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About Alex Speier

Before he joined WEEI.com, Alex covered the Red Sox for several New England and national publications, including the New Hampshire Union Leader, Boston Metro, Boston Herald and Baseball America. Alex graduated from Harvard, where he served as the captain of the debate team, an experience that has been of surprisingly little use in press boxes across the country.

 
COLUMNS
Alex Speier
05/17/2013 - 8:40am
How Will found his way: Retracing Middlebrooks' path to Red Sox, away from Rays
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Thursday night could have had a very different twist.
Alex Speier
05/16/2013 - 8:26am
The metrognome: Dustin Pedroia remains the steadying marvel of the Red Sox
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- He is the constant. When he does not feel good, he contributes. When no one else is hitting, he often is the one who seems intent on singlehandedly pulling the team out of its adversity. If there is a player who can be described as doing something every day to help his team win, he is it.
Alex Speier
05/15/2013 - 8:58am
Waiting for Jacoby: Red Sox looking for renewed impact from leadoff hitter
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Red Sox need for this to be a beginning.
Alex Speier
05/14/2013 - 8:51am
Red Sox all in on Junichi Tazawa after bullpen shuffle
Perhaps it shouldn't be terribly surprising. With the arrival of both notable absences and consequent instability of roles has come instability of performance. A bullpen that was deep and had clear definition of job descriptions has seen its ranks thinned noticeably in a fashion that has had the Red Sox struggling to keep pace with opposing bullpens.
Alex Speier
05/12/2013 - 1:36am
A lineup with no middle: Napoli, Ortiz at heart of Red Sox offensive slump
The Red Sox offense continued a stretch of paltry offensive outputs on Saturday, dropping a 3-2 contest to the Blue Jays. The contest marked the team's seventh in 10 games, dating to May 2, in which it managed three or fewer runs.
Alex Speier
05/11/2013 - 8:11am
There's a Will: Gut check for Middlebrooks as he plays through pain
The tell came on Thursday night.
Alex Speier
05/10/2013 - 7:34am
Will they hit enough? Making sense of Red Sox' lineup slump
Blink. Where'd the offense go? Back on May 1, the Red Sox bludgeoned the Blue Jays, 10-1, to improve to 19-8, easily the best record in the majors. And there was nothing fluky about the performance.
Alex Speier
05/08/2013 - 10:01am
Are the walls narrowing on Felix Doubront?
Appearances can be deceiving, of course, but it is difficult to ignore them nonetheless. And right now, it appears that the walls might be narrowing on Felix Doubront in his tenure as a Red Sox starter.
Alex Speier
05/07/2013 - 9:09am
State of uncertainty: Joel Hanrahan's injury leaves depleted Red Sox bullpen in flux
Remember when the Red Sox appeared to have the best and deepest bullpen in the majors? Scratch that.
Alex Speier
05/06/2013 - 8:05am
All eyes (and arms) on Clay Buchholz: Red Sox ace holds key to Sox staff
The controversy surrounding Clay Buchholz and the did-he-or-didn't-he obscures a more important reality to the Red Sox. Right now, the team is incredibly dependent on the right-hander, given that he appears the only one capable of helping to keep the bullpen intact.
Alex Speier
05/05/2013 - 9:12am
For Red Sox' Will Middlebrooks, a struggle, but no dilemma (yet)
The surprise isn't that Will Middlebrooks is struggling now, but instead that he managed to avoid a prolonged period of being overmatched in 2012 during his introduction to the big leagues. The norm for a hitter's first exposure to the big leagues is closer to what Jackie Bradley Jr.
Alex Speier
