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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
04/03/2013 - 8:22am
Jackie Bradley Jr.'s unexpected path to the Red Sox (and not the Yankees)
NEW YORK -- In retrospect, the idea that the Red Sox had the opportunity to draft Jackie Bradley Jr. in 2011 seems hard to fathom.
Alex Speier
04/02/2013 - 9:16am
This Red Sox offense just might be good enough after all
NEW YORK -- The logic seemed unassailable. Without David Ortiz, the Red Sox lineup faced a likely struggle.
Alex Speier
04/01/2013 - 7:44pm
No save, but a security blanket: Red Sox bullpen offers unusual blueprint to victory
NEW YORK -- It's a terrible formula for victory.
Alex Speier
04/01/2013 - 3:13am
A new beginning? Red Sox look to move on, build from embarrassment of 2012
NEW YORK -- And so, here they are again, seeking a fresh start in the very venue where their previous season came to such a humiliating end.
Alex Speier
03/29/2013 - 8:17am
Jacoby Ellsbury and the gap between perception and reality
The reaction was swift.
Alex Speier
03/27/2013 - 9:25am
Daniel Bard's quest to reclaim 100: A reliever's past, present and future
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The suggestion elicited a double-take. "I think," said one talent evaluator who watched Daniel Bard this spring, "that by the end of the season's first month, he might throw 100 again."
Alex Speier
03/26/2013 - 8:24am
On the clock: What Dustin Pedroia's Red Sox history means for Jackie Bradley Jr.
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Jackie Bradley Jr. is presenting the Red Sox with the kind of dilemma that they've almost never faced. Almost. The question of whether or not to commit to a rookie on Opening Day -- with the service time implications that came with such a decision -- is one that hasn't come up for the team for a handful of years. But it has cropped up before.
Alex Speier
03/25/2013 - 7:54am
How Jackie Bradley Jr.'s baseball education put him on the fast track
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The outcome was precisely as planned.
Alex Speier
03/24/2013 - 7:44am
Ready for his close-up: Opportunity knocks for Brandon Workman
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- It's fitting that Brandon Workman should make his first appearance in a big league spring training game in Clearwater. After all, he very easily could have made that venue the point of departure for his professional career.
Alex Speier
03/24/2013 - 6:47am
Breaking down the Red Sox' final roster decisions
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The end is nigh. The spring training that felt like it might never end is, in fact, approaching its terminus.
Alex Speier
03/23/2013 - 7:10am
No clear path: How John Farrell navigates the fine line between prospect success and failure
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- John Farrell understands it because he has lived it in many different guises. And he is living it again in his first spring as Red Sox manager.
Alex Speier
03/22/2013 - 7:04am
A world of difference in a year: Why Daniel Nava does not take 2013 for granted
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The fascination with Jackie Bradley Jr. this spring, quite understandably, has been so far reaching that it has inspired a form of myopia.
Alex Speier
03/19/2013 - 7:16am
From shortcoming to strength? Red Sox' hopes for 2013 may rest on turnaround of pitching, defense
History lesson: In 2008, the Red Sox lost David Ortiz for nearly two months in the middle of the season due to a wrist injury. Without the pillar in the middle of their lineup, the Sox offense was expected to take a considerable hit -- and indeed it did.
Alex Speier
03/14/2013 - 2:52pm
What Mike Trout means for Jackie Bradley Jr.
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- At a time when the hot-button topic in Red Sox spring training is the question of whether or not Jackie Bradley Jr. should open the year in the big leagues, it's worth considering the case of Mike Trout.
Alex Speier
03/13/2013 - 7:54am
Why Red Sox prospect Allen Webster may be poised for a breakthrough
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- There has never been a question, during Allen Webster's still relatively brief career as a pitcher, about whether the right-hander had the stuff to be a big league starting pitcher.
Alex Speier
03/12/2013 - 7:37am
Closer behind the plate: The making of Christian Vazquez, catching prospect
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- When Red Sox director of pro scouting Jared Porter looked down at his stopwatch on Friday night, he did a double take. When catcher Christian Vazquez fired a bullet to cut down Twins shortstop Trevor Plouffe on a stolen base attempt, his stopwatch registered something Porter had never seen: a 1.69 pop time from Vazquez's glove to the glove of second baseman Dustin Pedroia.
Alex Speier
03/09/2013 - 8:53am
Why Dwight Evans offers David Ortiz a beacon of hope
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The mystery surrounding the Achilles tendon of David Ortiz and the longer-than-expected recovery from an injury that occurred more than seven months ago has taken the slugger on something of an odyssey to find answers.
Alex Speier
03/04/2013 - 8:56am
A new Will Middlebrooks has emerged in Red Sox clubhouse
This is part of what drew the Red Sox to Will Middlebrooks. 
Alex Speier
03/03/2013 - 8:35am
Don't call it a comeback: Clay Buchholz looks to build on, not forget, 2012
So much of the conversation between the Red Sox involves the intertwined fates of Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, and similarly, the entanglement of their performances and the fate of the 2013 Sox. "If Lester and Buchholz bounce back … and if they don't ..." has become the standard issue disclaimer as predictions about the team filter in.
Alex Speier
03/02/2013 - 7:24am
Arms dealers? How Rubby De La Rosa, Allen Webster might transform Red Sox
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The stuff was breathtaking. Rubby De La Rosa's performance in a spring training game on Friday night, in which he snapped off knee-buckling curveballs, squeezed changeups that dove from bats and, by the way, unloaded explosive 94-96 mph fastballs was the sort of thing that sends a buzz through a crowd and an organization.
Alex Speier
02/27/2013 - 3:23am
How close is Jackie Bradley Jr. to big leagues? History offers a guide
There was a fascinating vagueness in the answer, an undefined space that lent itself to speculation.
Alex Speier
02/26/2013 - 8:56am
The unexpected prospect: How Red Sox pitcher Allen Webster became the next big thing
It was the sort of performance that forces anyone watching to take notice.
Alex Speier
02/21/2013 - 3:31am
The unveiling: As he readies for his close-up, a history of Xander Bogaerts' first impressions
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- It has been a different spring for Xander Bogaerts.
Alex Speier
02/19/2013 - 9:23am
For Mike Napoli, a new outlook at a new position
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- There is a bit of a misconception about Mike Napoli. Admittedly, the 31-year-old is amidst a career transition to a full-time first baseman. That shift in role for the longtime catcher is the byproduct both of the Red Sox' need at first and the fact that the degenerative condition (avascular necrosis) in his hips suggests there is wisdom in subjecting the 31-year-old to a less physically punishing position.
Alex Speier
02/17/2013 - 10:29am
Red Sox reunion for Joel Hanrahan and Shane Victorino brings careers full circle
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- For Shane Victorino and Joel Hanrahan, baseball life has come full circle now that they are playing together for the Red Sox this spring.


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 Farrell pregame befo…

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

David Ortiz after the second game in Minnesota

Joe Castiglione and Dave O'Brien talked to David Ortiz after the Red Sox beat the Twins 12-5. Big Papi said that team chemistry is great, that the new guys see the Sox way of doing things.

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.

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.

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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.

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Boston bombing hero Jeff …

Boston bombing hero Jeff Bauman: "He's dead and I'm still here"

Jeff Bauman, a victim of the Boston Marathon bombing, joined the show to give the guys an update of his condition and a first-hand account of that terrible day. Jeff told the guys how he wrote the description of the bomber as soon as he could. Mr. Bauman added that he is aided every day with the knowledge that he is alive and the terrorist that detonated the bomb is dead.

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Rangers superfan Boomer E…

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.

More from this show

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.

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