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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
09/06/2011 - 2:50am
Three paths divergent: Sox prospects Middlebrooks, Tejeda, Pimentel offer lesson in player development
This is player development. Prospects rarely travel straight lines through their minor league careers. Almost all must endure struggle at some stage of their careers -- some at the beginning of their time in the minors, others at higher levels.
Alex Speier
09/05/2011 - 5:46am
Texas-sized trouble? Rangers a major October obstacle for Red Sox
The season series suggests that the Red Sox and Rangers are comparably talented. Both teams are capable of beating each other's brains out, something that Texas did six times against the Sox, with Boston returning the favor on four occasions.
Alex Speier
09/03/2011 - 9:22am
Defiance: David Ortiz' statement-making season
In 2011, has David Ortiz been as good as he was during his years as a perennial MVP candidate?
Alex Speier
08/31/2011 - 7:56am
Survivor: Five years after cancer diagnosis, Jon Lester reflects
On the one hand, it is an event that no longer feels present.
Alex Speier
08/30/2011 - 3:00am
Dynamic duo: Ellsbury, Granderson embody game's new superstar class
After the 2009 season, the Tigers made it clear that they were ready to take offers on Curtis Granderson.
Alex Speier
08/29/2011 - 1:00am
Light in August: Red Sox rotation takes turn for better
The Red Sox rotation represented a potentially glaring issue at the trade deadline.
Alex Speier
08/28/2011 - 3:00am
Money closer, but no Moneyball: How Papelbon ended up in Boston and not Oakland
Alex Speier
08/27/2011 - 8:30am
Role play: Loss highlights struggles of trio of Sox
With just over a month left in the season, the Red Sox are poised to cruise into the playoffs. While the team remains focused on maintaining its advantage (now one game) in the AL East over the Yankees, the team is in a position where it can use the final stages of the regular season to make sure its roster is properly aligned for the postseason.
Alex Speier
08/23/2011 - 3:22am
Boiler Room: The Red Sox' wild ride at the deadline to sign draftees
Five years from now, it may prove the case that 10 minutes of utter chaos were responsible for determining the future shape of the Red Sox.
Alex Speier
08/17/2011 - 1:25am
A reflection on the randomness and rarity of Red Sox triple play
Prior to Tuesday night, of the 679 triple plays in recorded Major League baseball history dating to 1876, one combination stood out as – by far – the most common. The ‘round-the-horn, groundball triple play had accounted for 61 triple plays, easily outpacing any other form of the three-out play.
Alex Speier
08/16/2011 - 7:32am
Breaking down the Sox' $8.775 million draft splurge
After an 11th-hour frenzy of signings, the Red Sox were loaded with a diverse array of new prospects. In the end, the breathlessness about whether the team would be able to lock up a number of players who were considered tough signs proved ill-founded. The Sox had done their homework on player signability and had accurately gauged the landscape.
Alex Speier
08/15/2011 - 2:59am
Why Ryan Lavarnway became one who didn't get away from Red Sox
It was a weekend in which the Red Sox confronted a power hitter on whom they once gambled in a trade and lost.
Alex Speier
08/10/2011 - 11:24am
Primed for a payday: Where Papelbon stands in the free agent market for closers
There was Jonathan Papelbon, in the middle of August, blistering through his third save in as many nights.
Alex Speier
08/09/2011 - 7:44am
Where have all the homers gone for Adrian Gonzalez?
When Adrian Gonzalez arrived in Boston, he was hailed as the next great Red Sox slugger. But of late, his numbers have been more in line with those of his childhood hero, Padres Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn.
Alex Speier
08/08/2011 - 11:48am
Draft countdown: Where the Red Sox stand with their top draft picks
It has been the most deliberate season for draft pick signings ever.
Alex Speier
08/08/2011 - 4:56am
Five Things We Learned on a night of a rare Red Sox rally
For a night, the two teams that have established themselves as the best to date in the American League played a game worthy of that stature.
Alex Speier
08/07/2011 - 2:32am
Timely delivery: At a time when Sox need him, Lackey steps up
This was the sort of performance that the Red Sox needed to see in order to feel confident about their rotation for the postseason.
Alex Speier
08/06/2011 - 8:41am
With playoffs nearly assured for both, Sox-Yankees falls flat
It is a race that is shaping up to have all the excitement of a semifinal heat of a track meet.
Alex Speier
08/01/2011 - 7:00am
Going for it: Sox hope Bedard represents a finishing touch
CHICAGO – This was a win-now move, the decorative flourish on top of a cake that was already nearly done.
Alex Speier
07/31/2011 - 7:00am
On a crazy night, Jon Lester restored order to the Red Sox
CHICAGO – The attention of the baseball world, and for that matter much of New England, was elsewhere. The rumor mill was in a full, dizzying transnational spin cycle. Over 24 hours, attention turned alternately to:
Alex Speier
07/30/2011 - 11:12am
A history of the trade deadline under Red Sox GM Theo Epstein
CHICAGO – As of late Friday night, it was all quiet on the trading front. Sort of. The Red Sox are considering all their options for upgrading their pitching staff, but no deal was considered imminent. That comes as no real surprise, since the Sox typically like to sneak their deals in just under the July 31 trade deadline for non-waiver trades, as if in homage to Indiana Jones yanking his hat from beneath the crushing weight of a closing door.
Alex Speier
07/28/2011 - 3:17am
As concern about Buchholz grows, Red Sox explore starting market
It is no longer simply a matter of “when” Clay Buchholz will come back from a back issue that has now had him on the disabled list for more than five weeks. Other questions are starting to creep into the equation, such as “if” and “in what capacity.”
Alex Speier
07/27/2011 - 7:38am
Why 2011 could be Dustin Pedroia's best season yet
It was not so long ago that it was fair to wonder if the 2011 season might end up being Dustin Pedroia’s worst. Now, almost two-thirds of the way through the year, the question has become whether this will end up being the finest year of the second baseman’s career.
Alex Speier
07/25/2011 - 3:52am
A deadline catch: One year after deal, Saltalamacchia flourishes
The trade deadline: Even for contenders, it’s not just about 2011. July 31 represents the end-point for teams to make trades that do not require waivers. The final days building up to the end of the month invariably feature a flurry of rumors and activity as teams look to improve their positions.
Alex Speier
07/23/2011 - 6:41am
How Josh Reddick went from slap hitter to slugger
In retrospect, the fact falls somewhere between amusing and puzzling to consider.


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.

Will Middlebrooks with Jo…

Will Middlebrooks with Joe Castiglione & Dave O'Brien live from the dugout

Will Middlebrooks hit a 3-run double in the top of the 9th inning to power the Red Sox to a 4-3 victory over the Rays tonight. He joined Joe & Dave after the final call live from the dugout.

Larry Lucchino on the Sox recent struggles

Larry joined the program to discuss the teams recent struggles and informed the guys that it is still early in the season. Larry also said that he still has faith that Daniel bard can turn things around.

Stephen Drew postgame with Joe and Dave

Stephen Drew helped the Red Sox to a 9-2 victory over the Rays tonight with a grand slam in the 3rd inning. He spoke with Joe Castiglione & Dave O'Brien after the game.

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.

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.

Pierre McGuire, NBC Sports, on Game 1 Bruins Rangers

Pierre McGuire joins Tom Caron and Mut to discuss the Bruins young defensemen, the intensity and energy level in the game, and the Rangers offense.

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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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.

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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.

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