05/03/2013 - 7:38am
Past and future: What Mike Napoli's Rangers history suggests about possible Red Sox future beyond 2013
It's reunion time for Mike Napoli, who is heading back to play against a Rangers team with whom he thrived over the previous couple of seasons.
Alex Speier
04/30/2013 - 1:40am
Planes, trains, boats and automobiles: Mike Napoli recalls his brief, perplexing Blue Jays tenure
What does Mike Napoli remember about the logistics involved with getting traded to the Blue Jays in January 2011? "It sucked, I'll tell you that," Napoli recounted.
Alex Speier
04/26/2013 - 5:51am
Pedro's parting gift: How Clay Buchholz is adding to Martinez's Red Sox legacy
When the Red Sox drafted Clay Buchholz in 2005, he inherited a legacy. Now, through five starts in 2013, he is doing his damnedest to live up to it.
Alex Speier
04/23/2013 - 8:03am
Be like Mike: Teammates marvel as new Red Sox slugger Napoli makes his mark
Will Middlebrooks was looking for some kind of change that would produce the alchemy necessary to shake his slump. He got a haircut and changed his spikes, but in retrospect, the third baseman suggested, he probably should have paid closer attention to the man who sits at the locker to his left.
Alex Speier
04/22/2013 - 7:36am
Managing a non-controversy: How Red Sox are handling Jose Iglesias in Pawtucket
Game 1: With two outs and runners on second and third in the top of the fourth inning, a line drive screams up the middle, inching past the outstretched glove of Stephen Drew. Two runs score. Final score: Royals 4, Red Sox 2. Drew at the plate: 0-for-4, three strikeouts.
Alex Speier
04/19/2013 - 8:04am
From uncertainty to Red Sox fixture: For Mike Napoli and his agent, offseason odyssey ended well
In the absence of David Ortiz, Mike Napoli emerged as the Red Sox' most important and most consistent middle-of-the-order presence.
Alex Speier
04/18/2013 - 7:58am
As advertised: So far, Shane Victorino living up to expectations with Red Sox
Alex Speier
04/15/2013 - 9:00pm
An early statement? Red Sox emerge from initial AL East test in impressive fashion
The Red Sox have now played a dozen games, roughly 7 percent of their 2013 schedule.
Alex Speier
04/14/2013 - 7:21am
Managing to win: The early imprint of John Farrell on the Red Sox
On Opening Day, John Farrell was asked to describe the hallmark of a team that he manages. "The one word we continue to talk about in here," he suggested in New York, "is to be relentless."
Alex Speier
04/12/2013 - 3:45am
Red Sox now face dilemma with Jackie Bradley Jr.
Is a tipping point coming with Jackie Bradley Jr.? Has it already arrived?
Alex Speier
04/10/2013 - 8:24am
Being Stephen Drew: A look at Red Sox' everyday shortstop
The Red Sox have a shortstop who hit .450 and played nearly flawless defense over the first eight days of the season. Yet inside the team's front office, there is no real debate when it comes to the question of whether to send him down Wednesday and to commit to the man whom the club signed this offseason to be the everyday shortstop of the 2013 Red Sox.
Alex Speier
04/09/2013 - 7:07am
It's time to stop underrating Daniel Nava
At a certain point, it's important not to think of Daniel Nava just in terms of where he's come from but to think of him in terms of what he is.
Alex Speier
04/05/2013 - 7:02am
Are Red Sox facing a power outage?
NEW YORK -- It seems almost silly to quibble. After all, even with a 4-2 loss in the finale of the three-game season-opening series against the Yankees, the Red Sox emerged from a three-game set in which they seemed to do a little bit of just about everything well.
Alex Speier
04/04/2013 - 8:00am
A luxury, but no controversy: Why Jose Iglesias' start won't alter Sox' plans at short
NEW YORK -- It is a luxury. It is not a controversy.


