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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
11/19/2010 - 2:28pm
How Jed Lowrie emerged as a key Red Sox this offseason
In five months, Jed Lowrie has gone from an afterthought to a player who has assumed a prominent role in the Red Sox' offseason plans. Where there seemed to be no role for Lowrie on the Sox in early 2010, as a result of is very strong performance over the final months of the season, there is now a wealth of possibilities facing the 26-year-old.
Alex Speier
11/13/2010 - 2:36am
Separating fact and fiction with Scott Boras and Adrian Beltre
In a startling development, agent Scott Boras suggested that third baseman Adrian Beltre -- one of his clients who is on the free agent market this winter -- compares to some of the game's all-time greats.
Alex Speier
11/09/2010 - 8:54am
Going Young: Why Red Sox pitching coach could be a difference-maker
The hot stove season is just underway, and it will be some time before the most prominent players settle on their destinations.
Alex Speier
11/05/2010 - 7:46am
Beyond David Ortiz: Why a one-year deal suits the Red Sox
There were several reasons why the Red Sox ultimately had more interest in bringing back David Ortiz on a one-year contract than a multi-year deal.
Alex Speier
11/02/2010 - 4:15am
Edgar Renteria helps close the door on era of Red Sox shortstops
No doubt that, as they watched the three-run home run sail over the fence in left-center, thousands of Red Sox fans smacked their foreheads and proclaimed almost in unison, “So THAT is why they signed him.”
Alex Speier
11/01/2010 - 3:08am
A ring for Freddy's finger? Ex-Red Sox prospect Sanchez on cusp of title
Former Red Sox prospect Freddy Sanchez has emerged as a key contributor to a team on the cusp of a championship.
Alex Speier
10/28/2010 - 3:45am
Unlikely October hero Uribe bodes well for a Sox prospect
For most of his career, Juan Uribe has operated in relative obscurity. He is now 10 years into a big league career that is best described as solid rather than spectacular. At the plate, he is a hacker with an all-or-nothing approach who isn't about to waste a swing by trying to shoot a grounder through right side of the infield.
Alex Speier
10/27/2010 - 5:00am
The impact of John Farrell's absence, and what lies ahead for Red Sox pitching coach
The Red Sox will not hire another John Farrell.
Alex Speier
10/21/2010 - 4:08am
Wood have, should have? Yankees reliever thought Red Sox would get him
As reliever Kerry Wood worked his way back towards the big leagues during a minor league rehab assignment in July, he realized that he was likely spending his final days in the Cleveland Indians organization. It was late-July, and Wood was frustrated to be on the disabled list for the 14th time in his career and second for a blister on his right index finger.
Alex Speier
10/19/2010 - 1:39pm
Did John Lackey cost the Red Sox a shot at Cliff Lee?
Did a market miscalculation result in the Red Sox signing John Lackey at the expense of a chance to get Cliff Lee? In terms of both the 2010 season and the future, the possibility exists.
Alex Speier
10/13/2010 - 3:42am
As Rays scatter, what now for the AL East?
It had been hanging over the Rays all season. This was the proverbial last-hurrah, the final opportunity for the core that won the American League pennant in 2008 to claim a championship.
Alex Speier
10/11/2010 - 4:34am
The young guns of autumn: A look at homegrown October rotations
It was a moment that suggested a sea change in how winning teams are formed, both in the majors and in the American League East.
Alex Speier
10/08/2010 - 1:26pm
Year of the Pitcher, or Year of the Umpire?
The playoffs have continued a pair of themes that have been prominent throughout the 2010 season. It is a year of dominant pitching and questionable umpiring. Could the two be related?
Alex Speier
10/07/2010 - 3:13am
Why the Red Sox might keep rolling with Daisuke Matsuzaka
On Wednesday, Roy Halladay did what seemed impossible. In one of the great hitter's environments in the majors, against one of the best lineups in the majors, he threw a no-hitter in Citizens Bank Park.
Alex Speier
10/02/2010 - 7:00am
Why the Yankees were better than the Red Sox in 2010
So, it is almost done, the rest representing little more than a formality. The Yankees accomplished their 2010 goal, while the Red Sox fell short of theirs.
Alex Speier
09/30/2010 - 5:00am
The Perfect Slump: How Jon Lester ended up with the Red Sox
Jon Lester has no business being a member of the Boston Red Sox. In retrospect, the idea that he remained available in the second round, at the No.
Alex Speier
09/27/2010 - 9:27am
Yankee outfielders could open door for Sox on Jayson Werth, Carl Crawford
NEW YORK – The two Yankees players who started the rally that effectively ended the Red Sox’ 2010 season may have a great deal to do with what happens to the Sox in the coming offseason.
Alex Speier
09/27/2010 - 7:20am
How one game encompassed a Red Sox season that came up short
NEW YORK – When Felipe Lopez arrived in Yankee Stadium on Saturday, he said that part of his reason for joining the Red Sox rather than the Padres was because he did not want to bear witness to a champagne celebration of which he did not feel a part. Instead, on Sunday, he had an up-close view of a wake.
Alex Speier
09/26/2010 - 11:36am
The Workhorse: What one milestone says about Jon Lester's past, present and future
NEW YORK – Jason Varitek knows what Cy Young Award-winning pitchers look like.
Alex Speier
09/22/2010 - 2:53am
For the Red Sox, a 'what if' game with Jeremy Hermida and Jose Bautista
Amidst the questions about the causes of the Red Sox’ slide from contention this year, here’s one line of inquiry that has been easy to ignore: What if the Jeremy Hermida lottery ticket had hit the jackpot? What if he had been Jose Bautista?
Alex Speier
09/21/2010 - 8:13am
Numbers game: Felix Hernandez, the Cy Young race and the meaning of stats
Make no mistake: Wins and losses remain the ultimate measuring stick in baseball, the barometer of a team’s success over the course of a 162-game grind. But where once those same two statistics offered the measure of a pitcher’s performance, now the preferred means of evaluating pitching performances have changed.
Alex Speier
09/18/2010 - 10:30am
For John Lackey and the Red Sox, an ominous future
It is nearing the end of Year One, still too early to draw conclusions about the ultimate merits of the five-year deal that John Lackey signed with the Red Sox.
Alex Speier
09/16/2010 - 3:00am
Do the Red Sox still have a shot? Reassessing the odds
It’s crazy. Right? Insane. Right?
Alex Speier
09/14/2010 - 7:33am
Lester continues march to Red Sox history
Jon Lester is not one to reflect. He typically greets mention of the milestones he reaches with something between a grimace and a shrug.
Alex Speier
09/13/2010 - 7:08am
Is Drew in decline? A look at outfielder's 2010 struggles
On Sunday, J.D. Drew did something that has been increasingly rare over the course of this season: He made an impact.


