With the postseason finally approaching, the Redsox have a tough first round against the the Angels. The Angels have the best record in the American league right now but I strongly beleive that the Bosox have what it takes to win four! Would love to see a Redsox vs Cubs final! I love the postseason, can't wait for the first of October! + Comment
Five reasons the Bruins bear watching
Written by Matt Zhe
TIM THOMAS- In a city that loves it’s ‘Everyman’ athletes, Thomas is right on par with Tedy Bruschi and Kevin Youkilis. The journeyman goaltender played professionally in both Finland and Sweden, as well as several minor league cities in North America before catching on with the Bruins permanently in 2005. In his three seasons with Boston, Thomas has started each season as the projected backup, only to wrest the top spot away every time. While the front office has been quick to hand over starting jobs to Andrew Raycroft, Hannu Toivonen, and now Manny Fernandez at the beginning of each year, it is always Thomas between the pipes down the stretch run.
RIVALRYS- In the 70’s, Bruins-Canadiens was as important in Boston as Sox-Yanks. The rivalry continued through the 80’s as it seemed Patrick Roy and the Habs knocked the B’s out each season. Gradually, the rivalry faded as both teams hit down times. Last year, the 8th seeded Bruins pushed the top seeded Canadiens to the brink before bowing in a seven game opening round playoff series. The series definitely reignited the rivalry between the two teams, but any Bruins fan will tell you that the first flame of the renewal was stoked by one man in 2004: Mike Ribeiro.
THE BIG BAD BRUINS ARE BACK- During the hey days of the B’s-Habs rivalry in the 70’s, the Bruins had a reputation as a physical, relentless team to play against. Cam Neely carried the torch given to him by Terry O’Reilly and company through the next decade. After Neely’s career was derailed by injury, the Bruins became a punch less bunch. While not necessarily looking for a ’goon,’ Bruins fans love the high octane, hard hitting style that Neely personified. That element was lacking through the ’90’s and most of this decade. But with the likes of Shawn Thornton, Milan Lucic and Zdeno Chara around, that element is lacking no more. Lucic, the 20-year old sophomore, seems to be Neely reincarnated. The bruising power forward has even inspired his own fan club at the Garden, known as Lucic’s Crew. If Milan sounds like your kind of player, be sure to check this link out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWqgizAD4FA
THE PROVIDENCE CONNECTION- The biggest reason to pay attention to the Bruins may be the fact that their future is in our own back yard. Much like the Paw Sox, Boston keeps it’s top prospects in the Ocean State with the Providence Bruins. Current members of the Boston Bruins who have played at the Dunk include Thomas, Kessel (rehab stint), Matt Hunwick, Mark Stuart, Petteri Nokelainen, David Krejci, and Patrice Bergeron. As for the Baby B’s, their roster is stocked with players who have already spent time with Boston during their career; Tuukka Rask, Matt Lashoff, Peter Schaefer, Vladimir Sobotka, and team captain Jeremy Reich.
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Little Big Man
RIWannabe congratulates the Red Sox Dustin Pedroia on being named the American League’s Most Valuable Player. Now that MLB has announced it’s postseason awards, it’s time to grade our postseason picks from the post “Handing Out Hardware, 9/30/2008.”
AL Cy Young winner: Cliff Lee RIWannabe picked: Cliff Lee
NL Cy Young winner: Tim Lincecum RIWannabe picked: Tim Lincecum
AL MVP winner: Dustin Pedroia RIWannabe picked: Justin Morneau
NL MVP winner: Albert Pujols RIWannabe picked: CC Sabathia
World Series winner: Philadelphia Phillies RIWannabe picked: Philadelphia Phillies
Now that a solid reputation has been established, there is absolutely no reason to double check or ‘grade’ any NFL predictions that have been made.