Audio On Demand

It Is What It Is Cast: Ex…

It Is What It Is Cast: Examining the New England Patriots offseason

In the latest edition of the "It Is What It Is" podcast, Chris Price and CSNNE's Mike Giardi take a look at the Patriots offseason on both sides of the ball, try and get a handle on which new guys will make an impact first, and whether or not the Patriots have altered their style when it comes to drafting and developing wide receivers.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on Tebow's release

Mike Florio joined the program to discuss the Jets decision to release Tim Tebow, he said the situation is as disaster all around for the Jets and that the problems begins with owner Woody Johnson. Mike also said that he was disappointed with the Pats moving back in the first round.

Mike Petraglia, WEEI.com, Sits Down with Butch Stearns to Help Break Down the Pats Draft

One of the hardest working men in the biz, Mike Petraglia aka "Trags", sits down with Butch Stearns live in Foxborough to help break down all the latest Pats moves. He discusses his reaction to the trade in Round 1 and the guys those picks produced. Also, the boys talk about the decent trade the Pats made in acquiring LeGarrette Blount from Tampa Bay for Jeff Demps and a 7th rounder.

Celtics President Danny A…

Celtics President Danny Ainge with Salk and Holley

We check in with Danny Ainge for our first talk to him since the Celtics season ended last weekend. We talk about the future of the team, KG, Pierce, Doc Rivers and more, as Danny directly answers the rumors being floated by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

Jackie MacMullan, ESPNBoston.com: "Gut" tells me Doc will stay

Jackie Mac joins the show to discuss the trade rumors swirling around Paul Pierce, KG, Doc Rivers and the Celtics. She also discusses the future of the Celtics head coach.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith on his rumored Celtics Clippers trade

Stephen A. joined the program to discuss the trade rumors he has reported regarding a possible trade including Doc Rivers and the Clippers. Stephen A. also told the guys that he has heard that Danny and Doc may be tiring of working together.

John Lackey postgame gues…

John Lackey postgame guest after the last game of the Minnesota series

Joe Castiglione talked with John Lackey after he picked up the W against the Twins. Lackey threw seven innings, and retired the 1st twelve batters of the game.

John Farrell pregame before the last game of the Minnesota series

Dave O'Brien talked to John Farrell before the end of the Twins series. The Sox skipper said that Big Papi's success is no surprise given his work ethic.

John Farrell postgame press conference

John Farrell postgame press conference

Dale and DJ Continue Thei…

Dale and DJ Continue Their Preview of Bruins/Rangers and Discuss the Power Play on Sports Sunday

Dale and DJ roll on with their puck talk and chat some more about the goalie matchup in this series, as well as the lack of a quality power play for both of these teams. In fact, DJ says the Rangers are even worse on the PP than the B’s! The guys also get into the resurgence of Milan Lucic and his deceptive speed and grit. Dale and DJ talk about the similar styles of play for these teams and look forward to Game 2.

Dale Arnold and DJ Bean Discuss Claude vs Tortorella, Tyler Seguin and more About Bruins/Rangers

Dale and DJ get into the two coaches and their polar opposite styles and demeanor. Both teams play a similar style, but the coaches certainly convey their messages in a different way. Dale isn't buying the Tortorella hype and thinks he's a little overrated. DJ thinks he's a good coach, but isn't a fan of anti-media stance. The guys also talk about Jagr and how he has not lived up to the hype. They weren't expecting him to light it up or be the savior, but DJ says he wasn't prepared for just how slow the aging veteran is. Another big topic for B's fans this season is the play of Tyler Seguin and why he has yet to become the superstar everyone anticipates he will be. This leads to Claude Julien's style and if he does actually have something against the younger players. That Iginla trade shows its ugly head again as well.

It's a Black and Gold Sports Sunday -- Dale Arnold and DJ Bean Preview Game 2 of the Bruins/Rangers Series

WEEI.com's DJ Bean joins Dale in studio for Sports Sunday to discuss the Bruins playoff run. Game 2 is later today and the guys discuss the results of the first game of the series. They get into the construction of the lines for the B's and if they would make any changes. DJ has a few ideas for the lines today. The boys also discuss the two goalies - Tuukka vs Henrik Lundqvist and wonder why people automatically think the Rangers have the edge at goalie. Finally, they get into the legacy and the decisions of Claude Julien and Peter Chiarelli.

Shawn Thornton on his mes…

Shawn Thornton on his message to Seguin in Game 7 against the Leafs

Shawn joined the program to discuss another overtime win for the Bruins. When asked about Game 7 against Toronto, Thornton said that he would like to keep his specific comments in the dressing room private, but acknowledged that he encouraged Tyler Seguin to up his play and it paid off in overtime.