Audio On Demand

Pete Prisco Tim Tebow can…

Pete Prisco Tim Tebow cant play

Pete joined the show to discuss Tebow's signing with the Patriots. He said that Tim Tebow cant play and that he has trouble learning NFL playbooks.

It Is What It Is Cast, Jeff Howe

On this episode of the It Is What It Is Cast, Chris Price talks with the Boston Herald's Jeff P Howe about the Patriots offseason, Rob Gronkowski's back surgery, Danny Amendola replacing Wes Welker, and how this seasons team will stack up against last seasons.

It Is What Is Cast: Injury Expert Will Carroll

In the latest edition of the It Is What It Is Cast, Chris Price talks with Will Carroll. Injury expert and lead writer for Sports Medicine, Bleacher Report. They talk about the injury to Rob Gronkowski and what his back surgery could mean for his season.

Jeff Van Gundy on Doc and…

Jeff Van Gundy on Doc and the Celtics

Jeff joined the show to discuss the rumors of Doc heading to the Clippers. Jeff said that he will not discuss his future but that his brother would be a great candidate anywhere.

Stephen A. Smith on Doc to the Clippers

Stephen A. joined the show to discuss the status of trade negotiations between the Clippers and the Celtics. Stephen said that it is a 50-50 proposition that Doc ends up in Los Angeles.

"Celtics Summer Cooler" With Sean Grande and Cedric Maxwell - Hour 2

Grande and Max take more calls on the Celtics and discuss what lies ahead for Doc Rivers with Steve Bulpett.

Red Sox Manager John Farr…

Red Sox Manager John Farrell with Salk and Holley

We check in with Red Sox skipper John Farrell for our weekly Sox update and get the latest on the injury to Clay Buchholz, and a whole lot more.

John Farrell postgame press conference

John Farrell postgame press conference

Jonny Gomes postgame with Joe & Dave after the second Rays game

Joe & Dave talked to the Sox outfielder, who pounded the ball out of the park to win the second game of the doubleheader against the Rays.

Shawn Thornton on D&C: St…

Shawn Thornton on D&C: Still anybody's series

The Bruins have looked quite good taking a 2-1 lead on the Blackhawks, but Shawn Thornton says the team is not getting ahead of itself. Thornton also talks about what makes Patrice Bergeron such a great player and teammate. He also squeezes in a few shots at his friend Keegan Bradley.

Pierre McGuire, NBC Sports, on the Stanley Cup Finals

Pierre McGuire joins Mut and Merloni after a Bruins win and discusses the play of Rask and the defense, the Hossa injury, and Jagr.

Tony Amonte, CSNNE: on Hossa injury

Tony Amonte calls out Marian Hossa for missing Game 3 and recaps the Bruins win.

