bring 17 home.

It's obvious to see that Pierce hasn't let his team down when they needed him most. If they needed points, Pierce got those points. If they needed rebounds, he crashed the boards. If they needed a good pass, Pierce found the open man. But, being a good player doesn't always come down the statistics. It comes down to leading.

Pierce's statistics are only a part of what makes him a great leader. Pierce was chosen to be captain because he is the most skilled player on the team and is determined to be the best leader. Of all the players, you will never see Pierce give up. That's his job as a captain. And, my personal opinion, he does a damn good job!

UFC 97 Preview

Dylan Payne

The UFC returns to Montreal on Saturday April 18th for UFC 97. It is the second time the UFC has held an event in Canada, the first coming last April. However the event was in jeopardy of happening last month due to the fact that the Quebec Athletic Commission did not want to sanction the rules implemented by the UFC. They didn't want to allow knees, elbows, or strikes to a downed opponent. This led UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta to fly to Quebec and meet with the commission, ultimatly coming to a compromise of no foot stomps, thus saving the event.

The UFC 97 card is a pretty solid card featuring a main event of Anderson "The Spider" Silva, the consensus number one ranked middleweight in the world, versus up and comer Thales Leites. Anderson Silva has never lost in the UFC, holding an 8-0 record. With a win on the 18th he will break Royce Gracie's record of 8 consecutive wins inside the octagon. Silva's striking skills are hands down the best in his division and he also hold a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. The only way Leites will be able to beat Silva is if he catches him on an off day and can take the champ down and submit him. Of Leites' 14 wins, 9 have come via submission. I don't see that happening, though, and expect Silva to be champion until the day he retires.

Also fighting that night is on of the most popular fighters in the world, Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell. He will be taking on former number 1 ranked fighter in the world Maurico "Shogun" Rua. Once the ruler of the 205 pound weight class, Liddell has fallen on tough times as of late, losing 3 of his last 4 fights including a highlight reel knockout from Rashad Evans, a knockout in which I'm not even sure Liddell has woken up off the mat from yet. He hasn't fought since and will try to prove to the world that he's not in the twighlight of his career. Since coming over from Japan, Shogun has not been impressive at all, going 1-1 with his one win one of the worst fights I've ever seen. I always thought Shogun was overated and I expect Liddell to knock him with a right hook.

The rest of the card features two former WEC champions (the UFC's affiliated organization, sort of a minor league for up and coming fighters) in Steve Cantwell and Brian Stann, a dangerous young striker in Luiz Cane, top heavyweight prospect France's Cheick Kongo and former IFL and Ultimate Fighter contestant Krzystof Soszynski. All three undercard fights should be stand up wars and I expect knockouts from all three fights. I'm picking Kongo over Antoni Hardonk, Cane over Cantwell, and Stann over Krzystof.

The names on this card aren't the biggest out there, but overall I expect the fights to make this event one of the best events of the year.

Salem State College Baseball

Micaela Hersee

With a busy class schedule, internship and job keeping up with sports has become nearly impossible. Lucky for me, I have a roommate who dates a member of the SSC baseball team, lets call him John Smith. 

Over the course of this semester Smith has gotten used to my questions and messages as I attempt to throw together something on the baseball team and the progress. Since a friendship has been established between myself and Smith it is reassuring that he is not bullshitting me at all when discussing the team. He keeps it honest and makes sure he covers all positive and negative factors.

When I asked him a few days ago for a recap of the current season he was more than happy to oblige.  

The Salem State Vikings are currently have won 10 games and have lost 10 as well. They have had note worthy pitching from Matt Kerr and Al miner, however nothing big has occurred so far in the season. The Vikings are 1 win and 3 losses in the conference which determines whether or not they make it to the playoffs. Typically a team needs at least 8 wins and 6 losses to play.  The vikings will have to play very well to make it to the conference but with a new strategy and the faith of the fans anything is possible.

Until next time...

Woods Bidding for Another Green Jacket - Preview

Dave Pazzaglia

Tomorrow will mark the 1st round of the Masters tournament and the 1st major Tiger Woods will be playing in since before his knee injury. With his first three starts of the season all showing some positives; driving the ball great at Tucson, having a solid iron game at Doral, and winning Bay Hill with a great short game it's hard to argue that Tiger isn't the favorite going into his first major back since injury. With four career wins at Augusta (1997,2001,2002,2005), Woods will look to make it five although he has only won one in his last six attempts at the green jacket.

