Truths and Sad Truths In Boston Sports
BOSTON (CBS) - With all that's gone on in the Boston sports world recently, it seems unfair to focus in on just one thing right now. So, let's break out our first edition of Truths and Sad Truths. Feel free to jump in – I bet you've got plenty!
Truth – Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli should be commended for his behind the scenes efforts to keep the core of his championship team intact. Even before hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup, he'd locked up a number of key personnel to long-term deals. Now with the recent extension earned by David Krejci (who may have eyes in the back of his helmet), the following fellas are all under contract thru next season and in many cases beyond: Tim Thomas, Patrice Bergeron, Milan Lucic, Zdeno Chara, Nathan Horton, Brad Marchand, Dennis Seidenberg, Andrew Ference, Rich Peverley and Adam McQuaid. Then there's that Tyler Seguin guy, who's still on his entry-level deal.
Sad Truth – The Bruins just went unbeaten in regulation in 13 November games, winning 12. Still, I'd be willing to bet the average Boston sports fan knows more about the Red Sox' managerial search than what had the B's clicking so well.
Truth – Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge has long had a man-crush on New Orlean's Chris Paul, and who of us wouldn't give up Rondo to see CP3 in a C's uni for the foreseeable future? No hesitation.
Sad Truth – Without some serious convincing, the only Paul wearing green next week in Boston will be Pierce. The question is – does that mean the Celts may still need to find a way to shed Rondo regardless because the guy's so fragile? He reacted to the Kendrick Perkins trade last season like a fifth grader whose best friend just moved away because his dad was transferred.
Truth – The painstakingly long NBA lockout is finally over.
Sad Truth – This hilarious video did not get nearly enough play before the men of the hardwood got back to work.
Truth – Life under Terry Francona was a lot like the movie Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead. Under Bobby Valentine, life with the Red Sox will be far more like Coach Carter. You know, if they ever made a movie about this situation, I bet Samuel L. Jackson would still get the part of Bobby V. Him or Tony Danza.
Sad Truth – If the Red Sox were a college, lots of players would be looking to transfer right about now. Also, I doubt Valentine brought his sunglasses and fake mustache with him to Japan. If he had, would people have thought they were making a sequel to Mr. Baseball?
Truth – The most interesting and entertaining thing to come out of the Bobby V hire has been the Felger, Mazz and Beetle #BobbyVFacts on Twitter.
Sad Truth – See above. Honorable mention: that moment at the beginning of the press conference when GM Ben Cherington and Valentine didn't know whether to shake hands or embrace. I've had first dates that ended less awkwardly.
Truth – I hope to be wrong when I look back in a few years, but I don't like the Valentine hire. Francona was obviously one extreme as a player's manager, and this is the other, I think too much of the other.
Sad Truth – The last time I was excited about a new coach or manager in Boston was Jim O'Brien with the Celtics in 2000-01 when he took over for Rick Pitino so if you're wondering what I know, I don't blame you. Seven championships since February of 2002, you say?
Truth – Pats QB Tom Brady was recently named the AFC's Player of the Month for November, his fifth career POM award.
Sad Truth – There's no AFC Player of My Lifetime award yet.
Truth – There's no question Rob Gronkowski is one of the best tight ends in the NFL, and he should be for years to come.
Sad Truth – Every time Gronk spikes the ball after a touchdown, I can't help but think of Team America: World Police. He should be walking around saying his name the way Matt Damon did.
Truth – The spread for the Patriots game this weekend against the winless Colts is 20.
Sad Truth – It should be higher.
Your turn…what Truths and Sad Truths are on your mind lately?
Adam Kaufman, a native of Massachusetts, joined the Sports Hub as an on-air personality in June 2011. He has worked as a television and radio anchor and broadcaster for various outlets since 2004, and his written views on sports and entertainment have appeared on NESN.com and in the New England Hockey Journal. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamMKaufman.