Shawn Thornton on D&C: St…

Shawn Thornton on D&C: Still anybody's series

The Bruins have looked quite good taking a 2-1 lead on the Blackhawks, but Shawn Thornton says the team is not getting ahead of itself. Thornton also talks about what makes Patrice Bergeron such a great player and teammate. He also squeezes in a few shots at his friend Keegan Bradley.

Keegan Bradley joins D&C live at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut

Keegan Bradley hopped on the set in Connecticut with D&C to talk some golf, but seeing as how he's a big Boston sports fan, the interview covered a lot of ground. You can hear Keegan talk about the Bruins' Cup chances, the Doc Rivers deal that almost was, and Shawn Thornton's lacking golf game.

SI's Michael McCann breaks down the Aaron Hernandez situation

Legal expert Michael McCann joined D&C to take on the topic of the day: Just what exactly is happening with Aaron Hernandez? McCann addressed Hernandez' lack of cooperation in the investigation so far, and how that may play out as the case moves along.

LB talks Bruins Blackhawk…

LB talks Bruins Blackhawks in studio

LB joins Mut and Merloni and discusses the Stanley Cup Finals and takes phone calls from listeners.

Mut and Merloni respond to the Boston Herald

Despite many other important newsworthy items, the Boston Herald decided it was appropriate to put a story about Mut and Lou sending a vulgar cake to a Chicago radio station on the front page of today’s paper. Mut and Merloni respond, make it clear it was just a good natured joke and not meant to offend anyone.

Buster Olney, ESPN, on the struggles of Andrew Bailey

Buster joins the program to discuss the problems of Andrew Bailey, what closers are available in the market, the Buchholz injury, and the latest in the biogensis scandal.

Aaron Hernandez questione…

Aaron Hernandez questioned in murder probe: Is the 'Patriot Way' a thing of the past?

We talk about the developing Aaron Hernandez story line and look at it from the context of 'the Patriot Way', the theory that the Patriots only deal with high character athletes. Is that Patriot way gone? Did it ever even exist? We discuss.

An hour with Jack Edwards: Blackhawks will not go down without a fight

We check in with Jack Edwards live on location for an hour of Stanley Cup preview. Jack warns us all not to get overconfident, the Bruins haven't won anything yet.

NHL Network's Kathryn Tappen with Salk and Holley

We talk pucks with the lovely and talented Kathryn Tappen of the NHL Network and preview game 4 of the Stanley Cup final and beyond.

Bernie Carbo

Bernie Carbo

Mikey gets a surprise call from Red Sox legend Bernie Carbo. They talk about old-time baseball and Bernie's new book.

Tom Bean and Luke Poling, producers, writers and directors of 'Plimpton!'

Mikey talks with Tom and Luke about their new movie, "Plimpton!" and finds out what it was like to try to encapsulate everything George Plimpton accomplished during his life.

Daily Planet, Friday May 31st

Today on the Daily Planet, the Red Sox and Yankees face off in the Bronx, Claude Julien doesn't want players wasting energy, and Dwight Howard and free agency.

Salk and Holley's Answer …

Salk and Holley's Answer the Question - 06/19/13

You ask us, we answer it. Or you ask Jack, he answers it.

Salk and Holley's Answer the Question - 06/17/13

You ask, we answer. Today featuring NESN's Jack Edwards.

Salk and Holley's Answer the Question - 06/13/13

The new way we end the show. You ask, we answer.

SI's Michael McCann break…

SI's Michael McCann breaks down the Aaron Hernandez situation

Legal expert Michael McCann joined D&C to take on the topic of the day: Just what exactly is happening with Aaron Hernandez? McCann addressed Hernandez' lack of cooperation in the investigation so far, and how that may play out as the case moves along.

More from this show

Don Cherry on the Stanley…

Don Cherry on the Stanley Cup

Don Cherry joined the show to discuss the Cup finals. He said that he still thinks the Bruins will win the series over Chicago. Grapes added that he would not give Evgeni Malkin a dime and called him a loser.

More from this show

It's SAUCE, SAUCE-MAN, JO…

It's SAUCE, SAUCE-MAN, JOHN SAUCIER... AND MORE SAUCE!

John Saucier has his first hosting gig today and gets things started with some background on how his Sauce-man style has been wrecking things on the Boston airwaves

More from this show

Pierre McGuire of NBC Spo…

Pierre McGuire of NBC Sports analyzes the Stanley Cup finals

Pierre McGuire joins Mut and Merloni after a Bruins win and discusses the play of Rask and the defense, the Hossa injury and Jagr.

More from this show

Shawn Thornton on D&C: St…

Shawn Thornton on D&C: Still anybody's series

The Bruins have looked quite good taking a 2-1 lead on the Blackhawks, but Shawn Thornton says the team is not getting ahead of itself. Thornton also talks about what makes Patrice Bergeron such a great player and teammate. He also squeezes in a few shots at his friend Keegan Bradley.

More from this show

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