With Tiger healed, hungry and obviously beginning to peak again the rest of the field will have to bring everything they have to compete for the jacket. The only part of Tiger’s illustratious career missing is his bid for the Grand Slam, winning all four majors in one year. Tiger has won four in a row before just not at the right time. Augusta is the first of four major championships of the year and I can assure you due to his competitive nature and excitement to be back that he has his eye on doing it this year, but it all begins with this weekend.

You never know what to expect from Phil Mickelson but he could cause Tiger some trouble if he can find his stroke this weekend where he has won two Masters Championships in the last five seasons. He is one of only two players too own two PGA Tour victories this season along with Geoff Ogilvy. Other contenders besides these two should be Retief Goosen, Padraig Harrington, Paul Casey, Stewart Cink, Henrik Stenson, and Tim Clark.

Woods stated, “The preparation, the feeling I have right now, it feels the same.” Tiger will tee off Thursday at 1:52 with Stewart Cink and Jeev Milkha Singh. The last Grand Slam event Tiger played in was all the way back in June where he beat out Rocco Mediate in a playoff hole. Don’t be surprised if Tiger get his 15th major title this week and starts his bid to win all four titles this year. Tune in this weekend for what should be one heck of a return.

Amanda Musial - The Week in Boston Sports : part 2

(seriously, the cutest baby EVER!!)

1. The Sox win the season opener

The Sox kick off the season with a "W" under their belts, and Boston couldn't be happier. Although a day late due to the rain on Monday, opening day did not disappoint Boston fans. With a score of Boston 5 - Tampa Bay 3 care of great pitching by Beckett, a first inning solo home-run by Pedroia, and amazing batting by the entire team, the Sox are hopeful for another successful season. Mike Lowell put it best; it was "a nice, complete game". So humble!!

2. Women's tackle football exists

Who knew?!





These girls are scary! Their season opener is April 18th, against the Manchester Freedom, at Dilboy Stadium in Somerville. The Boston Militia squad is part of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), a professional, full-tackle women’s football league that hosts 1,600 women in 41 teams across North America. The Militia, which formed in 2007, has 46 players. Unlike men, these women do have to hold full-time jobs, but they all agree that this league let's all of their stress and frustration out. I bet!

3. UCONN win's women's NCAA coveted championship

Although this isn't directly related to Boston news, I felt it NEEDS to be mentioned. These girls are flawless. They were chosen as the number one seed for this year, and the way they played this year proved to everyone that they should be number one. As the top-ranked Huskies piled up victory after victory, winning 38 in a row by an astounding average margin of 30.7 points per game, they beat Louisville 76-54.

"The more we won by, the margin of victories kept getting bigger," coach Auriemma said. "And the more it was expected that, well, of course they're going to win. Of course they're the best team ever. Of course, of course, of course."

Cocky, but confident -- I like it!!

4. Wes Welker - easily my favorite player on the Patriots

In my opinion, Welker makes the craziest catches look so easy. He also takes some of the hardest hits in football, while also being one of the smallest guys on the team. One of the hits he received late last season is now dubbed illegal. Now according to the NFL "hits like Clark's are now illegal, the league making verboten any type of initial contact with a receiver who is in the act of trying to catch a pass that involves a forearm or shoulder to the neck or head area (such hits involving the helmet were already prohibited)". This will hopefully prevent injuries to players such as my personal fave - Mr. Welker.

5. The Canadien - Bruin feud continues

On Thursday, March 9, the Bruins face-off with the Canadiens to continue their long running fued. Possibly my favorite Boston fued, I'm excited to see the game. Not even going to lie - mostly to see the fights that will unravel!

It's only one game, folks

Brett M. Rhyne

Before you all go apeshit over the outcome of today's Sox–Rays game, I'd like to remind you that they still have 161 left to play.

The good: Josh Beckett's 2-hit, 10-K outing and his apparent command of his fastball, curve and change from the get-go; just ignore the third inning. Also, the way the lineup appears balanced, at least from two through eight.

The bad: Manager Terry Francona's decision to pull Beckett after seven; he was cruising, and his departure was what allowed Tampa Bay back into the game. Also, the top and bottom of the Sox lineup: Jacoby Ellsbury (0-4, 1 K) continues to disappoint, and Jed Lowrie (1 cheap hit, 2 K's) has yet to show why he's preferable to Julio Lugo at short (theirs were the only three Sox strikeouts, by the way).

The ugly: The performances of middle relievers Hideki Okajima (1 BB to the #9 hitter, 1 HBP, 2 ER, 54.00 ERA) and Justin Masterson (both inherited runners scored); 38-year-old Okie's 2007 heroics are now two years removed, and Masterson may just be hyper-hype.

