Columnists
RSS Feed  RSS
Weei » Columnists » Alex Speier » Alex Speier Archive
ArchivesBlog
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
10/31/2011 - 9:00am
Why Dale Sveum is a candidate to manage the Red Sox
It didn’t take long. Already, the Red Sox’ managerial search has produced some raised eyebrows. After Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin interviews on Monday, the next man in the queue will be one whose name comes with a degree of infamy in Boston: Dale Sveum.
Alex Speier
10/28/2011 - 1:10am
No time to get chippy: Why Red Sox are unlikely to trade Kevin Youkilis
There is no doubt that the 2012 Red Sox will be a reconfigured team. Already, the team knows it will be without John Lackey next year, leaving two vacancies in the rotation.
Alex Speier
10/26/2011 - 2:46am
Epstein, Cherington inspire emotional tale of two cities for Red Sox
CHICAGO and BOSTON -- It was a day unlike any other in Red Sox front office history, one that -- emotionally and geographically -- was all over the map. For those who have worked with both Theo Epstein and Ben Cherington, the two men who were inaugurated to their new posts atop the baseball operations pyramids of their storied franchises, it was a day of transition.
Alex Speier
10/25/2011 - 12:00am
Game-Changer: What Theo Epstein's tenure meant to the Red Sox and baseball
In the days that have passed and the days to come, plenty of space has been and will be devoted to the legacy of Theo Epstein in his time as general manager of the Red Sox. And rightly so.
Alex Speier
10/21/2011 - 8:54am
What now for David Ortiz? How market shapes up for slugger
It was a day when Major League Baseball could celebrate David Ortiz as both a player and a person.
Alex Speier
10/19/2011 - 9:08pm
Cubs prospect Trey McNutt tries to make sense of Red Sox rumors
At first, the idea seemed comical to Cubs right-hander Trey McNutt. Minor leaguers learn to live with the reality that they might be traded. But few can brace themselves for the notion that they might be sent to another franchise as part of a compensation package for a general manager.
Alex Speier
10/15/2011 - 9:26am
Can the Red Sox fix their rotation? A look at options for 2012
The horrific performance of the Red Sox rotation in 2011 has been well-documented. Nonetheless, in case you forgot . . .
Alex Speier
10/13/2011 - 8:00am
Forget the wrecking ball: Red Sox unlikely to blow up roster in light of revelations
The perception is that the greasy-fingered dysfunction of the Red Sox clubhouse represented a black hole from which hope could not escape.
Alex Speier
10/12/2011 - 6:27am
Heir apparent: How Ben Cherington emerged as Theo Epstein's likely successor
It was a time when general managers had suddenly been turned into the iconic faces of franchises.
Alex Speier
10/07/2011 - 11:00pm
AL East still a beast? Taking stock of a division that is watching the rest of October
The American League Championship Series begins on Saturday, and it will be as notable for the teams that are not participating in it as those that are.
Alex Speier
10/06/2011 - 7:26am
From Billy Beane to Theo Epstein, life comes full circle for Red Sox
The scenario is strikingly familiar: A new owner of a storied but star-crossed franchise seeks an established general manager to serve as the architect who will end an incredible championship drought.
Alex Speier
10/04/2011 - 4:00am
Hired to be fired: History says teams need managerial change
There is one area of unanimous agreement in the aftermath of Terry Francona's departure as manager of the Red Sox.
Alex Speier
10/01/2011 - 8:59am
Lessons from a fall: What we learned on the day of Terry Francona's departure
It was not, technically, a firing, but it wasn't a happy parting of ways.
Alex Speier
09/29/2011 - 8:00am
For Sox, misery arrived in slow motion
BALTIMORE -- Those few remaining members of the Red Sox who have been with the organization since 2003 have experienced the greatest pinnacles the franchise has ever known, and lessons that instilled hope in seemingly the bleakest of circumstances. But that group has also experienced some of the most agonizing moments in the complicated history of one of baseball’s signature franchises.
Alex Speier
09/28/2011 - 4:00am
Acing the test: How a Yale education prepared Ryan Lavarnway to save Red Sox
BALTIMORE -- It was a huge night, but certain aspects of Ryan Lavarnway’s memorable night in Baltimore, in which he made his first career start as a catcher, were not shocking.
Alex Speier
09/26/2011 - 7:38am
The turning point? How Sox hope to use dramatic win as springboard
NEW YORK – It was the sort of game that made it seem as if the season hung in the balance.
Alex Speier
09/25/2011 - 6:00am
What happened to Carl Crawford's defense?
NEW YORK -- Carl Crawford became a $20 million a year player because the baseball industry had come around to value a player’s complete skill set.
Alex Speier
09/24/2011 - 2:00am
Red Sox face race against time as season winds down
NEW YORK – For the Red Sox, the season increasingly represents a race against time. That is a characterization that typically holds for a team that is trying to catch up in a playoff race, rather than for a team that holds a 2½ game lead in the wild card race, with a magic number of four and six games remaining. Yet even as the Sox occupy the lead spot in the wild card race, as the season winds down, they remain a startlingly unfinished product.
Alex Speier
09/24/2011 - 12:49am
Clay Buchholz braces for bullpen uncertainty
NEW YORK – On the one hand, there is a reality that the Red Sox face with Clay Buchholz. The right-hander has not pitched since June 16 while recovering from a stress fracture in his lower back.
Alex Speier
09/21/2011 - 2:44am
For starters, Red Sox rotation at heart of swoon
What is the current state of the Red Sox rotation?
Alex Speier
09/20/2011 - 7:13am
As season nears end, Red Sox pitching remains an exercise in the unknown
With eight games left, it is a pitching staff that features startling uncertainty.
Alex Speier
09/17/2011 - 3:41am
A timely recovery for Daniel Bard
As much as the absence of Josh Beckett had been glaring – and as significant as his return was – it may have ranked as the second most important event for the Red Sox on Friday night.
Alex Speier
09/16/2011 - 5:07am
Revisiting the trade deadline: Could the Sox have averted disaster?
It was the type of game for which a team hungers for a proven, big game pitcher on the mound. Instead, the Sox featured a rookie with just three starts in the big leagues.
Alex Speier
09/12/2011 - 3:15am
Anatomy of a swoon: Why the Red Sox are reeling
They haven’t collapsed. At least not yet.
Alex Speier
09/10/2011 - 3:00am
The Lackey Effect: Red Sox rotation unsettled in 2011 and beyond
The problem for the Red Sox is that John Lackey has not been alone.


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.

Kirk sings the Star Spang…

Kirk sings the Star Spangled Banner

After hearing the horrible performance by Alexis Normand at the Memorial Cup in Canada Minihane saved us all be delivering a heartfelt rendition of our national anthem.

Bruins embarrass Lundqvist and the Rangers take a 2-0 series lead

The guys opened the show discussing the Bruins blowout win yesterday afternoon over the Rangers. Gerry is still waiting for the real Lundqvist to show up in the series.

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.

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

An hour with Jack: Jack E…

An hour with Jack: Jack Edwards previews the Bruins and Stanley Cup playoffs

Because it's CUP time. We talk Bruins and NHL hockey with Jack Edwards of NESN live with us in studio.

More from this show

Weei Writers