NESN's Barry Pederson on Bruins Rangers game one

Barry joined the guys to help breakdown the Bruins overtime win last night in game one. Barry said that he has rarely seen a team dominate as much as the Bruins yet be forced to an overtime.

Rangers superfan Boomer Esiason on the Bruins game 1 win

Boomer joined the program to discuss the tough loss for his beloved Rangers. Boomer told the guys that Lundqvist will be better in game two and predicted a seven game series.

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D…

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D: Coaches and teammates have made him comfortable

Bruins rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski has emerged as one of the young stars of the team and he joins Mut and Tom Caron to discuss his role on the team, why he's confident, and the trade that almost sent him to Calgary.

Kevin Millar, Former Red Sox 1B, on Sox struggles

Millar joins the show to discuss the recent Sox slide, Jacoby Ellsbury's lack of power, and hitting in the big leagues.

Andy Brickley, NESN: Keep Bartkowski in lineup

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss the Bruins Game 1 win over the Rangers, the play of the three young Bruins defensemen, and the fatigue Jagr has shown on the ice.

An hour with Jack: Breaki…

An hour with Jack: Breaking down the Bruins OT win over the Rangers with NESN's Jack Edwards

We talk all things game one with Jack Edwards of NESN, and get to hear a little from Jack's Finnish protege as well.

Salk and Holley's Four at Four - 05/17/13

We tackle four topics we haven't yet touched upon today.. Joe Thornton and disappointing former Boston athletes, parking in Boston, buying jersey numbers and more...

Yo Soy Traction! Rob Gronkowski now may need back surgery in addition to his 4th surgery on his injured wrist.

We talk about the report that Rob Gronkowski may now be a candidate for back surgery with a disc problem. Is Gronk just an injury prone guy? Or is he not rehabbing proberly? Can the Pats build an offense around a guy who is so inconsistently on the field? We discuss.

Daily Planet Thursday May…

Daily Planet Thursday May 9th

The Bruins have almost finished raking the Leafs, the Red Sox struggle from the mound, Miami Heat fans show their level of class.

Daily Planet Wednesday May 8th

Daily Planet Wednesday May 8th

Daily Planet Tuesday May 7th

Today on the Daily Planet the Bruins take a 2-1 series lead, the Red Sox get a run-off win, and we hear about cannibals and bible thieves.

Linda calls in to describ…

Linda calls in to describe the scene on Dexter St in Watertown

Linda explains how the shootout transpired in Watertown during the early morning hours. She saw the first suspect mortally wounded and police beginning the manhunt for the second suspect.

More from this show

Danny Ainge dispels the r…

Danny Ainge dispels the rumors: "I have the best coach in the NBA"

We check in with Danny Ainge for our first talk to him since the Celtics season ended last weekend. We talk about the future of the team, KG, Pierce, Doc Rivers and more, as Danny directly answers the rumors being floated by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

More from this show

Buster Olney, ESPN: Ellsb…

Buster Olney, ESPN: Ellsbury play will hurt him in free agency

Buster Olney joins the show to discuss the muddled AL East, the average play of Ellsbury and how that will affect him in free agency, and Tropicana Field.

More from this show

Dale Arnold likes the Bru…

Dale Arnold likes the Bruins over the Rangers

Dale Arnold joined the program to preview the Bruins Rangers series with John, Gerry and Kirk. Dale thinks the Bruins have the advantage in the series over New York.

More from this show

Across the Board: Mut pre…

Across the Board: Mut previews the 2013 Preakness Stakes

Mike Mutnansky handicaps and previews the 138th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico as Orb ties to win the Second Jewel of the Triple Crown and head to Belmont with a chance for the sport's first Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978. Jessica Paquette (Suffolk Downs Racing Analyst) and Dick Jerardi (Xpressbet/Daily Racing Form) join the podcast.

More from this show

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