Photo: Senator Edward M. Kennedy and Hall of Famer Jim Rice preview their remake of Driving Miss Daisy; Jim Davis, Boston Globe

The Sox Rock! and Always Will! - Joanne Cochrane

Disneyworld is not the only place where dreams come true. There is another place right here in Boston where dedicated fans can relax and rejoice amongst a cast of characters. A place where fun and family reigns. Where a team comes together to spend another 180 plus days playing a game they love, with people they respect. A place where petty differences and sullen teammates do not exist. Where the starting lineup is (finally) healthy again and where there is nothing to distract them from doing their jobs and achieving their goal - another World Series trophy and ring.

The place is Fenway Park, and another season's ride begins on Monday (or Tuesday, depending on the weather). This will be the first year in a long time where the Sox will play the season opener at home - and the Fenway Faithful are ready and willing to take this journey with them.

2009 sees the Red Sox in a place they haven't been in some time, with strong pitching, healthy starters and depth in the bullpen and on the bench. Players like Big Papi, Josh Beckett, Tim Wakefield and Mike Lowell are all expected to take their positions in the lineup and rotation. Curt Shilling has retired (though still has a blog on WEEI) and dare I say the name Manny Ramirez - only to say good riddance and how good it has been for the team since he was traded to the LA Dodgers - it looks like the specter of that ghost has been excised from the clubhouse.

The American League East will be fun to watch this baseball season. You have the Red Sox, Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays as the "Big Three" - the ones to watch, and believe me, people will be looking. After last season, where the Yankees' health imploded and the Red Sox lost to the Rays after a best of seven pennant race; the gauntlet has been thrown in this division.

Coming into this season, the Red Sox are still the team to beat. Terry Francona is hitting his stride as the manager, having already brought home two rings in five years. The respect the team has for him, and his baseball knowledge and expertise are something that Red Sox fans have come to terms with since the 2004 season. You may not always agree with the call, but you eventually understand the reasons behind it.

Former Tampa Bay Rays player Rocco Baldelli and Quality control coach Tim Bogar (who will take over the role of first bas coach( are welcome additions to the Red Sox team and will bring unique insight into the Rays' team as a whole.

The Yankees and Rays will each be an interesting foe for the Sox, but do not pose ht threat they may have a year ago. Boston is on its way toward one goal; the "Run for the Ring 09'."

Bruins Have Their Swagger Back

Rexinis

The Boston Bruins have their swagger back. The Bruins have been atop the Eastern Conference since December and haven't looked back since. The regular season ends next weekend. The Bruins Have clinched the Eastern Conference with a win yesterday over the New York Rangers 1-0. Tim Thomas receieved his 5th shutout of the season blanking the Rangers with 27 saves.

Mark Recchi is proving to the city of Boston that he was a worthy pickup. In his last 5 games he has 3 goals and 2 assists and is also adding that veteran leadership that the Bruins were lacking. After a 2 week skid of losing 6 out of 10 the Bruins are looking better than ever. They are playing some of the best defense in the league allowing the fewest goals out of any team. They are peaking at the right time heading into the playoffs. It still has yet to be determined but the B's are definitaly looking to go deep in the playoffs this season so keep your stations tuned to nesn.

Salem State Men's Lacrosse Team Plays Rain or Shine

Sherene Abu-Hijleh

Everyday you will see the Salem State Men's Lacrosse team either practicing or playing lacrosse on the field at the O'Keefe Center, no matter what the weather is. Whether it's raining, sleeting, hailing, snowing, or even below freezing outside, the men of the lax team grab their equipment, suit up, and head out to play.

That shows dedication.

The weather hasn't been in favor for any of the spring sports teams here at Salem State. A lot of the student-athletes who do play a sport in the spring look forward to playing on a nice, warm, sunny day. But there have been only a handful of those days for the spring season.

Not to mention, the jerseys that spring athletes wear are meant to be worn on warm, sunny days. The men's jerseys, a t-shirt and pair of shorts, are made of a light cotton material, easy enough for the body to breathe and not get so hot. But, with the weather being how it's been lately, the athletes are wishing their jerseys kept them warmer. That's where layers come in.

I know when I go out to practice, I cover myself. Normally, I'll wear a tank top, two long sleeve under armors, a t-shirt, a long sleeve, and a sweat shirt. Along with that, I wear a pair of shorts, sweat pants, and long socks. I'm dressed for the arctic, pretty much.

You will see on the sidelines the students wearing sweatshirts and sweatpants, even hats, to keep themselves warm, before going into the game. Some students wear heavy under armor underneath their jerseys along with long socks...(it really works!)

Kyle Tuneburg, a freshman Education major, said, "I wear a tank-top, t-shirt, and an under armor long sleeve underneath my jersey for every game." Tuneburg, being a goalie for the team, has to be able to maneuver his arms freely while in net. And with the layers that he wears, along with his equipment, "It's kind of hard and sometimes gets annoying while in net." I wouldn't doubt it.

It seems as if Mother Nature hasn't cut the team a break. Two days before their home opener against Salve Regina on March 7th, the entire team came together and shoveled the snow off the field. That's right, they shoveled, using the same ol' shovels any homeowner would use to shovel out their walkway.

"We spent five hours shoveling that field. It took so long and we were very tired, but we really wanted to play, so we did it." -Brandon Cali, junior Criminal Justice major

The hard work and shoveling did not seem to have paid off for our home team that game. The Vikings lost to Salve Regina 4-9.

Spending two hours on the field, everyday, working up a sweat in freezing cold weather, isn't an ideal practice for many, but for this team, it's what needs to be done to get those wins. Every athlete on this team has come together and performed to the best of their ability, no matter what Mother Nature has in store for them.

"Everyone we have right now is putting their heart into the game and our hard work is paying off in practice."- Cali

Practice makes perfect. That's what they say. For the Salem State Men's Lacrosse team, not only does practice make perfect, but it's inevitable. They practice rain or shine.

The week in the world of Boston's sports!

Amanda M.

1. Opening day of the Red Sox is next week!

Red Sox Nation is anxious for the start of the sounds, sights, and smells of the Red Sox 2009-2o10 season. Boston will soon be buzzing with Italian sausage stands on Lansdowne St., a sea of red and white dressed people crowding the bars, and of course the sounds of the fans cheering on Pedroia, Ellsbury and Papelbon. The final preparations at Fenway are being completed this week. This is the eighth year in a row that Fenway has undergone renovations, and when they are complete, will extend the ballparks life another 40 to 50 years. Some of the renovations this year include adding more seats in the upper right field, new backstop netting has been installed, and a new Cumberland Farms sign located in the right field roof seats.

2. I officially love Paul Pierce, here's why....

Many celebrities such as Dane Cook, Shaq, and Jimmy Fallon have jumped on the Twitter bandwagon. Paul Pierce can now be added to this elite list, to which I am extremely excited about (I'm already one of his thousands of followers)! I'm a little upset I missed this opportunity though --

On March 29th, Pierce’s Twitter update boasted that he would be giving away five tickets to that afternoon’s game against Oklahoma City. The five lucky fans had to be wearing a Pierce jersey, and shout the password, “Truth.”

Celtics fan Michael Chase took him up on the offer and found himself at the players’ entrance a few hours later, where, sure enough, Pierce pulled up, tickets in hand.

"When I arrived there was already a group of five fans, which quickly grew to about ten. Almost exactly on the dot at 4:30, a Range Rover with California plates and tinted windows pulled up. The window rolled down and Paul Pierced asked us what the password was. Everyone shouted “Truth” and he started dishing out tickets." - Michael Chase

Wish I had gotten the memo!

3. Bruins playoff tickets went on sale

It's official -- the Bruins are heading to the playoffs this year. They have been in first place in the Eastern Conference for most of the year, and now they have their chance to prove to everyone that they belong there. On April 2nd, the B's beat the Senators 2-1, to make this their fifth straight win in a row! So start lining up now for tickets, I'm sure they'll go fast!

4. Patriots best and worst look-a-likes

I was searching the web for Patriots news, but it's a slow news week I guess. I mean they did announce their preseason schedule this week, but doesn't it feel like the season just ended, and preseason schedule talk already!? Too soon for me! So I thought this was more interesting - on boston.com, they feature Patriots players and the people who look like them (or not)! Here are my picks for best and worst - check out this link and let me know if u agree ... http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/gallery/patriots_lookalikes?pg=2

My pick for best...Greg Kinsey as Richard Seymour

And worst...Driftwood as the Patriot Mascot (am I missing something?)

5. My number five reason for loving Boston sports this week is --- how could you NOT love it!?

--the Red Sox mayhem begins next week, keep a look-out for coworkers calling in "sick" on beautiful days when the Sox "conveniently" have a 1 p.m. game time.

--Paul Pierce loves Twitter and his fans..

--the Bruins bring Boston another nail-biting playoff season..

--and even though the Patriots are not even close to starting their season, there are plenty of people all around Boston who still try to look like them!

I love that dirty water!